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Bees' honey protects the liver of male rats against melamine toxicity
Haddad A El Rabey1, Madeha N Al-Seeni, Suad M Al-Solamy
1Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. elrabey@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The protective effect of natural bees' honey to the liver of male albino rats against melamine toxicity was studied. Melamine supplementation at a dose of 20000 ppm in the diet for 28 days induced adverse effects on the liver, decreased serum total protein and increased liver enzyme: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histological changes of the melamine supplemented group showed necrosis in the hepatic tissues around the central veins of the liver and precipitation of melamine crystals. Treating the male albino rats (that were presupplemented regularly with 20000 ppm melamine) with natural bees' honey at a dose of 2.5 g/kg body weight for 28 days improved both liver functions and increased serum protein. In addition, a positive impact on the shape of the cells after treatment with honey compared to the positive melamine supplemented group was observed. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed that the use of natural bees' honey has the ability to protect the liver of rats against the toxic effects of melamine.
Insights
Natural bee honey protects rat livers from melamine toxicity. This study found honey improved liver function and increased protein levels in rats exposed to melamine.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hepatology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Melamine is a toxic compound that can cause liver damage.
- Liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are indicators of liver health.
- Serum total protein levels can also be affected by liver dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of natural bee honey against melamine-induced liver toxicity in male albino rats.
- To evaluate the impact of honey on liver enzymes and serum protein levels in melamine-exposed rats.
Main Methods:
- Male albino rats were fed a diet supplemented with 20000 ppm melamine for 28 days.
- A separate group of rats received both melamine and natural bee honey (2.5 g/kg body weight) for 28 days.
- Liver function tests (enzymes and total protein) and histological examination were performed.
Main Results:
- Melamine supplementation led to adverse liver effects, including increased liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), decreased serum total protein, hepatic necrosis, and melamine crystal precipitation.
- Treatment with natural bee honey significantly improved liver function, normalizing enzyme levels and increasing serum protein.
- Histological analysis showed improved cell structure in honey-treated rats compared to the melamine-only group.
Conclusions:
- Natural bee honey demonstrates significant hepatoprotective properties against melamine toxicity.
- Honey consumption can mitigate the adverse effects of melamine on liver function and histology in rats.
