PMC

Immunohistochemical detection of pancreatic insulin in the different experimental groups. Healthy mice showed insulin production (), whereas untreated diabetic mice show no insulin production (). The oral administration of propolis to diabetic mice favours the production of insulin in the pancreatic islets (). Each image is representative of 6 independent experiments. Microphotographs (40x).

Serum insulin levels on day 15 of treatment. Serum insulin was detected (0.3 ± 0.02 ng/mL) in diabetic mice treated daily with propolis (300 mg/kg), whereas untreated mice showed no insulin levels. The values represent the means of n = 6. Significant differences were determined by ANOVA. ∗ indicates significant differences with respect to the healthy group. ∞ indicates significant differences with respect to the diabetic group (P < 0.05).

Effect of propolis on body weight of mice. Results from 15 days of treatment are shown. Unlike the group of diabetic mice without treatment, the diabetic mice treated with propolis daily (300 mg/kg) showed no drastic weight loss (Figures and ). The values represent the means of n = 6. Significant differences were determined with multiple t-tests, P < 0.05. ∗ indicates statistically significant differences with respect to the healthy group. ∞ indicates statistically significant differences with respect to the diabetic group.

Effect of propolis on blood glucose levels. Results are from 15 days of treatment. Diabetic mice treated daily with propolis (300 mg/kg) have decreased glucose levels compared with the untreated diabetic group (Figures and ). The values represent the means of n = 6. Significant differences were determined with multiple t-tests, P < 0.05. ∗ indicates statistically significant differences with respect to the healthy group. ∞ indicates statistically significant differences with respect to the diabetic group.

Effects of EEPCh on the enzymatic activities SOD, CAT, and GPx. Diabetic mice treated with propolis (D/P) showed increased activities of antioxidant enzymes compared with those of untreated mice. Notably, in the treated mice, the CAT activity shows no differences relative to that of healthy mice. The values represent the means of n = 6. Significant differences were determined by ANOVA. ∗ indicates significant differences with respect to the healthy group. ∞ indicates significant differences with respect to the diabetic group (P < 0.05).