effects of dietary Egyptian propolis and bee pollen supplementation against toxicity of sodium fluoride in rats

ABSTRACT

Propolis and bee pollen are substances produced by honey bees. Its components are strong antioxidants and free radical scavengers. The present study aimed to study the protective effects of propolis and bee pollen supplementation against toxicity of sodium fluoride [F] in rats. Rats were divided into six groups each 10 rats and treated for 6 weeks group 1 as control group; group 2 fed on standard diet with F; groups [3-6] fed on standard diet with F and supplemented with different concentration of propolis or bee pollen at 0.1%, 0.2% and 1%, 2% respectively. After the end of experimental period, the rats were sacrified and biochemical analyses were carried out. The results showed that the administration of fluoride alone caused a significant increase of malondialdehyde [MDA] level and a significant decrease of antioxidant system as measured by erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity and reduced glutathione [GSH] levels in blood and brain. Also F caused a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity, urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels.Moreover, a significant decrease in total protein, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels as compared to control group [P < 0.05] was recorded. The administration of propolis or bee pollen with F led to a significant decrease in MDA level and a significant increase in SOD activity, GSH levels in blood and brain.As well as significant decrease in ALP activity, urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels in serum was also observed. The propolis or bee pollen supplementation enhanced total protein, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels in serum as compared to F group alone. supplementation of natural antioxidants [propolis or beepollen] during Fluoride administration, facilitates reduction of the toxic effects and enhanced both the antioxidant system, as well as the levels of minerals in the serum