Study of the potential hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of green propolis and the fraction rich in Artepillin C in vitro and in a diet-induced hypercholesterolemia model in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

Green propolis has been been considered as an important source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Green propolis stands out in the international market due to its various biological properties and the presence of compounds like Artepillin C, to which several therapeutic properties, such as: anti-Cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic have been attributed. We are proposing the investigation of the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis and its fraction rich in Artepillin C on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and adiposity in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. For that, it will be performed the in vitro characterization of green propolis (hydroalcoholic extract and fraction rich in Artepillin C) and the investigation of possible biological effects of the hypercholesterolemic diet supplementation. For the bioassay, 90 male guinea pigs (Cabia porcellus) will be distributed into 15 groups (6 animals/group). Hydroalcoholic extract, fraction rich in Artepillin C and Simvastatin (positive control) will be administered via orogastric gavage. Diet and water will be offered ad libitum to animals throughout the experimental period. After eight weeks, the animals will be anesthetized and euthanized. Blood and liver tissues will be collected for biochemical analyses, histopathology and gene expression. Data will be evaluated by univariate analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA). It is expected to bring new perspectives on the use of green propolis to treat diseases such as Atherosclerosis allowing the development of new medicines. (AU)