A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC PROPOLIS EXTRACT ON LIVER FUNCTION IN RATS EXPOSED TO CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract ofpropolis against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in adult male albinorats (Rattus norvegicus strain). To determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of CCl₄, aninitial experiment was conducted using four groups (n = 5 per group), which receivedincreasing oral doses of CCl₄. The animals were monitored for behavioural changes andmortality. The LD₅₀ was estimated at 4 ml/kg, while 1.25 ml/kg was identified as thecritical toxic dose based on both experimental observations and previous studies.Following this, 25 rats aged 12–14 weeks and weighing 182 ± 22.5 g were randomlydivided into five groups (n = 5 per group): a negative control group, a CCl₄-intoxicatedgroup, and three treatment groups receiving different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%)of ethanolic propolis extract. Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of CCl₄at the toxic dose (1.25 ml/kg) twice weekly for four weeks.Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate liver enzyme levels (serum alanineaminotransferase, serum aspartates aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, lipidprofile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), and other vitalindicators including urea, creatinine, and uric acid. The CCl₄ group exhibited significantelevations (P < 0.05) in liver enzyme levels, urea, creat, and uric acid, indicating hepaticinjury. Treatment with the ethanolic extract of propolis, especially at the 1%concentration, resulted in notable improvements in liver function markers, bringingvalues closer to those of the control group (P > 0.05).In conclusion, the ethanolic extractof propolis demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-inducedtoxicity, likely due to its antioxidant constituents, including phenolic compounds andflavonoids. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for liverdamage caused by chemical toxins.