Effects of Ethanolic Bee Bread Extract on Liver Biochemical Parameters and Histology in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-induced Diabetic Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Bee bread is a fermented pollen-derived material containing nutrients and phytochemicals, but its effects on diabetic liver injury remain uncertain. Objective: To examine hepatic biochemical indices and qualitative liver morphology in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic male rats receiving ethanolic bee bread extract. Methods: Six experimental groups included non-diabetic and diabetic controls, a metformin comparator (100 mg/kg), and groups coded 150BB, 300BB, and 600BB. Treatment was administered orally for three weeks. Group-level biochemical results were available for 27 rats (four or five per group). Seven serum analytes were assessed, and liver sections were examined histologically. Exploratory one-way ANOVA was calculated from reported group sizes, means, and standard deviations, with adjustment across seven endpoints. Results: AST differed nominally among groups (F [5, 21] = 4.18, p = .0086) but not after Bonferroni adjustment (p = .0602). ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin did not show significant omnibus differences (all p > .05). Histological appearances varied; a section from the 600BB group showed comparatively preserved architecture, but animal-level histological scores were unavailable. No mortality was recorded during the documented 24-hour observations at 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. Conclusions: The available data do not demonstrate hepatoprotection or establish toxicological safety. Unresolved animal counts, uncertainty about one administered dose, incomplete extract documentation, and limited assay verification constrain interpretation.