The bone strengthening effects of propolis in ovariectomized female white rats as models for postmenopause

Abstract Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased quality and strength of bones so that it becomes porous and fracture. Propolis is known to have many pharmacological activity, including an anti-osteoporosis effect. This study aims to determine the effect of propolis administration and the effects of propolis dosage variation in preventing osteoporosis based on the strength value of femur bone impact in female white rats in the form of an ovariectomy postmenopausal model. The rats were divided into 5 groups: positive control group (subjected to ovariectomy), negative control group (not subjected to ovariectomy, and treatment groups that were subjected to ovariectomy and given propolis at a dose of 180 mg/kg BW, dose 360 mg/kg BW and dose 720 mg/kg BW. Propolis was administered orally for 30 days. Bone impact strength testing was undertaken after 30 days using an impact testing machine. Research data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and continued with the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. From the test results, we noted that propolis administration had an effect on the value of bone strength, with the dose of 720 mg/kg BW and 360 mg/kg BW having a significant effect, compared with others. With an increase in dose, propolis can provide an increase in the value of bone strength in rat bones.