Propolis ameliorates thioacetamide induced hepatic fibrosis in rats: an in vivo and in silico approach

Propolis or bee glue is a resinous mixture with several biological properties, which is collected by honey bees from flowers and plants sap. The current study was carried out to ascertain whether propolis provides defence against thioacetamide induced hepatic fibrosis. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups having six animals in every group. Thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) was administered orally three times per week, whereas propolis at three different doses (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) was administered three times per week alternatively to thioacetamide for continuous eight weeks. Hematology, serology, tissue biochemistry, and histology were carried out to assess thioacetamide induced fibrosis and hepatic injury as well as recovery pattern due to propolis. Five major compounds present in propolis were subjected to molecular docking analysis. Propolis decreased serological activity of AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GT, cholesterol, HDL, TG, bilirubin, triglycerides and increased level of albumin, glucose, and LDL. Propolis protected tissues from oxidative stress induced by thioacetamide in terms of LPO. Hydroxyproline, a marker of liver fibrosis was restored by propolis treatment toward control. Level of SOD, catalase, GSH, GR, GPx, GST, G6PDH in liver were upshifted in propolis treated groups. Molecular docking analysis interpreted interaction of phytochemicals present in propolis in ameliorating effects and role in preventing liver fibrosis. In vivo and in silico analysis concluded that propolis has hepatoprotective activity by reducing thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats.