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The Long-Term Effects of Feeding Honey Compared with Sucrose and a Sugar-Free Diet on Weight Gain, Lipid Profiles, and DEXA Measurements in Rats
Journal of Food Science
Abstract
To determine whether honey and sucrose would have differential effects on weight gain during long-term feeding, 45 2-mo-old Sprague Dawley rats were fed a powdered diet that was either sugar-free or contained 7.9% sucrose or 10% honey ad libitum for 52 wk (honey is 21% water). Weight gain was assessed every 1 to 2 wk and food intake was measured every 2 mo. At the completion of the study blood samples were removed for measurement of blood sugar (HbA1c) and a fasting lipid profile. DEXA analyses were then performed to determine body composition and bone mineral densities. Overall weight gain and body fat levels were significantly higher in sucrose-fed rats and similar for those fed honey or a sugar-free diet. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, and HDL-cholesterol significantly increased, in honey-fed compared with rats fed sucrose or a sugar free diet, but no other differences in lipid profiles were found. No differences in bone mineral density were observed between honey- and sucrose-fed rats, although it was significantly increased in honey-fed rats compared with those fed the sugar-free diet.
... Honeydew honey 364 days -Weight gain similar to rats with sugar free diet -Weight gain lower compared to sucrose-fed rats -HDL and HbA1c (blood sugar) increased in honey-fed compared to others -No differences in lipid profile 139 Clinical Trial Unspecified Multi-ple -Honey reduced cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG and slightly elevated HDL-C -Honey consumed for 15 days decreased cholesterol (7%), LDL-C (1%), TG (2%), CR' (7%), homocysteine (6%), and PGL (6%), and increased HDL-C (2%) -Honey reduces blood lipids, homocysteine, and CRP in normal and hyperlipidaemic subjects 140 Natural honey 30 days -Honey caused a mild reduction in body weight (1.3%) and body fat (1.1%) 141 (continued) ...
... The in vivo study evidence for honey's potential in weight management is presented in Table 2. Earlier studies focused on comparing its effect on honey-fed rats and sugar-fed rats. Long-term studies by Chepulis, 133 and Chepulis and Starkey, 139 found that despite the similarity in food intake, the overall weight gain percentage was significantly lower in rats fed with honey (10% honeydew honey from New Zealand) than in the rats fed with sucrose (8% solution), or mixed sugars (8% solution) after 52 weeks of supplementation. The studies also reported a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, while HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased in rats fed with honey compared with rats fed sucrose. ...
... The studies also reported a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, while HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased in rats fed with honey compared with rats fed sucrose. 133,139 An eight-week study by Romero-Silva et al 136 reported no significant difference in overall weight gain, body-fat mass, blood glucose, triglyceride and LDL between sugar-fed and honey-fed rats. However, blood pressure and fat-cell size were significantly lower in honey-fed than in sugar-fed rats. ...
Honey has a long history of therapeutic properties for multiple diseases, including inflammation and oxidative stress. This review aimed to provide a better understanding and renewed interest in the potential role of honey in obesity control, obesity-related diseases treatment and weight management, with specific reference to its components and the effect of honey overall. There is compelling evidence that honey possesses the desired properties for this purpose, as seen in the in vitro, in silico, in vivo and clinical analyses discussed in this review. This review also highlights the components potentially responsible for the health benefits of honey. Honey and its components reduce blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism by reducing triglycerides, and reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels that prevent excessive weight gain and reduce the risk of obesity and its complications. Further controlled studies are necessary to validate the role of honey in the management of obesity, both as a preventive and as a therapeutic agent.
... The 6-week exposure to 10% honey, 8% sucrose and 8% mixed sugars diets showed similar food intake between diets, but significantly lower weight gain in honey-fed rats [15]. While the long-term effects of a diet containing 10% honey resulted in less weight gain, adiposity, hemoglobin A1c levels and higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), than sucrose [16]. In rats exposed to 20% carbohydrate diet from honey, Nemoseck et al. [17] showed that honey caused less food ingest, weight gain, adiposity and less triglycerides levels than sucrose. ...
... The consumption of SSBs has been increased in parallel with the incidence of obesity, MetS and DM [3,27]. Alternative dietary products are necessary to reduce these side effects; replacing sucrose for other carbohydrates could mitigate the adverse effects of its high glycemic index (GI) [16]. Previously, fructose has been considered safe because it does not raise blood sugar fast [28] and natural sweeteners such as honey has a lower GI and bioactive compounds [29,30]. ...
... Overall, interesting differences were found in the rats exposed to the consumption of HS, SS and GFS. Similar to the reported by Chepulis [15], Chepulis et al. [18] and Chepulis and Starkey [16] in rats exposed to honey for short and long-term; food intake among groups was similar. Whilst, for fluid intake, HS group consumed significantly (P = 0.000) higher liquid and higher total caloric intake (P = 0.000). ...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
The exposure to sucrose in rats has mimic abnormalities attributed to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effects of honey bee and “free” glucose and fructose, have not been explored in this context. The aim was to expose Wistar rodents to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 30% to assess their effects.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
HS (n = 10), SS (n = 10) and GFS (n = 10) groups were formed. Solutions were ad libitum along 14-weeks.
RESULTS
Between solutions consumptions, honey was significantly 42% higher (P = 0.000), while similar consumption was observed among GFS and SS. The feeding pattern of HS consumption was irregular along experiment; while the food intake pattern showed the similar trend among groups along time. Non statistical differences were obtained in any biochemical and anthropometric measure, however, a higher concentration of leptin (721 ± 507 pg/mL), lower concentration of total cholesterol (TC; 48.87 ± 2.41 mg/100 mL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL; 16.47 ± 6.55 mg/100 mL) and triglycerides (82.37 ± 32.77 mg/100 mL) was obtained in SS group. For anthropometric values, HS showed less total adipose tissue (AT; average 26 vs. 31–33 g) and adiposity index (average 6.11 vs. 7.6). Due to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk for the development of chronic diseases; correlations between fluid intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. A moderate correlation was obtained in groups with the weight of total AT and solution intake; for the weight gain in GFS group and for triglycerides in HS and GFS. The highest hepatic tissue damage was observed in SS group with multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, atypia changes, moderate pleomorphism and hepatocellular necrosis.
CONCLUSIONS
In spite of the significantly higher consumption of HS, biochemical, anthropometrical and histological effects were not remarkably different in comparision to other sweeteners.
... Besides several health benefits and the nutritional value ascribed to natural honey (Ajibola, Chamunorwa, & Erlwanger, 2012), various honey samples from different regions have been reported to exert beneficial effects with regards to diabetes and other related conditions in experimental and clinical studies. Honey's impact with respect to pre-clinical (Adesoji & Oluwakemi, 2008;Chepulis,&;Akhtar & Khan, 1989;Al-Waili, 2003a, 2003bAnyakudo, Balogun, & Adeniyi, 2015;Busserolles, Gueux, Rock, Mazur, & Rayssiguier, 2002;Chepulis, 2007;Erejuwa et al., 2016;Nasrolahi, Heidari, Rahmani, & Farokhi, 2012;Nemoseck et al., 2011;Omotayo et al., 2010;Starkey, 2008) and clinical (Abdulrhman, 2013;Abdulrhman, 2016;Abdulrhman, El-Hefnawy, Hussein, & El-Goud, 2011;Abdulrhman et al., 2013;Agrawal et al., 2007;Ahmad, Azim, Mesaik, Nazimuddin, & Khan, 2008;Al-Waili, 2003a, 2003bAl-Waili, 2004;Bahrami et al., 2009;Enginyurt et al., 2017;Gheldof, Wang, & Engeseth, 2003;Khalil, Shahjahan, & Absar, 2006;Larson-Meyer et al., 2010;Majid et al., 2013;Münstedt, Böhme, Hauenschild, & Hrgovic, 2011;Münstedt et al., 2008;Münstedt et al., 2009;Mushtaq, Mushtaq, & Khan, 2011;Rana, Sharma, Katare, Shrivatava, & Prasad, 2012;Samanta, Burden, & Jones, 1985;Shambaugh, Worthington, & Herbert, 1990) work can be realized from studies presented in Tables 1 and 2. ...
... Fructose in honey has been put forth as a suggestion to reduce the secretion of leptin, and for the attenuation of ghrelin's postprandial suppression (Erejuwa et al., 2012a(Erejuwa et al., , 2012bTeff et al., 2004). It has to be noted though that the impact of honey administration on body weight is equivocal included weight loss (Chepulis, 2007;Chepulis & Starkey, 2008;Nemoseck et al., 2011). ...
... Dyslipidaemia, for which body mass index (BMI) is a fairly accurate measure, has been connecting to significant endocrine modifications linked with type 2 diabetes (Sharma, Amin, & Kumar, 2016;. Unlike other sugars/sweeteners, natural honey ("honeydew" honey, clover honey, citrus honey, and Ziziphus honey) has been found to improve lipid metabolism, reduce body weight and fat (thus improving BMI), subscapular skinfold thickness (SSFT), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols in animal models (Sharma, Amin, & Prajapati, 2015;Ramli, Chin, Zarkasi, & Ahmad, 2018;Olas, 2020;Chepulis & Starkey, 2008;Chepulis, 2007;Nemoseck et al., 2011, Erejuwa et al., 2006, as well as in human subjects (Yaghoobi et al., 2008;Al-Waili, 2004;Bahrami et al., 2009;Abdulrhman et al., 2013;Abdulrhman, 2016) (Tables 1 and 2). Low HDL is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular function and the subcutaneous fat area is found negatively correlated with HDL in type-1 diabetes Jacob, Adams-Huet, & Raskin, 2006). ...
Background
Honey is being used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, especially in Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, as an adjuvant and supplement in diabetes mellitus treatment since immemorial times. In recent times, the use of honey has experienced a renewed interest in the context of diabetes treatment because of the rise in the accessibility of evidence-based pharmacological and clinical findings, signifying its health benefits.
