EVALUATION OF LIPID PROFILE AND SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF ALBINO RATS FED WITH HONEY
*1Nwozor, C.M., 2Alagwu E.A., 3Nwabuokei, P.O., 4Okonobe, E.C.
1,3&4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anambra State University, Uli Campus Nigeria.
2Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.
E-mail: corneliusnwozor@gmail.com
Abstract: Honey is widely consumed in Nigeria. Its main uses include: wound healing, baking, and as addition to various beverages. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of honey on lipid profile and some hematological parameters of adult albino rats. Sixteen adult albino rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (8 rats) served as control and received rat chow and water only. Group B (8 rats) received 1ml of honey per rat per day for three weeks. Thereafter, the animals were anaesthetized with chloroform. Blood samples were collected for analysis via cardiac puncture. The results showed that honey increased HDL and decreased LDL in group B. Increase in triglycerides in group B was not significant. It had no effect on cholesterol and VLDL in group B. Honey had no effect on PCV, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. In group B, changes in lymphocytes and neutrophils were not significant. It increased total WBC. If applied to human, moderate intake of honey may help prevent the risk of atherosclerosis.