Prolonged Effect of Niger Delta Honey on Blood Glucose and Haematological Parameters in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that develops when the body fails to produce enough insulin or when insulin fails to work properly, is a global health problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effect of eight-week administration of Niger Delta honey on the blood glucose, haematological parameters, body weight and glycosylated haemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Six groups of 8 rats each were used. Group I served as control; Group II was given 10ml/kg/day of the honey solution; Group III served as diabetic control; Group IV diabetic rats received 10ml/kg/day of the honey solution. Group V diabetic rats were given a single daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg glibenclamide. Group VI were treated with both glibenclamide and honey concurrently. The present study showed that honey significantly (p<0.05) improved blood cells and indices, body weight but caused marked decrease in blood glucose levels as well as glycosylated haemoglobin in alloxan diabetic rats. Furthermore, honey caused a further reduction in blood glucose levels when used in combination with glibenclamide. In conclusion, the result of the present study suggests that honey might prevent alloxan-induced anaemia, immune-disturbances, thrombocytopenia, weight loss and hyperglycaemia. These effects are probably due to its additive mechanisms on the haematopoietic systems and on glucose metabolism. Therefore honey might be a cost-effective aspect of dietary management of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Additionally, honey and glibenclamide combined may offer additional beneficial effects in alloxan – induced diabetes by synergic mechanisms on glucose metabolism and by further improvement in the vascular integrity.