Natural honey lowers plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats: Comparison with metformin

摘要

In spite of increasing incidence of diabetes still it could not be effectively controlled with only one medication. In the present study, the effect of honey compared to metformin was investigated on glycemia in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty two rats were randomly divided into seven groups ; C: non-diabetic rats received distilled water, CH: non-diabetic rats received honey, CD: diabetic rats received distilled water, DM: metformin treated diabetic rats, DH: honey treated diabetic rats either in 1.2 mg/kg (DH1) or 2.4 mg /kg dose (DH2) , and DMH: diabetic rats treated with a combination of metformin and honey. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.). After 30 days , blood samples were withdrawn to measure blood glucose, insulin and serum C peptide. Treatment with metformin or honey at the two studied doses (1.2 and 2.4 mg/kg) significantly decreased the glucose level in diabetic rats. Treatment with metformin slightly increased serum insulin level and had no significant effect on serum C-peptide. While treatment with honey either in a dose of 1.2 mg/kg or 2.4 mg/kg markedly increased serum insulin and C-peptide levels. The best result was in the combination of honey with metforminthat almost reached the non- diabetic control values. This study indicated that consuming honey in a dose of 1.2 or 2.4 mg/kg improves glycemic control and reduces both insulin and C peptide levels more than metformin alone. The best results were in the combination of honey and metformin.