Gelam honey increases antioxidant enzyme activity in young rat cardiac mitochondria

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of gelam honey on antioxidant enzyme activity in cardiac mitochondria of young and aged rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into young (2 months) and aged (19 months) groups. Each group was further divided into control (fed with plain water) and supplemented with 2.5 g/kg body weight of gelam honey for 8 months. Results: Gelam honey increases cardiac manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in young. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was reduced in gelam honey supplemented young group. Gelam honey increases cytochrome oxidase activity in the young group compared to control. Conclusions: Gelam honey reduces the oxidative damage and increase mitochondrial function by increasing antioxidant enzymes and cytochrome oxidase activity in the young group.