SERUM BIOCHEMICAL DETERMINATIONS OF PROPOLIS-TREATED RATS

J. M. SFORCIN(1,3), S. R. C. FUNARI(2,3), E. L. B. NOVELLI(4)

(1)Department of Support, Production and Animal Health - Biology - FOA - UNESP, Campus of Araçatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, (2)Department of Production and Animal Exploration - FMVZ - UNESP, Campus of Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil, (3)Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP - UNESP, State of  São Paulo, Brazil, (4)Department of Chemistry - IB - UNESP, Campus of Botucatu, State of  São Paulo, Brazil.

ABSTRACT. Ethanolic extracts of the “bee glue”, a resinous substance collected by honeybees called “propolis”, have been widely used in folk medicine since ancient times. Antibacterial, antifungal and thus antiseptic properties may represent the basis for the historical and present use of these extracts in dermatology, against inflammatory conditions and common colds. This work was carried out in order to verify possible biochemical alterations in some seric parameters of  propolis-treated rats. It was shown that propolis possesses an antioxidant property and its administration did not affect either amylase and alanine transaminase activities or total protein concentration.

KEY WORDS: propolis; serum; biochemistry.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

S.R.C. FUNARI, Departamento de Produção e Exploração Animal - FMVZ, UNESP - CEP 18.618-000 - Botucatu - São Paulo - Brasil.