PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PROPOLIS ON ISONIAZID INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN MALE ALBINO MICE

Background: Different herbal extracts and drugs had been tried to combat the isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity; there is no study before using propolis for abating isoniazid induced liver toxicity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess protective effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) in isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity in male albino mice. Methods: Forty five male albino mice were divided into five groups, i.e. group A served as control, groups B, C, D and E were experimental. Group B was treated with isoniazid 100 mg/kg for 30 days. Groups C, D and E were pretreated with EEP 150 mg/kg for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively, followed by treatment with isoniazid for another 30 days. Blood samples were obtained on 30th day in groups A and B and on 40th, 50th and 60th days respectively in groups C, D and E for assessing liver enzymes and total bilirubin. Serial sections of liver 49m thick were stained with H E, PAS and PASD for microscopic examination. Results: Group B showed an increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin levels; the general architecture of liver was deranged; necrosis, apoptosis, pyknosis, vacuoles and periportal inflammation were also observed. A decrease in the level of liver enzymes was observed in mice of groups C, D and E. Preparations from groups C and D showed some evidence of recovery, whereas in group E significant recovery was observed. Conclusion: Pretreatment with EEP (150 mg/kg) showed time related hepatoprotection against INH induced hepatotoxicity in male albino mice.