Histological Assessment and Haematological Parameters of Honey on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rats

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.