International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

There is increasing evidence to support the health benefits of natural honey. However, its use in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus is still evolving. The present study was aimed at investigating the long-term effects of Nigerian honey of Niger Delta origin on alloxan induced renal and serum lipid dysfunctions in diabetic wistar rats. Four groups of adult male wistar rats were used; 8 rats each.  The first group received no honey but were given saline and served as normal control. Group II were non-diabetic and received honey solution (50% v/v) at a dose of 10ml/kg body weight/day. Diabetes was induced in groups III and IV by intra-peritoneal administration of 200mg/kg alloxan solution. Group III served as diabetic control. Group IV received a honey solution. At the end of 56 days, lipid profile and renal function were assessed. Also, atherogenic index was calculated. Results obtained revealed alloxan induced diabetic renal dysfunction, as reflected by up-regulated kidney function parameters–urea, creatinine, and a decrease in sodium, and bicarbonate, levels while a non-significant difference between potassium in diabetic control and diabetic treated. Regarding serum lipid, there was up-regulated total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, atherogenic index and decreased high-density lipoprotein levels. Therefore, oral administration of honey diminished the deleterious effects of alloxan-induced diabetes on renal function and improved lipid profile parameters. We conclude that Niger Delta honey has the potential medicinal properties to protect against alloxan induced renal dysfunction and hyperlipedemia in diabetic male wistar rats.