Scope and approach
There are differential opinions regarding the traditional use of honey in diabetes mellitus. The present review highlights various research propositions, hoisted issues, and misconceptions regarding the effects of honey in diabetes management and presents current challenges and future perspectives. A comprehensive critical review was performed by probing the traditional antidiabetic claims of honey, considering published reports in online databases.
Key findings and conclusions
A total of 20 pre-clinical and 25 clinical studies investigated the antidiabetic effect of honey. Though in vivo studies are still limited, the findings reinforce the multi-targeted antidiabetic effect of honey, exerting antioxidant, nutritional, antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycaemic activities. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that honey may possess multi-faceted and adjunct effects to accomplish a better glycaemic control, ameliorate several metabolic derangements, and mitigate oxidative stress-evoked diabetic problems. Nevertheless, the findings remain inconclusive due to poor study designs and other limitations (e.g. short duration, few participants, the difference in type of study participants, varied honey sources, and administered doses). Overall, there is a significant gap in knowledge, and hence, carefully planned, detailed in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are warranted to reach better conclusions.
... Limited data are available regarding the impact of honey on fructosamine or glycosylated haemoglobin levels. In non-diabetic rats, honey helped reduce haemoglobin glycosylation (Chepulis and Starkey, 2008). Similarly, in STZ-induced diabetic rats, combining honey with antidiabetic drugs, glibenclamide, or metformin reduced glucose and fructosamine serum concentrations (Erejuwa et al., 2011). ...
... Feeding non-diabetic rats honey for six weeks decreased the weight gain percentage (Chepulis, 2007). On the other hand, they fed non-diabetic rats honey for 52 weeks, substantially reducing body fat, weight growth, and glycosylated haemoglobin while increasing HDL cholesterol levels (Chepulis and Starkey, 2008). ...
... In contrast, the body weight of GrI and GrIII kept increasing and decreasing in weeks 2 to 5 before increasing slightly again in weeks 6, 7, and 8. Administration of mixtures of honey and EOs for two months significantly prevented overall weight gain in rats compared to the control group or the rats receiving only honey. The anti-obesity effect of honey was further demonstrated in multiple studies compared to a sugar-free diet or sucrose and mixed sugar diets [125][126][127]. ...
... Several studies also investigated EOs as potential dietary supplements for weight loss. Earlier research has shown that the flavor of the citron group from grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and lemon (Citrus limonia) essential oil increased the sympathetic nerve activity to white adipose tissue in anesthetized rats, suggesting increased lipolysis and suppressed body weight gain [128]; sweet orange EO reduced body weight gain and fat rate in obese rats [129], and administration of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) essential oil to mice caused sig- The anti-obesity effect of honey was further demonstrated in multiple studies compared to a sugar-free diet or sucrose and mixed sugar diets [125][126][127]. ...
Throughout history, honey has been used to treat various diseases. The present work examined and assessed the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of Moroccan thyme honey and its association with essential oils from three selected plants: Origanum vulgare L.; Mentha spicata L.; Eucalyptus globulus L. The chemical composition of the essential oils was studied, and preliminary toxicity, in vitro anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial tests were conducted. Then the anti-inflammatory effect was determined by applying carrageenan and an experimental trauma-induced paw edema test in rats. The essential oils were rich in phytochemicals and showed significant antibacterial activity against four selected ATCC bacterial strains. The results revealed the significant anti-inflammatory potential of honey and mixtures with essential oils and indicated higher efficiency of mixtures compared to honey alone. It can be concluded that the mixtures of honey and essential oils have advantageous anti-inflammatory effects and may be used for treating different types of inflammation in humans after certain clinical trials.
... Honey-induced effects studied on body weight, fasting blood glucose, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, C-reactive protein, and total cholesterol demonstrated the reduction of low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol in overweight individuals subsequent to oral administration of 70 g of honey for 30 days (Yaghoobi et al. 2008). Additionally, the intake of honey (10%) for prolonged duration increases the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, signifying that constant intake of honey improves lipid profile and controls glycemia that indirectly or directly reduce rate of CVD (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). Tualang honey has been reported to ameliorate the disturbance in cardiac enzyme markers such as aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase-MB (Khalil et al. 2015). ...
... The weight was decreased significantly, but no substantial decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or intake of food was perceived (Chepulis 2007). Honey feeding for a longer period of time (i.e., 52 weeks) in Sprague-Dawley rats brought a noteworthy reduction of glycated haemoglobin levels but the same augmented HDL cholesterol levels (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). In rats fed with diet containing sucrose but not sugar, the HDL cholesterol levels were reduced without showing other differences as far as other lipids were concerned. ...
Honey has been and is being used for medical, pharmaceutical, and domestic needs. Besides, it is used as a conventional medicine and has various pharmacological properties. A variety of polyphenolic compounds are stated in honey and among them important polyphenols are Caffeic acid (CA), Quercetin (QU), Chrysin (CR), Kaempferol (KF), Apigenin (AP), Galangin (GA), Acacetin (AC), Caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), Pinocembrin (PC), and Pinobanksin (PB) that have evolved as potential pharmacokinetic agents in the cure of cancer. Caffeic acid, a naturally occurring phenolic compound commonly found in honey, is being comprehensively studied for its therapeutic use and is being described as a cancer-causing agent in preliminary studies, but the same compound in combination with other antioxidants has been revealed to repress colon tumors in rats. CAPE was similarly proposed to have anticarcinogenic, antimitogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. In a related progressive study, influence of CA against UVB (280–320 nm) irradiation-induced IL10 appearance and stimulation of MAPKs (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) in skin of mouse was observed. The findings strongly propose that chrysin exercises growth inhibitory properties either by prompting p38 MAPK leading to buildup of p21Waf1/Cip-1 protein or by arbitrating the repression of proteosome action. It is also a well-established fact that chrysin prompts cell death in association with stimulation of caspase-3 and Akt signal corridor, which plays a vital role in chrysin-incited cell death in U937 cells. Galangin and its antiproliferative outcome on HL-60 cells was expressed in a manner that is dependent on dose, and it also prompted DNA breakage without any loss of integrity of cell membrane. Similarly, quercetin was also shown in an in vitro study to impede HL-60 cell propagation in association with repression of cytosolic PKC (Protein Kinase C) and TPK (tyrosine protein kinase) membrane bound. Acacetin, another important flavonoid, was revealed to impede the propagation of A549 cells, prompt apoptosis, and block cell cycle promotion at G1 cell cycle phase and also heightened the appearance of p53 protein and Fas ligands. Besides was also depicted to impede HepG2 cell propagation and incite cell death by boosting p53 protein and Fas ligands as in case of A-549 cells. Kaempferol-mediated cell death in H-460 cells was complemented by substantial DNA coiling/condensation and amassing ATP content. Besides, it altered the levels of Caspase-3 and AIF (Apoptosis-Inducing Factor). Pinocembrin has been shown to induce loss of MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential) with further release of cytochrome c and processing of caspase 3 and 9 in colon HCT116 cancer cells. Apigenin has been shown to exert antiproliferative influence against colon, breast, neuroblastoma, cervical, and liver cancer cell lines. The chapter has clearly put forth certain honey-based compounds that have been tested in laboratory setups and have been revealed to be hopeful pharmacological agent for hindering cancer propagation.
... Honey-induced effects studied on body weight, fasting blood glucose, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, C-reactive protein, and total cholesterol demonstrated the reduction of low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol in overweight individuals subsequent to oral administration of 70 g of honey for 30 days (Yaghoobi et al. 2008). Additionally, the intake of honey (10%) for prolonged duration increases the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, signifying that constant intake of honey improves lipid profile and controls glycemia that indirectly or directly reduce rate of CVD (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). Tualang honey has been reported to ameliorate the disturbance in cardiac enzyme markers such as aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase-MB (Khalil et al. 2015). ...
... The weight was decreased significantly, but no substantial decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or intake of food was perceived (Chepulis 2007). Honey feeding for a longer period of time (i.e., 52 weeks) in Sprague-Dawley rats brought a noteworthy reduction of glycated haemoglobin levels but the same augmented HDL cholesterol levels (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). In rats fed with diet containing sucrose but not sugar, the HDL cholesterol levels were reduced without showing other differences as far as other lipids were concerned. ...
Honey is the material made by mixing of nectar and sweet deposits from plants and later on modified by honey bees. Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times. Honey is a nutritional material that is traditionally known for its medicinal properties. Honey is used as a traditional medicine in treating various clinical ailments from wound healing to cancer apart from being used as a nutritional product. In dermatology, honey is used in the treatment of eczema, ulcers, wounds, atopic dermatitis (AD), allergies, and much more due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, honey could be considered as a natural therapeutic agent for various medicinal purposes. Sufficient evidences recommend the use of honey in the management of disease conditions especially skin- related disorders. Based on these facts, the use of honey in clinical wards is highly recommended. However, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm its benefits in health care settings especially in the field of dermatology.
... Honey-induced effects studied on body weight, fasting blood glucose, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, C-reactive protein, and total cholesterol demonstrated the reduction of low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol in overweight individuals subsequent to oral administration of 70 g of honey for 30 days (Yaghoobi et al. 2008). Additionally, the intake of honey (10%) for prolonged duration increases the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, signifying that constant intake of honey improves lipid profile and controls glycemia that indirectly or directly reduce rate of CVD (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). Tualang honey has been reported to ameliorate the disturbance in cardiac enzyme markers such as aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase-MB (Khalil et al. 2015). ...
... The weight was decreased significantly, but no substantial decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or intake of food was perceived (Chepulis 2007). Honey feeding for a longer period of time (i.e., 52 weeks) in Sprague-Dawley rats brought a noteworthy reduction of glycated haemoglobin levels but the same augmented HDL cholesterol levels (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). In rats fed with diet containing sucrose but not sugar, the HDL cholesterol levels were reduced without showing other differences as far as other lipids were concerned. ...
