Glycaemic Responses of Honeys in Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study investigated and compared the glycaemic rises following administration of various honey samples in rats. Five Nigerian honeys [Abakaliki honey (ABH), Calabar honey (CAH), Ezzamgbo honey (EZH), Lokoja honey (LOH), Okitipupa honey (OKH)] and one Malaysian honey (MAH) were administered to non-diabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations were measured at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. Glucose parameters including peak blood glucose, area under curve, percentage variation in blood glucose (BG) and percentage change in BG were estimated. At 30 min, all the honey samples significantly (p<0.05) increased BG levels. Concerning BG levels at 60 or 120 min versus BG levels at 30 min, all honey samples except ABH produced significantly (p<0.05) lower BG levels. LOH and MAH showed significantly (p<0.01) lower BG levels at 120 min versus BG values at 0 min. The honey samples, except ABH and OKH, produced no significant rise in BG concentrations in diabetic rats. There was no significant difference in peak BG concentrations and AUC among the honey samples. Only CAH produced similar % change and % variation in BG as glibenclamide in diabetic rats. This study demonstrated that there were variations in glycaemic responses among honey samples collected in some states in Nigeria (Cross River, Ebonyi, Kogi, and Ondo States). These differences in honey samples were more apparent in diabetic rats than in non-diabetic rats. These data suggest that diabetic patients may be more susceptible to detrimental effects of adulterated honey though a similar study in subjects with diabetes is warranted.