Published in:
01-08-2008 | original article
The Effects of Scolicidal Agent Propolis on Liver and Biliary Tree
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 8/2008
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Background
This study was designed to examine the effects of propolis on the liver and biliary system when used as a scolicidal agent.
Materials and Methods
Thirty Wistar–Albino rats were divided into two groups. Propolis and 0.9% saline (NaCl) were injected into the biliary tract of the rats. Three rats from control group and four rats from propolis group died within 5 days after the procedure. Blood samples of remaining 23 rats were obtained 1 week after and at the end of the experimental study for liver function tests. Six months after the procedure, retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiography were performed and liver, common bile duct, and duodenum were excised en bloc for histopathological examination.
Results
Liver function tests were slightly elevated 1 week after the procedure and were found to be normal at the end of the sixth month in both groups. No stricture in the biliary tree was found on the retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiograms. The tissue samples of the propolis group showed no histomorphological difference from the control group.
Conclusions
Propolis may be used as a scolicidal agent even in the case of cystobiliary communication with no side effects on liver and biliary tree.