The evaluation of the possible protective effect of honey on acetoaminophen induced liver damage in mice

Abstract EN

In this study, eighteen male mice weighing (30 ± 2 gm) were used throughout the experimental study.

The animals were divided randomly into three groups each group consisting of six animals.

Group (I) mice acted as a control.

Group (II) (intoxicated group) were received single dose of APAP (500mg kg−1 body weight, i.p.).

Group (III) mice were pre-treated with honey (600mg kg−1 body weight, p.o.) for 8 successive days, and then the mice were intoxicated with APAP.

Hepatotoxicity caused by APAP and the protective effect of honey in mice was studied by assessing serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and histopathological study of liver.

In Group (II), APAP increased ALT and AST level significantly compared with control group.

Pre-treatment of honey prior to APAP administration decreased the increment of ALT and AST level.

The histopathological examination of the liver showed that honey reduced the incidence of hepatocyte damage induced by APAP.

It was concluded that honey may attenuate the hepatotoxic effect of APAP and it could be used as an effective hepatoprotector against APAP-induced liver damage.

Key words: Honey, Hepatotoxicity, Acetaminophen.