La propolis comme option thérapeutique des maladies neurodégénératives : Cas maladie d’Alzheimer Etude in vivo

Abstract

Neurodegenerqtive diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, are characterized by a progressive declin in memory functions and cognitive abilities, highlighting the need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, especially since currently available pharmacological treatements may be associated with various adverse effects. In this context, increasing attention has been directed toward naturel substances with neuroprotective potential, particulary propolis. In the present study, a 70% hydroethanolic extract of propolis was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis, and antioxidant activity assessment using DPPH, ABTS, and (CAT) assays. The neuroprotective effect of propolis was investigated in in vivo using rats divided into experimental groups: a control group, an Alzheimer’s disease model group receiving D-galactose (120 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3, 100 mg/kg, arally), two Alzheimer’s model group treated with propolis extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, and a standard group treated with a refrence drug administrated intragastrically for 35 days. Neurpbehavioral tests assessing memory and behavioral performance were conducted, along with the determination of several oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), was well as histopathological examination of brain tissuse. The in vitro findings, including phytochemical screening and FTIR-ATR analysis, revealed that propolis is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, supporting its strong antioxidant activity demonstrated by the different assays, with an IC50 value of 0.38 mg/ml in the DPPH assay. Furthermore, the in vivo results demonstated a significant improvement in cognitive and behavioral performance in treated rats, accompanied by a reduction in neuronal damage as confirmed by hustological analysis. This improvement was associated with a decrease in lipid peroxidation, evidenced by lower MDA levels, and an enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses, reflected by increased catalase (CAT) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. These findings highlight the neuroprotective potential of propolis and support its use as a promising therapeutic alternative fot the prevention and attenuation of disorders associated with Alzheimer’s dasiease.