Metabolic disorders occur when unusual chemical reactions take place in the body amend usual metabolic pathways. Diabetes mellitus a metabolic disorder is generally characterized by high glucose level in blood over longer period of time. In type 1 diabetes, pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin and the same effect is due to the loss of beta cells of pancreas. Type 2 diabetes begins with resistance to insulin and accordingly gives no response to insulin. Gestational diabetes mellitus is similar to type 2 diabetes in various aspects and is having combination of inadequate insulin and sensitivity to it. For many years, honey is being used as a substitute for sugar and for providing medicinal benefits. In animal as well as human studies, convincing evidence specifies that honey displays antidiabetic as well as hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, honey consumption improved other disorders related to metabolism and to diabetes such as reduced levels of HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) and hepatic transaminases and increased HDL cholesterol. The same was in addition to lowering hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Besides depicting hypoglycemic effect, research has indicated that honey improves lipid anomalies in rats and humans suffering from diabetes. The beneficial effects of honey could also be limiting other disorders of metabolism and lessening damaging effects on various organs of the body that ultimately result in diabetic complications. Although there are few studies in the literature which are contrary to the above-depicted discussions regarding the beneficial effects of honey and its use in diabetic disorder. Also the clinical trials or studies on humans (both diabetic and healthy) are rather very sparse. It is anticipated that this book chapter will encourage fundamental investigation intended at explicating the mode of actions by which oligosaccharides present in honey improves antidiabetic/hypoglycemic effects.
... In healthy rats, exposure to 10 and 20% (carbohydrate concentration) of honey exerted lower weight gain 10-12 , adiposity 11,12 and triglycerides 12 plus higher levels of HDL-c 11 . In diabetic animals, honey doses of 1 gr/kg and 10 ml/kg over 3-4 weeks promoted hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hyperinsulinemic effects, as well as maintenance of weight and increase in HDL-c [13][14][15][16] . ...
Honey is a natural sweetener with importante health benefits. As it has been widely recommended as a substitute of sucrose, it could be perceived as highly safe and healthy. However, it is still unknown what are the metabolic effects when honey is ingested freely and uncontrolled. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of ad libitum access to sweet solutions in hyperglycemic induced rats on the biochemical, anthropometric and feeding pattern of intake. Male wistar rats were assigned to three experimental groups (n=10) with exposure to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 10% along 6 continuous weeks. Fluid intake from solution was lower in HS group (p < 0.05), however, the grams of sweetener ingested from the solution were similar among groups. Solution consumption showed an increasing pattern in HS and GFS groups, leading to an escalating intake and binge drinking. Honey solution intake was highly correlated with glucose (r= 0.87, p=0.001) and total cholesterol (r= 0.74, p=0.013) levels. The serum levels of glucose (322±186 mg/dL), total cholesterol (81.1±22.8 mg/dL), HDL (48.3±15.5 mg/dL), VLDL (31.3±12.4 mg/dL) and triglycerides (156±62.2 mg/dL), were higher in HS group. The ad libitum ingestion protocol led to a high and sustained consumption of honey, exceeding four times the recommended intake of free sugars. This ingestive behavior resulted in deleterious effects in the experimental animals. Therefore, these findings should be taken into account when recommending honey consumption, as it may be perceived as a highly safe and healthy option, potentially leading to addictive behavior similar to that observed with sucrose intake.
... Several types of bariatric surgeries were approved by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) to maintain weight loss through various mechanisms [15]. Several clinical trials have revealed the efficacy of bariatric surgeries and their sustainability to maintain weight loss in addition to relieving many of the medical comorbidities associated with obesity when compared with other conventional methods [16]. ...
Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased globally and is associated with many comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases. Bariatric surgery is considered an effective intervention for achieving weight loss and controlling lipidemia and glycemia.
Objectives: This Saudi retrospective observational study evaluates the clinical and biochemical benefits following bariatric surgery to obese diabetic patients.
Methodology: After gaining ethical committee approval, data was collected from the patients' medical records at a tertiary medical center (King Fahad General Hospital, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia). The total sample size was 61 patients, of whom 78.33% (n=48) had a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater (obese class III).
Results: Following bariatric surgery, there were statistically significant reductions (p<0.001) in BMI and HbA1C (decreased from 45.53±7.791 kg/m2 and 7.9±1.82% to 33.42±6.18 kg/m2 and 6.06±1.35%, respectively, after surgery). Likewise, significant reductions (p<0.001) occurred to serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides that decreased from 234.4±26.7 mg/dl, 152.2±19.4 mg/dl, and 187.3±24.6 mg/dl to 158.4±17.3 mg/dl, 95.6±15.7 mg/dl, and 132.5±19.5 mg/dl, respectively. Interestingly, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased (p<0.001) from 43.8±6.2 mg/dl to 52.3±4.6 mg/dl. Using the novel clinical therapeutic index, bariatric surgery decreased BMI by about 26.6%. Using the novel biochemical therapeutic index, bariatric surgery decreased HbA1C, serum total cholesterol, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum triglycerides by about 22.99%, 32.42%, 37.18%, and 29.26%, respectively, while serum HDL increased by about 19.4%.
Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obese diabetic patients resulting in weight loss, better control of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and the metabolic profile. It is also recommended in Saudi Arabia for the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
... Honey shows promise in the treatment of co-morbidities that may be present in COVID-19 patients, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which could hasten unfavorable outcomes. In comparison to rats fed sucrose or a sugar-free diet, HbA1c levels were dramatically lowered and HDL cholesterol was significantly raised in the rats fed honey [54]. ...
... The decrease in blood glucose may be due to the fact that honey has a stimulatory effect on insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity [13]. Honey also increases the production of hydrogen peroxide, which has similar effects to insulin [61]. In addition, it is possible that honey consumption stimulates nitric oxide synthase [62] and the increase in nitric oxide (NO), in turn, stimulates insulin release [63] since it contains NO metabolites. ...
Honey is a nutritious, healthy, and natural food, to which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties have been attributed, mainly due to its content of phenolic compounds. The aim of this review is to analyze the available evidence of the effect of honey on humans. Forty-eight clinical trials published between 1985 and 2022 were analyzed, with a total of 3655 subjects. More beneficial effects of honey intake than no or negative effects on different cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, glucose tolerance, mucositis caused by chemo-radiotherapy, cough in children and wound healing, among others have been observed. Although the number of studies conducted to date is limited and the different investigations are not standardized, beneficial effects of honey intake have been observed, especially when its intake replaces the intake of other sweeteners. In addition, honey could be a safe adjuvant to be administered alongside drugs used for certain diseases.
... This showed that honey gives a good result, but no reduction of HbA1c was observed. Furthermore, long-term honey feeding in a 2-month-old rat model showed a reduction in HbA1c level, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were increase compared with sucrose-fed rats and rats fed a sugar-free diet (Chepulis and Starkey 2008). However, the weight gains for honey-fed rats and sugar-free diet-fed rats were the same but lower than for the sucrose-fed rats. ...
Diabetes is one of the common diseases that usually occur in people, especially adults, that lead to other severe complications. In general, according to American Diabetes Association, the classification of diabetes includes type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes mellitus. In the past, honey was generally not suggested for patients with diabetes to consume because of its high carbohydrate content. This chapter discusses the scientific evidence from research that has been conducted to prove the potential benefits of honey on individuals with diabetes. The two primary enzymes involved in blood glucose elevation are α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Inhibition of these two enzymes has an antidiabetic effect, which has been determined by in vitro methods. Many studies have involved animal model or in vivo experiments. The majority of the experiments used streptozotocin and alloxan to induce diabetes in animal models. The effects of honey have also been demonstrated and evaluated in clinical trials.
... A similar reduction in the FBS levels was previously reported in tulang honey-fed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 28 days [37]. Honey administered orally in Sprague-Dawley rats for about 52 weeks elevated HDL levels [38]. A randomized and controlled clinical study of natural honey consumption for 8 weeks reported a beneficial effect on reducing FBG levels in diabetic individuals [39]. ...
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome considered one of the life-threatening diseases in the last two decades. This research aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of bitter honey collected from Nilgiris using both in vitro and in vivo methods. The mineral content of bitter honey was also estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Bitter honey had a higher amount of zinc and copper, while heavy metals like lead, nickel, and cadmium were below the detection limit. The in vitro antidiabetic study was performed using alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition methods. Acute toxicity (OECD 423) was conducted in female Wistar rats to determine the lethal dose of bitter honey. The antidiabetic activity was carried out in type-2 diabetic Wistar Albino rats induced with streptozotocin and nicotinamide. The experimental rats were categorized into five groups (n=8): the normal group, the diabetic control group, standard glibenclamide-treated diabetic group, bitter honey 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg b.w. treated diabetic group. After the treatment period (28 days), blood samples were collected for biochemical studies, and the pancreas was dissected for histopathological studies. The in vitro antidiabetic studies revealed the antidiabetic potential of bitter honey compared to standard acarbose. Treatment of diabetic rats with bitter honey revealed a statistically significant reduction (P<0.05) in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to untreated diabetic rats. This was accompanied by an elevated HDL and a decrease in LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, urea, and creatinine. Histopathological changes in the pancreas indicated a marked improvement in a dose-dependent manner. The study concluded that bitter honey could potentially decrease the levels of FBG in diabetic rats and the various biochemical and histopathological abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus.
... It is important to note, however, that the doses of honey given to these animal subjects were extremely high, often 10% to 20% of their daily energy intake, and are therefore not replicable in humans. [62][63][64][65][66][67][68] Other studies in rats confirm a beneficial effect on glycemic outcomes, demonstrating a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. 66,67,69,70 Most of the honey types used in these animal trials were also monofloral raw honey, confirming the benefits of unprocessed raw honey for a variety of outcomes. ...
