Anti-atherogenic Potential of Natural Honey: Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant Approaches

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with DM and characterized with high level of lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)) and low level of adiponectin. Adiponectin serves as a regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism therefore is essential for maintaining response to insulin. Lp (a) is a cholesterol rich compound, so agents with hypoglycemic properties are suitable for treatment of diabetes that could improve atherogenic dyslipidemia. The major goal of this study was to investigate antioxidant capacity of natural honey as well as levels of adiponectin, Lp (a) and AIP (atherogenic index of plasma) in honey treated experimental diabetes. Twenty eight streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar rats were randomized into four groups (seven animals each) and administered distilled water, natural honey 1 and 2g/kg and glibenclamide. After three weeks treatment, adiponectin, Lp (a), MDA (malondialdehyde), FBS (fasting blood sugar), TG (triglyceride), cholesterol, HDL-C (high density lipoprotein) and LDL-C (low density lipoprotein) were measured. AIP also was calculated. Data analysis showed that honey significantly reduced serum level of triglycerides (0.72 ± 0.02 mmol/L) and FBS (7.8 ± 0.12 mmol/L) to normoglycemic levels in diabetic rats. Honey also significantly increased serum adiponectin (4.5 ± 0.26 mg/L) and HDL-C (0.72 ± 0.14 mmol/L) levels in diabetic rats. Serum level of LP (a) was declined in honey treated groups (25.5 ± 3.2 g/dL). Also honey supplementation decreased MDA level and AIP to normoglycemic control group. Our study supports the hypothesis that honey has beneficial effects in diabetes by its anti-atherogenic effect. Increased adiponectin level in honey treated groups might be associated with better glycemic control and improved lipid profile. Accordingly agents that increase adiponectin levels might be valuable targets for decreasing the atherogenic risk in diabetes.