Histological Assessment and Haematological Parameters of Honey on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rats
Prince O. Alaebo *
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
George C. Njoku
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chinwe E. Oriaku
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
David U. Iloanusi
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chiamaka J. Ezeh
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Thankgod C. Ugboaja
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Udeme A. James
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Peter O. Ekwunoh
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Norah N. Anyadike
Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: The study investigated honey's histological assessment and haematological parameters on alloxan-induced diabetic male albino 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 0.2ml of honey) group 5, (treated with 0.5ml of honey and group 6 (treated with 0.8ml 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, and blood samples for haematology [red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] analyses were collected on day 21. On the 21st day, two rats per group were humanely sacrificed, and the vital organs (kidney and liver) were collected for histopathology.
Results: Haematologic results obtained showed marked reduction (p < 0.05) in RBC count, PCV, Hb and MCHC, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in MCV compared to the positive control. White blood cell counts showed a reduced level in the test group at a dose-dependent concentration compared to the positive control. Histopathological investigations of diabetic rats' liver and kidney indicated degradation of normal tissue architecture as well as a variety of other problems; however, after treatment with honey, reparative alterations were seen.
Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that honey could ameliorate metabolic disorders caused by diabetes as no pathological changes were elicited in the organs of rats exposed to honey.
Keywords: Alloxan monohydrate, diabetes, glibenclamide, histopathological changes, haematology