Context:
Excess calories from free sugars are implicated in the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Honey is a free sugar but is generally regarded as healthy.
Objective:
The effect of honey on cardiometabolic risk factors was assessed via a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach.
Data sources:
MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 4, 2021, for controlled trials ≥1 week in duration that assessed the effect of oral honey intake on adiposity, glycemic control, lipids, blood pressure, uric acid, inflammatory markers, and markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Data extraction:
Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95%CIs. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
Data analysis:
A total of 18 controlled trials (33 trial comparisons, N = 1105 participants) were included. Overall, honey reduced fasting glucose (MD = -0.20 mmol/L, 95%CI, -0.37 to -0.04 mmol/L; low certainty of evidence), total cholesterol (MD = -0.18 mmol/L, 95%CI, -0.33 to -0.04 mmol/L; low certainty), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -0.16 mmol/L, 95%CI, -0.30 to -0.02 mmol/L; low certainty), fasting triglycerides (MD = -0.13 mmol/L, 95%CI, -0.20 to -0.07 mmol/L; low certainty), and alanine aminotransferase (MD = -9.75 U/L, 95%CI, -18.29 to -1.21 U/L; low certainty) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 0.07 mmol/L, 95%CI, 0.04-0.10 mmol/L; high certainty). There were significant subgroup differences by floral source and by honey processing, with robinia honey, clover honey, and raw honey showing beneficial effects on fasting glucose and total cholesterol.
Conclusion:
Honey, especially robinia, clover, and unprocessed raw honey, may improve glycemic control and lipid levels when consumed within a healthy dietary pattern. More studies focusing on the floral source and the processing of honey are required to increase certainty of the evidence.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO registration number CRD42015023580.
... Honey also inhibited lipid peroxidation in the heart tissue of these honey-fed rats [142]. In contrast, plasma high-density lipoprotein-C was significantly increased in rats fed honey for a long period (52 weeks) compared to the sugar-free-and sucrose-fed rats [143]. ...
The nectar produced by bees in nature is known as honey and has been consumed for its nutritional and medicinal properties. There is growing evidence that honey and its compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties that are relevant to the maintenance of health and the prevention of illnesses, including cardiocerebrovascular disease. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is one of the major risk factors for diseases such as stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. CSVD is prevalent with aging and the presence of vascular risk factors. Its most common deleterious effect on the brain parenchyma is a neurological problem, causing a spectrum of subtle clinical manifestations such as neurocognitive dysfunction, emotional or behavioral disturbances, and gait dysfunction. Moreover, the pathological mechanisms and preventive strategies for CSVD remain elusive, which is reflected in the continued lack of effective therapeutic and preventive therapies. Given the growing literature on honey and its compounds as a superfood-based preventive measure, this narrative review highlights the neuroprotective potentials of honey and its compounds in relation to the current understanding of CSVD pathomechanism.
... The processing of honey into candies, gummies and jellies has previously been shown to infuse the antioxidant activities in honey-based candies [10,11]. Candies made with honey are also favourable due to their lower glycaemic index compared with sucrose, which makes them suitable for diabetics [12]. While there are extensive studies on the biological and health properties of raw and processed honey, only a handful of studies report the beneficial health properties of honey food products, including candies [10,11]. ...
Raw honey naturally possesses a number of health benefits that are imbued by its components, including phenolics acids, flavonoids, enzymes, sugars, and organic acids. Processing of raw honey at high temperatures, often leads to a loss of biological activity and active ingredients, hence, reducing the medicinal benefits of processed honey samples. This study describes that the processing of raw honey into honey-based candies slightly changed the physicochemical properties of raw honey, as was observed by the loss of diastase activity and reduction in hydrogen peroxide content in honey-based candies. However, the overall health benefits of honey-based candies were maintained. The processing of honey into candies (lozenges and drops) maintained antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of honey candies relative to the raw honey samples.
... It has also been recognized that trace minerals obtained from flowering plant products play an important role in human welfare (Pohl, 2009). Honey's role as nutrition gives a better body production and a good accumulation of minerals for bone strength (Chepulis and Starkey, 2008;Solayman et al., 2016). The total number of minerals discovered in honey is about 54 till now. ...
Honey is one of the best nutritious substances in the world, having different services in the body functions regulation. Ten elements (K, Na, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se) from honey samples were analyzed from 80 different locations of Punjab and ten floras. The aim of the present study was to determine the quality and quantity of minerals and Physico-chemical analysis in honey. A flame photometer was used to measure the concentration of major minerals (K, Ca and Na). The concentration of micro minerals (Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se) was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The concentration of macro-elements obtained was as follow (in ppm): K (166-1732), Na (107-418) and Ca (07-99), while the concentration of microelements (in ppm) Co (1-2), Cr (>1), Mn (<1), Mo (1.818), Ni (1.911), Pb (<1) and Se (1.968). The most abundant minerals were potassium, calcium and sodium, ranging between 396-810.5, 17.5-640.63 and 169.88-238.62 ppm, respectively. However, the trace mineral elements of honey were obtained in the order of decreasing Se > Co > Ni > Pb > Cr > Mo > Mn. The findings showed that all the heavy metals like Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were present in trace amounts and close to International Honey Quality Standard. The result of given honey samples represented highest value of moisture (31.23%), color (80 mm pfund), pH (8.23), acidity (72.02 meq/kg), electrical conductivity (0.85 ms/cm) and ash contents (0.83%).
... diabetes and hyperlipidemia that may accelerate the poor outcomes. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, and HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased in honey-fed rats compared with sucrose-fed or a sugar free diet [28]. ...
... [50] There are controversial reports in the literature on the effects of honey on lipid profiles. [36,51,52] We found a significant decrease in cholesterol in lead acetate treated with honey and honey+Vitamin C, a significant decrease in triglycerides in lead acetate treated with honey, Vitamin C, and both, a significant decrease in HDL in lead acetate treated with Vitamin C and a significant decrease in LDL in lead acetate treated with honey+Vitamin C compared to lead acetate only [ Table 3]. This observation is in line with the work of Yaghoobi et al. [37] and Rasad et al. [53] who reported a decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL in healthy subjects. ...
Objectives
Lead is an environmental toxicant known to cause dyslipidaemia through oxidative stress damage. The therapeutic potential of honey has widely been reported. However, there is a paucity of reports on its effects on lipid profile in Wistar rats exposed to lead.
Materials and Methods
The effects of honey on antioxidants and lipid profile indicators were studied in 25 male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly assigned to one of the five groups ( n = 5) as follows: Group I served as the control and received deionised water; Group II served as a lead acetate group (40 mg/kg bw) and Groups III, IV and V served as lead acetate groups coadministered with honey (1 mL/kg bw), Vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw) and honey+Vitamin C, respectively. The treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Body and liver weights were determined using an analytical weighing balance. Glucose and lead concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the lipid profile indicators were determined using spectrophotometry. The liver histology was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, and the results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. at P < 0.05.
Results
Body weight, SOD, and TAC increased significantly in the treatment groups compared to lead acetate only. However, lead, glucose concentration, MDA, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL decreased significantly in the treatment groups compared to lead acetate only. Normal histoarchitecture of the liver was seen in the treatment groups compared to lead acetate, which showed areas of inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings imply that honey prevents dyslipidaemia which is a risk factor for metabolic diseases.
... In corroboration of previous reports, our study confirmed that 7 weeks feeding of honey (2.5 g/kg) yielded improved outcomes in the treatment of gastric ulcer with no significant alteration in the percentage of BWG, when compared to rats fed a sugar-free diet. This, therefore, supports the role of honey in maintaining the physiological weight balance in treated animals (Chepulis and Starkey, 2008). In addition, it is safe and non-toxic to the animals as no mortality was detected during the study at the dose used (Fazalda et al., 2018). ...
Recent years have reported a rise in the occurrence of gastric ulceration especially among young children and adults. This study investigated the mechanism by which two types of Saudi honey: Alnahal Aljawal honey (Wadi) or Bin Ghaithan honey (Talh) exerted their antiulcer potential in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Four cohorts of rats were used: Group 1; Healthy controls, Group 2; Ulcerative animals, Group 3; Ulcerative + Wadi honey treatment, Group 4; Ulcerative + Talh honey treatment. We profiled the levels of different indicators of oxidative stress including the activities of gastric mucosal glutathione superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde; MDA). CRP content, IL-10, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α were also evaluated. The stomach was visually examined for macroscopic lesions and using light microscope for histopathological changes in the glandular mucosa.
Wadi or Talh honey significantly reduced the ulcer indices, and essentially protected the glandular mucosa from lesions. Wadi or Talh honey also significantly reduced the gastric mucosal concentrations of GPx, SOD and GSH. In addition, the administration of Wadi or Talh honey decreased gastric mucosal plasma TNF-α and MDA, CRP content, and IL-10 levels. In conclusion, Wadi or Talh honey possibly exerted their antiulcer, potential via restoring the homeostasis and stabilizing the enzymatic (SOD and GPx) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants as well as reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP content, IL-10 and, NF-κB activity), and inhibiting the lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa. Consequently, Wadi or Talh honey may be of beneficial therapy for patients diagnosed with gastric ulceration. Clinical studies need to be conducted to further support these findings.
... In an animal study done by Chepulis and Starkey, a significantly lower level of HbA1c in rats fed with honey diet compared to sucrose-containing diet was observed. [11] Al-Waili in 2004 reported a reduction in blood glucose levels after honey administration in both diabetic and normal subjects. This may be due to the insulin-sensitizing effect of honey. ...
