Hepato-protective Effect and Lipid Profile of Honey on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigated honey's hepatoprotective effect and lipid profile on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
 Methods: Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats were assigned into six (6) groups with six (6) animals each, group 1 (Normal control), group 2 (Negative control), group 3 (Glibenclamide), group 4 (treated with 0.2mls of honey) group 5, (treated with 0.5mls of honey and group 6 (treated with 0.8mls of honey). The rats were fed with standard feed and drinking water ad libitum. The diabetic control, diabetic glibenclamide and the treated groups (0.2 mL/kg, 0.5 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg) were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg bodyweight alloxan monohydrate, and confirmation was done using a glucometer. Treatment lasted for three weeks (21 days), after which rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under light ether anaesthesia. Blood was collected for biochemical evaluation using standard techniques (Randox kits). Blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 7, 14, and 21.
 Results: Administration of honey to the diabetic rats significantly reduced (p < 0.05) glucose level (119.50 mg/dl), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (49.5 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while significantly increasing (p < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) when compared to the diabetic untreated rats. Liver enzyme parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (T.Bil.) were found to be within the normal range.
 Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that honey could ameliorate metabolic disorders caused by diabetes.