Effects of Ethanolic Bee Bread Extract on Liver Biochemical Parameters and Histology in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-induced Diabetic Male Rats
M. Bello *
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
U. Wali
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Z. U. Umar
Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
A. S. Mainasara
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Bee bread is a fermented pollen-derived material containing nutrients and phytochemicals, but its effects on diabetic liver injury remain uncertain.
Objective: To examine hepatic biochemical indices and qualitative liver morphology in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic male rats receiving ethanolic bee bread extract.
Methods: Six experimental groups included non-diabetic and diabetic controls, a metformin comparator (100 mg/kg), and groups coded 150BB, 300BB, and 600BB. Treatment was administered orally for three weeks. Group-level biochemical results were available for 27 rats (four or five per group). Seven serum analytes were assessed, and liver sections were examined histologically. Exploratory one-way ANOVA was calculated from reported group sizes, means, and standard deviations, with adjustment across seven endpoints.
Results: AST differed nominally among groups (F [5, 21] = 4.18, p = .0086) but not after Bonferroni adjustment (p = .0602). ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin did not show significant omnibus differences (all p > .05). Histological appearances varied; a section from the 600BB group showed comparatively preserved architecture, but animal-level histological scores were unavailable. No mortality was recorded during the documented 24-hour observations at 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg.
Conclusions: The available data do not demonstrate hepatoprotection or establish toxicological safety. Unresolved animal counts, uncertainty about one administered dose, incomplete extract documentation, and limited assay verification constrain interpretation.
Keywords: Bee bread, diabetes mellitus, streptozotocin–nicotinamide, aspartate aminotransferase, liver histology, Sprague–Dawley rat