Background: In Indian Medicine System, Arhar honey is believed as one of the valuable medicinal foods. Honey is being used since ancient times owing to its functional properties and nutritive value. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effect of honey supplementation on fasting blood glucose (FBG) level and lipid profile of the subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and healthy subjects. Methods: The selection of subjects was done through oral glucose tolerance test (World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization, 1998). On the basis of blood glucose level, 28 subjects were selected by purposive random sampling and were divided into two groups. Group I included normal healthy subjects having FBG in the range of 70–100 mg/dl (n= 14), and Group II was comprised of subjects having FBG level between 100 and 125 mg/dl falling in the category of IGT (n= 14). 70 g honey was administered to subjects in both the groups on an empty stomach for 60 days and its effect on body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, FBG, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile was observed. Results: Honey administration lowered blood glucose levels and lipid levels in subjects with IGT and normal healthy subjects. Other benefits of honey administration include an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a reduction in BMI.
Conclusion: Consumption of honey has shown a reduction in body weight, BMI, FBG, HbA1c, and improvement in lipid profile in IGT subjects.
... Besides, the honey in question had a considerably higher glucose content than that found in most honey samples [6]. It was suggested that these two factors would invariably enhance glycosylation and contribute to increased glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients [21,22]. This potential deterioration of glycemic control resulting from honey administration may also aggravate dyslipidemia in diabetes. ...
The present work was done to investigate the ability of Yemeni Sider honey to ameliorate the level of blood sugar and lipid profile in rabbits. For this goal 36 rabbits were used, after adaptation period the animals were divided into 6 groups as follows: group 1 and 2 served as control, and other 4 groups were served as treatment groups. Metformin was used as comparison in alloxan –induced diabetic rabbits. After the end of experiment (day 27) our results showed stabilization of sugar level and lipid profile,cholesterol HDL, LDL and triglycerides. We concluded that the use of honey in addition to metformin is more effective and ability of this drug in dealing with the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
... 20 Results of the current study illustrating positive impact of honey on lowering body weight is consistent with the findings by Chepulis and Starkey in a long term feeding trial who compared the effect of honey against commonly employed sucrose on diabetic rats. 21 Although it was hypothesized by us that consumption of minimally processed sugar of jaggery would cause relatively less elevation of plasma glucose and minimal weight changes in comparison with the artificial cane sugar but on the contrary significant hyperglycemia and weight gain were observed by the animals in this group. This could be attributed to high glycemic index of jaggery compared with other sweeteners. ...
... 20 Results of the current study illustrating positive impact of honey on lowering body weight is consistent with the findings by Chepulis and Starkey in a long term feeding trial who compared the effect of honey against commonly employed sucrose on diabetic rats. 21 Although it was hypothesized by us that consumption of minimally processed sugar of jaggery would cause relatively less elevation of plasma glucose and minimal weight changes in comparison with the artificial cane sugar but on the contrary significant hyperglycemia and weight gain were observed by the animals in this group. This could be attributed to high glycemic index of jaggery compared with other sweeteners. ...
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia with impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins resulting from insufficiency of secretion or action of insulin. The interplay of genes and environmental factors is believed to stress glucose homeostasis. Simple dietary and lifestyle modifications have a role in prevention and slow progression of the disease. The choice and role of sweeteners (sugars) such as ordinary cane sugar, honey, and jaggery have always been a difficult decision for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Aims & Objectives: Evaluation and comparison of the effects of cane sugar, honey, and jaggery on plasma glucose in the sera and body weights of alloxan-induced male Wistar rats with diabetes.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at the animal house of Services Institute of Medical Sciences Lahore for a duration of 20 months approximately.
Material & Methods: In this experimental study 120 male Wistar (albino) rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 30 each. After acclimatization, freshly prepared 2% alloxan monohydrate was administered to all the rats via intraperitoneal injection in a single dose of 120mg/kg body weight. Blood sample via tail tipping method was analyzed for fasting serum glucose at 4th post-diabetes induction day. Rodents having ? 200mg/dl serum glucose were regarded as type 2 diabetes models for further study. All animals had access to usual pelleted diet ad libitum. Diabetic controls in group I were fed with equivalent amount of distilled water. Group II, III and IV rats were fed freshly prepared sweetener containing cane sugar, honey and jaggery solutions respectively in a dose of 1g/kg body weight dissolved in 2ml distilled water on pre-scheduled time of the day for 28 days via oral syringe-dosing. Final serum glucose was estimated at 29th
day of study by terminal blood sampling and final body weights were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Group III (honey fed) rats had least hyperglycemia of 34.53±77.31mg/dL, followed by group II (cane sugar fed) rats (79.31±73.03 mg/dL) then group I diabetic control rats (88.11±92.56mg/dL) and maximal rise in jaggery fed rats with value of 134.50 mg/dL. Significant reduction (p=0.049) in body weight (-40.50g) was noted in group II rats whereas maximum weight gain occurred in group I (127.57 ±72.475), than those of group IV rats (69.13 ± 92.88) followed by II rats (38.42±89.43).
Conclusion: The result demonstrates that honey in type 2 diabetes mellitus possess antidiabetic properties via minimum hyperglycemic and weight gaining effects than processed cane sugar. As it was presumed, minimally processed jaggery has not shown significant beneficial effects on serum glucose and body weight. Owing to the advantageous effects on metabolic profile, honey may be regarded as a relatively safer sweetener in diabetics.
... In a different aspect, the high fat diet rats fed with Gelam and Acacia honeys had lower consumption of food, as well as a lower adiposity index compared to the high fat diet group. Furthermore, rats fed with Acacia honey showed a significant increase in the relative organ weight compared to the control group, particularly the liver, heart and lung [215]. Even though, in the experimental diabetes mellitus, the supplementation with tualang honey resulted in weight gain of diabetic rats, its supplementation in human (especially obese) diabetic patients may necessitate a dose adjustment and reduced calorie intake [205]. ...
Background: vegetative diversity is based on different climate and geographical origins. In terms of beekeeping, herbal diversity is strongly correlated to the production of a wide variety of honey. Therefore, based on the existing plant diversity in each country, multiple honey varieties are produced with different health characteristics. While beekeeping potential and consumption preferences are reflected in products’ variety, this leads to an increase in the region’s economy and extensive export. In the last years, monofloral honey has gained interest from consumers and especially in the medicinal field due to the presence of phytochemicals which are directly linked to health benefits, wound healing, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Scope and approach: this review aims to highlight the physicochemical properties, mineral profiles and antioxidant activities of selected monofloral honeys based on their botanical and geographical origin. Moreover, this review focuses on the intercorrelation between monofloral honey’s antioxidant compounds and in vitro and in vivo activities, focusing on the apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition in various cell lines, with a final usage of honey as a potential therapeutic product in the fight towards reducing tumor growth. Key findings and conclusions: multiple studies have demonstrated that monofloral honeys have different physicochemical structures and bioactive compounds. Useful chemical markers to distinguish between monofloral honeys were evidenced, such as: 2-methoxybenzoic acid and trimethoxybenzoic acid are distinctive to Manuka honey while 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid is characteristic to Kanuka honey. Furthermore, resveratrol, epigallocatechin and pinostrobin are markers distinct to Sage honey, whereas carvacrol and thymol are found in Ziziphus honey. Due to their polyphenolic profile, monofloral honeys have significant antioxidant activity, as well as antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. It was demonstrated that Pine honey decreased the MDA and TBARS levels in liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues, whereas Malicia honey reduced the low-density lipoprotein level. Consumption of Clover, Acacia and Gelam honeys reduced the weight and adiposity, as well as trygliceride levels. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect of chrysin, a natural flavone in Acacia honey, was demonstrated in human (A375) and murine (B16-F1) melanoma cell lines, whereas caffeic acid, a phenolic compound found in Kelulut honey, proves to be significant candidate in the chemoprevention of colon cancer. Based on these features, the use of hiney in the medicinal field (apitherapy), and the widespread usage of natural product consumption, is gaining interest by each year.
... diabetes and hyperlipidemia that may accelerate the poor outcomes. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, and HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased in honey-fed rats compared with sucrose-fed or a sugar free diet [28]. ...
Public prophylaxis to decrease the emergence of new daily COVID-19 cases is vital. Adjuvant TaibUVID nutritional supplements are promising home-made or hospital-made supplements suggested for rapidly preventing and treating COVID-19 pandemic. We report here a 44 years old male physician who caught COVID-19 infection at hospital in Egypt with confirmed positive nasopharyngeal swab PCR. Ethical committee approval and informed patient's consent were gained before performing this study. Chest X-ray revealed increased bronchovascular markings. Close follow-up was done with no treatment given and he was sent for home isolation. Few days later, he developed progressive non-productive cough and a sense of difficult breathing with no associated fever or chest pain. An antitussive drug was given to him. The patient read about TaibUVID supplements from social media and started to feel improvement after TaibUVID inhalation therapy (using the heated solution of nigella sativa and chamomile five times a day). He also received a home-made TaibUVID nutritional supplement (nigella sativa, chamomile and natural honey) five times daily for four consecutive days. The next day, he was quite better with mild symptoms. Two days later, nasopharyngeal swab PCR was negative while other patients still had positive nasopharyngeal swabs. As few attacks of mild cough and breathing difficulty existed, he was admitted to hospital. A nasopharyngeal swab PCR was done for him again and the result was negative also. Blood gases were normal. He had lymphocytosis (possibly due to TaibUVID effects) that counteract lymphopenia seen in COVID-19 patients. Biochemical and hematological evaluation were quite normal apart from increased serum chloride and lactate dehydrogenase. There was a mild decrease in serum CO2 and alkaline phosphatase. Chest CT report revealed symmetrically inflated both lungs with non-specific focal nodular infiltrates (scattered in basal and medial lung segments) in left lower lobes with faint ground glass opacities. He was discharged home. Few days later, he was quite improved with no symptoms and returned to his work comfortably. In conclusion, TaibUVID nutritional supplements may be effective in rapidly changing the nasopharyngeal swab PCR from positive to negative. TaibUVID nutritional supplements are advisable as a natural, safe and effective prophylaxis to stop COVID-19 infectiousness, transmission and emergence of new cases. Clinical studies to investigate TaibUVID nutritional benefits are strongly recommended. TaibUVID may be promising and recommended for public prophylaxis to decrease emergence of new COVID-19 cases.
