Investigation of the anti-obesity effects of water-based anatolian propolis extracts in obese mice

This study investigates the anti-obesity effects of water-based Anatolian propolis extract (SBAP) in mice with a cafeteria diet (CAF)-induced obesity model. The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of propolis extract were measured. In addition, the inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes was investigated. 42 male C57BL/6 mice were used. The control group (n=6) and the study group (n=36) were fed the CAF diet for 12 weeks. SBAP and Orlistat® were administered intraperitoneally to obese mice for 4 weeks. Serum samples were collected at the end of the 28th day after decapitation. Serum insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TNFα, IL-6 and UCP-1 were analysed by ELISA, and serum biochemical parameters were analysed by autoanalyzer. Liver and adipose tissues were also subjected to histopathological analysis. Significant reductions in body weight, triglyceride, AST, ALT, HOMA-IR, leptin and TNFα levels were observed in the SBAP-treated experimental group compared to the obese cafeteria group. In addition, there was a significant increase in adiponectin levels in the SBAP-treated group compared with the obese cafeteria group. In conclusion, the results showed that propolis extracts are a promising natural and alternative product for the treatment of obesity.