Effect of a Long Term Treatment by Algerian Propolis Flavonoids on Mitochondrial Antioxidant-Prooxidant Balance

Our study carried out in vivo, using liver mitochondria isolated from albinos rats, treats the effect of a long term treatment by Algerian propolis ethanolic extract and their flavonic aglycones and glycosides to the amount of 100 mg/kg on mitochondrial antioxidant-prooxidant balance. Our results showed that all extracts produced an antioxidant effect which is better than that of quercetin. They decreased superoxide anion production (O2-°) by mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III, cytosolic and mitochondrial MDA content, increased (Mn-SOD), (Cu-Zn SOD) and (CAT) enzymatic activities as well as the rate of cytosolic glutathione (GSH). Propolis flavonoids reduced free radical DPPH° in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited PTP opening and calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling. After long term treatment, propolis flavonoids protected liver tissues from oxidative stress by protecting mitochondria and reinforcement of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Propolis flavonoids are well tolerated and are free of any prooxidant effect. Keywords : Algerian propolis flavonoids, antioxidant-prooxidant balance, liver mitochondrion, long term effect. West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 22/23 2007: pp. 16-26