... Although there was no significant decrease in TG and LDL, the honey-fed rats had significantly higher HDL levels than the rats on a sugar-free diet and sucrose diet. 132 Apolipoprotein B and TG-rich lipoproteins play a role in developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 133,134 Pretreatment with 3 g/kg/day of Tualang honey for 45 days in rats with isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction was shown to normalize cholesterol levels. ...
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the simultaneous presence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and/or visceral obesity, which predisposes a person to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Evidence suggesting the presence of direct and indirect associations between MetS and osteoporosis is growing. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of polyphenols in alleviating MetS in in vivo and in vitro models through their antioxidant and anti-inflammation actions. This review aims to summarize the effects of honey (based on unifloral and multi-floral nectar sources) on bone metabolism and each component of MetS. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases using specific search strings. Original studies related to components of MetS and bone, and the effects of honey on components of MetS and bone were included. Honey polyphenols could act synergistically in alleviating MetS by preventing oxidative damage and inflammation. Honey intake is shown to reduce blood glucose levels and prevent excessive weight gain. It also improves lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, as well as increasing high-density lipoprotein. Honey can prevent bone loss by reducing the adverse effects of MetS on bone homeostasis, apart from its direct action on the skeletal system. In conclusion, honey supplementation could be integrated into the management of MetS and MetS-induced bone loss as a preventive and adjunct therapeutic agent.
... As a consequence of this, there occurs a reduction in chances of developing osteoporosis or low bone mass in the elderly population. Studies in animal models has shown that calcium absorption was increased with regular intake of honey Olofsson and Vasquez 2008;Chepulis and Starkey 2008). ...
Honey has been broadly recognized as a source of nourishment and medication by both old and new generations. It has been utilized by people to treat numerous illnesses through topical application for at least 2700 years, but recent researches have revealed the antiseptic and antimicrobial activities of honey. It has been seen as a powerful agent that can be used in various human pathologies. Different clinical examinations have affirmed that the use of honey to cutaneous injuries which are severely infected removes contamination from the injury and enhances tissue healing. Honey has been perceived as a successful antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for centuries. Utilized mainly for treating burns and surface wounds, it has thus been developed into clinical medicine, as medical grade honey. In spite of this, the underlying interest in the utilization of honey for antimicrobial treatment was significantly reduced, as antibiotics were discovered and used. Nonetheless, due to the alarming increment in the occurrence of organisms with antimicrobial resistance, specifically the expansion in multidrug resistance (MDR), the quantity of efficient antibiotics is decreasing at a larger rate than new medications are created. This serious situation has made numerous scientists to think back to the pre-antibiotic period for creating solutions, directing their consideration towards the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial activity of honey.
... Plasma glucose levels have significantly been reduced due to honey administration and as a result of enhanced insulin secretion. In an experiment on normal rats which received honey supplementation (10%), the glycated haemoglobin was considerably reduced [103], where α-glucosidase and α-amylase were inhibited, the crucial enzymes involved in ameliorating blood glucose level elevation as a result of carbohydrate breakdown. The effect is purported to be the effect of honey polyphenols and other polyphenols as proposed by several investigations [83,104]. ...
Despite the availability of various antidiabetic drugs, diabetes mellitus (DM) remains one of the world's most prevalent chronic diseases and is a global burden. Hyperglycaemia, a characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), substantially leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering oxidative stress as well as numerous cellular and molecular modifications such as mitochondrial dysfunction affecting normal physiological functions in the body. In mitochondrial-mediated processes, oxidative pathways play an important role, although the responsible molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The impaired mitochondrial function is evidenced by insulin insensitivity in various cell types. In addition, the roles of master antioxidant pathway nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/antioxidant response elements (ARE) are being deciphered to explain various molecular pathways involved in diabetes. Dietary factors are known to influence diabetes, and many natural dietary factors have been studied to improve diabetes. Honey is primarily rich in carbohydrates and is also abundant in flavonoids and phenolic acids; thus, it is a promising therapeutic antioxidant for various disorders. Various research has indicated that honey has strong wound-healing properties and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral effects; thus, it is a promising antidiabetic agent. The potential antidiabetic mechanisms of honey were proposed based on its major constituents. This review focuses on the various prospects of using honey as an antidiabetic agent and the potential insights. © 2020 Visweswara Rao Pasupuleti et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
... It reduces the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), increase HDL, and reduces level of hepatic transaminases and triglycerides" suddenly it sounds rational. 8,9,10 ...
In the recent past inclination towards Ayurveda as a science of life has increased with the increase in awareness about health and healthy lifestyle. "The Traditional Medicine of India", not only believes in curing the disease merely but aims at curing the diseased along with emphasizing the importance of maintaining the health of the healthy person as a primary goal. The international potential of Ayurveda,is undergoing a phase of resurgence and revival in the world. Hence there is urgent need of recognition of Ayurveda as evidence based medicine for its global acceptance. Ayurvedic literature is elaborate and specific, there is a need to critically validate and develop strict methods for evaluation according to modern parameters based on traditional literature.
Burn wound management has traditionally relied on established treatments, yet emerging evidence underscores honey as a potent and versatile therapeutic agent. This systematic review evaluates the scientific evidence supporting honey’s use in treating burn wounds, highlighting its efficacy and benefits compared to conventional therapies. The review encompasses both clinical trials and animal studies published between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2024. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect databases was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 38 eligible studies. The analysis focuses on randomized controlled trials and full-text research articles that investigated honey’s role in burn wound care. Key attributes of honey, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration properties, are examined. The review discusses various types of honey, their composition, and their specific impacts on wound healing, including faster recovery times, reduced infection rates, and improved scar formation outcomes. Additionally, this review highlights the synergy between honey and other adjunctive treatments, such as ascorbic acid. The findings affirm that honey offers significant advantages in burn wound management, supporting its continued use and integration into modern wound care protocols. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of honey’s role in enhancing burn wound healing, reinforcing its value as both a traditional remedy and a scientifically validated treatment option.
Honey, often referred to as 'liquid gold,' a time-honoured natural food with a rich history, has now ascended to the status of a superfood in today's global market, thanks to its myriad nutraceutical properties. Despite its esteemed position, the global honey industry confronts a formidable challenge posed by the surge in adulteration driven by economic motives. This predicament complicates the authentication process, as sophisticated fraudulent methods come into play. The repercussions of such deceptive practices extend across the honey market, affecting its pricing, quality, and nutritional value, leading to an erosion of consumer trust and potential health risks. Notably, the analytical techniques employed for verifying honey authenticity often yield intricate, data-rich certificates of analysis that may be opaque to stakeholders lacking specialised knowledge. Recent initiatives have emerged to counteract this issue, incorporating modern rapid and sensitive techniques, establishing auditing, implementing certification processes, and garnering the involvement of global regulatory bodies. Collaborative actions are essential to preserve the integrity of honey, protect consumer interests, and foster a resilient and transparent honey industry worldwide. Consequently, this article underscores the comprehensive measures and technological advancements in detection of adulteration, and the layers of authentication processes to ensure ethical practices within the honey industry.
Honey is a gift of honey bees that collect nectar from a wide variety of flowers and convert it into honey before finally storing it in wax-form structures called honeycombs. Apart from being a sweetener, honey possesses several health benefits where it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Honey’s antioxidant property is mainly governed by its polyphenol content. These polyphenols provide medicinal uses by inhibiting enzymes or chelating free radical-producing elements. Since time immemorial, honey is being used to cure many diseases without any side effects. In addition to keeping the wound moist, its high viscosity suppresses the production of inflammatory cells. When it comes to the nutrition status of honey, it contains several oligosaccharides, out of which fructose and glucose being the major constituents. Despite the high carbohydrate content of honey, its glycemic index varies from 32 to 85, in accordance with its floral source. It also contains small amounts of amino acids, trace elements, minerals, proteins, active enzymes, vitamins, and aroma compounds. Intake of honey prevents weight gain by reducing excessive sugar levels. Honey also gives protection against metabolic syndrome, an umbrella of diseases which include hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
Bone health is the result of a tightly regulated balance between bone modeling and bone remodeling, and alterations of these processes have been observed in several diseases both in adult and pediatric populations. The imbalance in bone remodeling can ultimately lead to osteoporosis, which is most often associated with aging, but contributing factors can already act during the developmental age, when over a third of bone mass is accumulated. The maintenance of an adequate bone mass is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as physical activity and diet, and particularly by an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, it has been claimed that the integration of specific nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, isoflavones, lycopene, curcumin, lutein, and β-carotene and the intake of bioactive compounds from the diet such as honey, tea, dried plums, blueberry, and olive oil can be efficient strategies for bone loss prevention. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are largely used to provide medical or health benefits, but there is an urge to determine which products have adequate clinical evidence and a strong safety profile. The aim of this review is to explore the scientific and clinical evidence of the positive role of nutraceuticals and functional food in bone health, focusing both on molecular mechanisms and on real-world studies.
Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue characterized by hyperglycemia which leads over time to severe damage to numerous tissues. The present study aimed to estimate the effect of Egyptian Sidr honey against streptozotocin‐induced diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats were treated with Sidr honey daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The biochemical profile of blood samples was measured. Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, nitric oxide (NO), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were examined in liver and pancreas tissues. Moreover, the expression of Bax, Caspase‐3, and Bcl2 proteins were measured. Results revealed that the capability of Sidr honey to decline the elevated blood glucose and fructosamine levels compared to diabetic rats. Also, the honey decreased the levels of NO and MDA. Furthermore, it regulated the antioxidant enzymes activity. Moreover, it reduced the expression levels of Caspase‐3 and Bax while increased the Bcl2 level. In conclusion, Sidr honey can regulate hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and antioxidant enzymes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats.
