Protective Effect of Bee Products Against Oxidative Damage in Erythrocytes

Abstract

The positive effects of bee products on human health are due to their antioxidant composition. However, their possible protective efficacy against t-butylhydroxyperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage on human erythrocytes has not been investigated. Our aim in this study is to investigate whether propolis, pollen and royal jelly have protective efficacy against t-BHP-induced oxidative damage in isolated erythrocytes. Propolis and pollen samples collected from various regions of Turkey were extracted by mixing with various solvents (water and ethanol). Commercially purchased royal jelly was also extracted with water. The erythrocytes collected from 15 volunteers were centrifuged and packaged by washing with isotonic saline. All RBC packets were pooled together. The final erythrocyte packet was divided into seven groups as control, water extract of propolis, ethanolic extract of propolis, water extract of pollen, water extract of royal jelly, positive control (quercetin) and t-BHP groups. Erythrocytes were first treated with extracts of bee products and then t-BHP was added. Protective activities of bee products were investigated by malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant capacity (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Statistically, one way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests were applied. As a result of the study, it was found that all bee products contributed to keeping MDA levels close to the control group. (p