Effects of short- and long-term use of propolis extracts on liver and kidney in rats

Propolis is widely used as a supplementary food product for its health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of commercial propolis extracts on the liver and kidney. Propolis extracts (250 mg/kgbw/day) were administered orally to adult male Wistar albino rats in solvents of ethanol, propylene glycol, water, and olive oil. Liver enzyme levels were determined biochemically in blood samples, and histopathological examinations were performed on the liver. Damage rate in both kidney tissue in the propolis-ethanol extract group increased significantly compared with the other groups after 30 and 90 days of application (p < .05). According to the results, ethanol, used as a common solvent in propolis products, may adversely affect the liver in long-term use. The data indicate that propolis-olive oil extract may be an essential alternative due to its effective and reliable properties.