Background: A constellation of conditions known as the Metabolic Syndrome includes hyperglycaemia, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and central obesity. The two most significant criteria for this collection are central obesity and insulin resistance. Its frequency quickly increased in the modern period and has had a significant socioeconomic impact. Finding a safe and affordable treatment for Metabolic Syndrome is urgently needed because it is one of the primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In the Ayurvedic classics, Santarpana Nimittaj Vikara (diseases due to overeating) is related to Metabolic Syndrome, and Lekhana Basti (therapeutic enema with scrapping properties) appears to be an effective treatment because it is one of the fastest methods to achieve apatarpana (fasting). Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the role of Lekhana Basti in Metabolic Syndrome. Material and methods: Patients of either sex who fulfilled the study's eligibility requirements and were aged between 20-60 years were enrolled. Lekhana Basti was given to each of the 21 patients in the morning for 15 days, along with Matra Basti (a type of oleaginous enema) in the evening. The same method was then done after a 15-day break. The final result was then seen after 15 days. Results: In terms of the criteria for weight, waist size, blood sugar fasting, and diastolic blood pressure, the intervention is highly significant; in terms of systolic blood pressure and LDL, it is significant; and in terms of triglycerides and HDL, it is not significant. Conclusion: Lekhana Basti is an ideal therapy for Metabolic Syndrome.
This chapter emphasizes the profile and characteristics of bee products relevant to diabetes mellitus (DM) and their use in DM management. The chapter summarizes and analyses recent scientific data from both preclinical and clinical trials indicating the bee products’ potential in treating DM. Bee products have hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties, which are favorable factors for diabetics and their control. Bee products reduce oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products (AGE) build-up and adipose tissue inflammation, all of which contribute to insulin resistance and secretion abnormalities, which ameliorate diabetic complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy foot ulcers and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The antioxidant potential of honey comes from various components including phenolic acids, enzymes (catalase, glucose oxidase), flavonoids, vitamins, organic acids, and Maillard reaction products that are nascently present in raw honey. Hence, it would be highly beneficial for consumers to develop honey-based candies such as honey drops and lozenges that can maintain health benefits of its precursors. This study is focused on evaluating the changes in chemical profiles of honey, specifically phenolic content and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation upon formulation of raw honey into honey lozenges and honey drops and evaluation of antioxidant properties of honey-based products using different antioxidant assays. Our results indicate that in comparison with raw honey, honey lozenges and drops contain higher total phenolic and HMF components, as well as exhibit greater antioxidant properties as is determined by multiple antioxidant assays.
The combined effects of Malaysian Tualang honey (TH) and countermovement jumping exercise on muscular performance among inactive young males were explored in this study. Methods: A total of 40 participants were recruited and randomly assigned into four groups, i.e., control (C), honey (H), jumping (J), and combined jumping with honey (JH) groups. The countermovement jumping exercise consisted of 2 sessions/day, 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks. Participants in H and JH groups consumed 20 g of TH in the morning daily for 6 weeks. Pre-and post-tests were conducted on participant's anthropometric parameters, vertical jump height, standing long jump distance, isokinetic muscular peak torque (strength), and average power on the dominant leg. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: In J and JH groups, there was a significant increase by 7.75% in the J group and 16.80% in the JH group in height of the vertical jump. There was also a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the distance of standing long jump in H, J, and JH groups. Among all, JH group showed the highest improvement compared to other groups. Regarding isokinetic muscular performance parameters, JH group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in knee extension peak torque at 300 o s-1 , flexion peak torque at 300 o s-1 , extension average power at 60 o s-1 , extension average power at 300 o s-1 , flexion average power at 60 o s-1 , and flexion average power at 300 o s-1. In the J group, knee extension average power at 300 o s-1 significantly increased. Conclusion: Combination of countermovement jumping exercise with TH increases muscular strength and power in young males.
Stingless bee honey is a type of popular honey in Malaysia. In this study, a total of 30 stingless bee honey samples were exclusively collected from the beekeepers, honeybee suppliers, and honeybee farms in Malaysia. The quality of stingless bee honey is evaluated against the standard, while the near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique is implemented for detecting adulterated honey. One out of thirty (30) honey samples do not fulfill the requirements of moisture content and hydroxymethylfurfural content, according to Standard of Malaysia, while only five (5) honey samples fulfill the requirement of the pH value. Furthermore, the NIR spectra data interpretation using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) combined with Logistic Regression shows that the accuracy of above 98% is obtained for both train dataset and test dataset. This high accuracy of honey adulteration identification using the NIR spectrometer shows its promising immediate application for rapid non‐destructive fraud detection in honey.
In the study, the growth pattern, morphometric and morphological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of growing male and female Sprague-Dawley rats fed crude honey (CH)-supplemented diets as measures of nutrient utilization, digestive functions and healthy growth were investigated. Thirty-five suckling (7-day old male and female) rats were fed CH either as low (10mLkg-1 BW) or high (20mLkg-1 BW) dose daily via stomach tube for 14 days, while the control group was gavaged with distilled water. Rats were kept with their dams to nurse freely between gavages. On weaning, CH was mixed with commercial rat feed as low (20%) or high, 50% (volume/weight, v/w), while 20% (v/w) tap water was added to the control diet. The feed intake of honey-fed male rats and control (infant: 6 – 10g; adult:31 – 38g) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than their high dose-diet mates (infant: 5 – 8g; adult: 31 – 38g). All the rats were killed at 13 weeks old for gross and microscopic measurements of the abdominal viscera. Grossly, there were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in the relative lengths (%BW) and weight: length ratio (g cm-1 ) of the small and large intestines in both sexes. Crude honey increased the absolute and relative weights of the caecum (1.73 ± 0.05g; 0.38 ± 0.02%BW) and pancreas (2.52 ± 0.11g; 0.55 ± 0.03%BW), with significant influence (p<0.05) in the male rats. In addition, dietary inclusion of CH at low dose enhanced intestinal villi growth in height (84.0 ± 4.0µm) and width (25.2 ± 1.5µm). Dietary supplementation with crude honey also enhanced body weight gain of male rats (495.52 ± 8.98g) and females (242.52 ± 6.87g), improved abdominal organs' functional size: liver (10.92 ± 0.32g; 2.72 ± 0.13%BW); spleen (1.25 ± 0.06g; 0.27 ± 0.02%BW), devoid of pathological changes, as shown by liver histomorphology (1.2 ± 0.3) and normal hepatocellular architecture thereby conferring nutritional and health benefits on animals nurtured in confinement.
Background
In the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), ionizing radiation is an important modality in achieving curative objectives. However, the effective use of radiation is compromised by the side effects resulting from the damage to the adjacent normal tissue. Preclinical studies carried out in the recent past have shown that the age old dietary agent honey, which also possess myriad medicinal use is beneficial in mitigating diverse radiation-induced side effects like mucositis, xerostomia, fatigue, weight loss and to promote healing of refractory wounds.
Objective
The objective of this memoir is to review the beneficial effects of honey in mitigating radiation-induced side effects in HNC and to emphasize on the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects.
Methods
Two authors searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications up to December 2019 to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of radiation-induced ill effects in the treatment of HNC. Subsequently, the adjunct pharmacological effects and mechanism/s responsible were also searched for and appropriately used to substantiate the underlying mechanism/s of action for the beneficial effects.
Results
The existing data is suggestive that honey is beneficial in mitigating the radiation-induced mucositis, xerostomia, healing of recalcitrant wounds in radiation exposed regions and multiple pathways mediate the beneficial effects especially, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, wound healing, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anabolic, anti-fatigue and anti-anaemic effects that add additional value to the use of honey as an adjunct in cancer therapy.
Conclusion
For the first time this review addresses the underlying pharmacological effects related to the beneficial effects of honey in radiation-induced damage, and attempts at emphasizes the lacunae that need further studies for optimizing the use of honey as an adjunct in radiotherapy of HNC. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the detail molecular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects using validated cell culture and animal models of study. Large multi centric clinical trials with standardised honey is also needed to understand the clinical use of honey.
Natural honey (NH) is a highly nutritious substance and is considered as one of nature’s wonders which has been used by all cultures, traditions and civilizations as a food and medicine. Natural honey (NH) is a by-product made by honeybees by using nectar of flowers and sugary non-floral deposits obtained from plants that is then converted into honey by a process of regurgitation and evaporation. Later the honeybees store honey as a primary source of food in wax honeycombs inside the beehive. Honey is classified on the basis of processing, physical, chemical, and nutritional properties. Honey also plays a part in symbolism and religion. The appearance, quality, sensory perception, and composition of NH vary greatly depending on the nectar source, environmental and climatic conditions. Honey’s main constituents include carbohydrates, primarily fructose and glucose although it also contains various oligosaccharide sugars. Besides these NH, also contains minute quantities of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, trace elements, minerals, vitamins, aroma substances, and polyphenols. NH shows a vast range of health and nutritional properties. NH imparts antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune boosting property, antiviral, antiparasitory, antimutagenic, and antitumor effects. Honey has also been well known for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, and gastritis. Thus NH has proved a valuable nutritional food and medicinal entity.
Honey and propolis are the honey bee-derived products with a long history of consumption by humans for health purposes. Both of these substances consist of a wide spectrum of vital compounds especially phenolics and flavonoids that are capable of exerting beneficial clinical effects on health. The antimicrobial, anti-metastatic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activities of honey ingredients and antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-protozoal, anticancer, antihepatotoxic, antihypertensive, and cytotoxic properties of propolis make these substances potential candidates for therapeutics. Honey has been found effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, neurological abnormalities, gastrointestinal defects, skin ulcerations, ophthalmic defects, wounds, peptic ulcers, and different types of carcinomas. Likewise, propolis also exhibits potential role in the management of chronic kidney disease, neurological disorders, tumors, ulcers, chronic periodontitis, atherosclerosis, gastrointestinal defects, and wounds. Evidences suggest honey and propolis as potential phyto-derived clinico-pharmacological agents for effective treatment of different diseases.
