Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Propolis Detoxifies Cancer Drug Side Effects

A consistent thread in all studies involving bee propolis is its complementary effects, whether it enhances the drug or protects the body from negative side effects. This study determined that propolis detoxified the liver and kidney from the toxic effects of this cancer drug. Ironically, propolis is also proven to enhance the tumor destructive power of breast cancer medication. It would be well-recommended for anyone preparing to undergo chemotherapy, to take propolis daily before, during and after treatment...

Ameliorative effect of propolis against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice
Pharm Biol, 2014 Oct 7:1-7. [Epub ahead of print]

Context
Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a common anticancer agent used for the treatment of several malignancies. However, upon treatment, it induces severe toxicity due to its oxidative stress capability. Propolis, a natural product collected by honey bees, has shown several biological activities, such as free radical scavenging and antioxidant agent.

Objective
This study elucidates the protective effects of propolis against CTX-induced changes in mice. Materials and methods: Forty-eight male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups; group 1 was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 200 µL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS), group 2 was injected with 100 mg/kg/d propolis, group 3 was injected with a single dose of CTX (200 mg/kg), and group 4 was injected with a single dose of CTX (200 mg/kg) followed by propolis (100 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. After 12 d, mice were bled and then sacrificed to analyze the hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters.

Results
The results indicated that CTX-injected mice showed an increase in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, and creatinine and a decrease in the total number of white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. Moreover, dramatical changes in the histological architectures of the liver and kidney were observed. The mice that were injected with CTX/propolis showed an improvement in the levels of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, WBCs, and platelets. Moreover, the histological picture of the liver and kidney was significantly improved.


Conclusions
In conclusion, propolis might be considered an effective agent in ameliorating the toxicity resulted from CTX treatment.


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