The effects of tualang honey on female reproductive organs, tibia bone and hormonal profile in ovariectomised rats - animal model for menopause

Abstract

BackgroundHoney is a highly nutritional natural product that has been widely used in folk medicine for a number of therapeutic purposes. We evaluated whether Malaysian Tualang honey (AgroMas, Malaysia) was effective in reducing menopausal syndrome in ovariectomised female rats; an animal model for menopause.MethodsThe rats were divided into two control groups and three test groups. The control groups were sham-operated (SH) and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The SH and OVX control rats were fed on 0.5 ml of distill water. The rats in the test groups were fed with low dose 0.2 g/kg (THL), medium dose, 1.0 g/kg (THM) and high dose 2.0 g/kg (THH) of Tualang honey in 0.5 ml of distill water. The administration was given by oral gavage once daily for 2 weeks. The reproductive organs (uterus and vagina), tibia bone and aorta were taken for histopathological examination while serum for hormonal assays.ResultsAdministration of Tualang honey for 2 weeks to ovariectomised rats significantly increased the weight of the uterus and the thickness of vaginal epithelium, restored the morphology of the tibia bones and reduced the body weight compared to rats in the ovariectomised group. The levels of estradiol and progesterone, in honey treated groups were markedly lower than that in the OVX group. At low doses (0.2 g/kg; THL group) of Tualang honey there was an increased in serum free testosterone levels compared to OVX group (P < 0.01). Progesterone concentrations was significantly decreased in the OVX group as compared to SHAM group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTualang honey was shown to have beneficial effects on menopausal (ovariectomised) rats by preventing uterine atrophy, increased bone density and suppression of increased body weight. Honey could be an alternative to HRT.

Neuroprotective effects of Tualang honey against oxidative stress and memory decline in young and aged rats exposed to noise stress

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Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of apiary honey produced by honey bee (Apis mellifera) on clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans

“…Researchers round the globe have worked both in vitro and in vivo to spark the unknown benefits of the inestimable attributes of honey as well as its applications (Cursons, 2010;Irish et al, 2008;Kumari et al, 2010;Zaid et al, 2010). In the modern era, the different biological, chemical and physical properties of honey have revealed several beneficial claims through different techniques.…”

Estrogenic Potential of Flemingia vestita Benth Tubers in Ovariectomized Rat Model

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