The Influence of Excessive and Prolonged Ingestion of Honey on Sex Hormones and Prostate Specific Antigen in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This investigation was designed to determine the effects of excessive and prolonged administration of honey on the reproductive hormones and prostate specific antigen in adult male Wistar rats. A total of twenty five wistar rats weighing between 210 – 220g were used for the study. The animals were divided into 2 experimental groups of ten rats each (n=10) and 1 control group of five rats, (n=5). Experimental groups 1 and 2 rats were administered with 5ml/kg body weight and 7.5ml/kg body weight of bee honey through orogastric tube (gavage) thrice a week for 10weeks. The serum male sex hormonal profile and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were determined at the end of administration and after 10weeks of treatment rest and results compared with control. Results at the end of treatment revealed that excessive consumption of honey has no significant effects on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone; however, it depressed serum levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and increased the serum levels of progesterone and prolactin. Higher dose (7.5ml/kg body weight) had significant increase on serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). After a period of 10weeks rest the serum hormonal levels became significantly higher except testosterone that was significantly depressed. Excessive consumption of honey appeared to have a deleterious effect on serum levels of testosterone but enhanced the production of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prostate specific antigen (PSA).