Honey often referred to as ‘the drink of the gods’, is naturally sweet and a substantially rich source of carbohydrates, amino acids and antioxidants. In spite of being rich in carbohydrates, honey has a low glycemic index and therefore effectively used as a dietary compliance by diabetics. The fructose content of honey has hepatoprotective capability, while the antioxidants present in it provide effective protection against oxidative damage. The therapeutic attribute of honey makes it the food of choice even in infants and diabetics. Honey is endowed with antioxidant, immune modulating, and wound healing, anti-inflammatory, therapeutic, nutritional, antimicrobial and antidiabetic qualities. The present review aims at discussing these capabilities of honey with special reference to its antidiabetic benefits under one dome.
To assess the association between high but nondiabetic blood glucose levels and the risk of death from all causes, coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular disease, and neoplasms.
We studied the 20-year mortality of non-diabetic, working men, age 44-55 years, in three European cohorts known as the Whitehall Study (n = 10,025), the Paris Prospective Study (n = 6,629), and the Helsinki Policeman Study (n = 631). These men were identified by their 2-h glucose levels following an oral glucose tolerance test and by the absence of a prior diagnosis of diabetes. As the protocol for the oral glucose tolerance test and methods for measuring glucose differed between studies, mortality was analyzed according to the percentiles of the 2-h and fasting glucose distributions, using the Cox's proportional hazards model.
Men in the upper 20% of the 2-h glucose distributions and those in the upper 2.5% for fasting glucose had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality in comparison with men in the lower 80% of these distributions, with age-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.6 (95% CI 1.4-1.9) and 2.0 (1.6-2.6) for the upper 2.5%. For death from cardiovascular and CHD, men in the upper 2.5% of the 2-h and fasting glucose distributions were at higher risk, with age-adjusted hazard ratios for CHD of 1.8 (1.4-2.4) and 2.7 (1.7-4.4), respectively.
If early intervention aimed at lowering blood glucose concentrations can be shown to reduce mortality, it may be justified to lower the levels of both 2-h and fasting glucose, which define diabetes.
To examine the relative effects of high and low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates, and monounsaturated fats on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM subjects.
Fourteen male and seven female variably controlled NIDDM subjects recruited by advertisement.
Free living outpatients.
A repeated measures, within-subject design was used such that each subject consumed three diets: (a) a high-GI diet (53% CHO -21% fat, 63 GI units (glucose= 100)); (b) a low-GI diet (51% CHO -23% fat, 43 GI units); and (c) a high-mono high-GI diet (42% CHO -35% fat, 59 GI units) in random order and cross-over fashion for four weeks. Approximately 45% energy was provided as key foods which differed in published GI values and specifically excluded legumes. Dietary fibre intake was > 30 g/d on each diet. At the end of each dietary intervention, we measured fasting plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, total glycated plasma protein, fructosamine, LDL and HDL particle size as well as 24 h urinary excretion of glucose and C-peptide.
HDL-cholesterol was higher on the low-GI and high-mono high-GI diets compared to the high-GI diet (P < 0.05 for overall diet effect). There were no other significant differences in metabolic control between diets, even when adjusted for BMI, glucose control or gender. Body weight and saturated fat intake remained stable between dietary interventions.
High-mono high-GI and high-CHO, low-GI diets are superior to high-CHO, high-GI diets with respect to HDL metabolism but no effect was noted on glucose metabolism in variably controlled NIDDM subjects.
Although it is generally accepted that lowering elevated serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with coronary heart disease is beneficial, there are few data to guide decisions about therapy for patients whose primary lipid abnormality is a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
We conducted a double-blind trial comparing gemfibrozil (1200 mg per day) with placebo in 2531 men with coronary heart disease, an HDL cholesterol level of 40 mg per deciliter (1.0 mmol per liter) or less, and an LDL cholesterol level of 140 mg per deciliter (3.6 mmol per liter) or less. The primary study outcome was nonfatal myocardial infarction or death from coronary causes.
The median follow-up was 5.1 years. At one year, the mean HDL cholesterol level was 6 percent higher, the mean triglyceride level was 31 percent lower, and the mean total cholesterol level was 4 percent lower in the gemfibrozil group than in the placebo group. LDL cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between the groups. A primary event occurred in 275 of the 1267 patients assigned to placebo (21.7 percent) and in 219 of the 1264 patients assigned to gemfibrozil (17.3 percent). The overall reduction in the risk of an event was 4.4 percentage points, and the reduction in relative risk was 22 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 7 to 35 percent; P=0.006). We observed a 24 percent reduction in the combined outcome of death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke (P< 0.001). There were no significant differences in the rates of coronary revascularization, hospitalization for unstable angina, death from any cause, and cancer.
Gemfibrozil therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary disease whose primary lipid abnormality was a low HDL cholesterol level. The findings suggest that the rate of coronary events is reduced by raising HDL cholesterol levels and lowering levels of triglycerides without lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
The concept of a body weight set point, determined predominantly by genetic mechanisms, has been proposed to explain the poor long-term results of conventional energy-restricted diets in the treatment of obesity.
The objective of this study was to examine whether dietary composition affects hormonal and metabolic adaptations to energy restriction.
A randomized, crossover design was used to compare the effects of a high-glycemic-index (high-GI) and a low-glycemic-index (low-GI) energy-restricted diet. The macronutrient composition of the high-GI diet was (as percent of energy) 67% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 18% fat and that of the low-GI diet was 43% carbohydrate, 27% protein, and 30% fat; the diets had similar total energy, energy density, and fiber contents. The subjects, 10 moderately overweight young men, were studied for 9 d on 2 separate occasions. On days -1 to 0, they consumed self-selected foods ad libitum. On days 1-6, they received an energy-restricted high- or low-GI diet. On days 7-8, the high- or low-GI diets were consumed ad libitum.
Serum leptin decreased to a lesser extent from day 0 to day 6 with the high-GI diet than with the low-GI diet. Resting energy expenditure declined by 10.5% during the high-GI diet but by only 4.6% during the low-GI diet (7.38 +/- 0.39 and 7.78 +/- 0.36 MJ/d, respectively, on days 5-6; P = 0.04). Nitrogen balance tended to be more negative, and energy intake from snacks on days 7-8 was greater, with the high-GI than the low-GI diet.
Diets with identical energy contents can have different effects on leptin concentrations, energy expenditure, voluntary food intake, and nitrogen balance, suggesting that the physiologic adaptations to energy restriction can be modified by dietary composition.
Little is known about the effects of the amount and type of carbohydrates on risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the relations of the amount and type of carbohydrates with risk of CHD.
A cohort of 75521 women aged 38-63 y with no previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases in 1984 was followed for 10 y. Each participant's dietary glycemic load was calculated as a function of glycemic index, carbohydrate content, and frequency of intake of individual foods reported on a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline. All dietary variables were updated in 1986 and 1990.
During 10 y of follow-up (729472 person-years), 761 cases of CHD (208 fatal and 553 nonfatal) were documented. Dietary glycemic load was directly associated with risk of CHD after adjustment for age, smoking status, total energy intake, and other coronary disease risk factors. The relative risks from the lowest to highest quintiles of glycemic load were 1.00, 1.01, 1. 25, 1.51, and 1.98 (95% CI: 1.41, 2.77 for the highest quintile; P for trend < 0.0001). Carbohydrate classified by glycemic index, as opposed to its traditional classification as either simple or complex, was a better predictor of CHD risk. The association between dietary glycemic load and CHD risk was most evident among women with body weights above average ¿ie, body mass index (in kg/m(2)) >/= 23.
These epidemiologic data suggest that a high dietary glycemic load from refined carbohydrates increases the risk of CHD, independent of known coronary disease risk factors.
Little is known about the variation of the glycemic index (GI) in the diet of European outpatients with type 1 diabetes and how the GI of a commonly consumed diet is associated with metabolic control.
The present study examined the calculated dietary GI of European outpatients with type 1 diabetes for possible relations to glycated hemoglobin (Hb A(1c)) and serum lipid concentrations.
The relation of the GI (calculated from a 3-d dietary record) to Hb A(1c), serum cholesterol (total, LDL, and HDL), and fasting triacylglycerol was analyzed in 2810 people with type 1 diabetes from the EURODIAB Complications Study.
The GI was independently related to Hb A(1c) (P = 0.0001). Compared with the highest GI quartile (median GI: 89), adjusted Hb A(1c) in the lowest GI quartile (median GI: 75) was 11% lower in patients from southern European centers and 6% lower in patients from northern, western, and eastern European centers. Of the serum lipids, only the HDL cholesterol in patients from these European centers was independently related to the GI (P = 0.002). In southern European centers, the consumption of pasta, temperate-climate fruit, white bread, and potatoes largely determined the patients' dietary GI, whereas in the northern, western, and eastern European centers, consumption of bread, potatoes, and temperate-climate fruit was most relevant.
This study in European patients with type 1 diabetes showed that a lower dietary GI is related to lower Hb A(1c) concentrations, independently of fiber intake. The consumption of bread and pasta had the biggest effect on the overall dietary GI of European outpatients.
Insulin and insulin-like growth factors can stimulate proliferation of colorectal cells. High intake of refined carbohydrates and markers of insulin resistance are associated with colorectal cancer. To test the insulin/colon cancer hypothesis, we determined whether the dietary glycemic index and the glycemic load are associated with colorectal cancer risk.
A case-control study on colorectal cancer conducted in Italy. Cases included 1125 men and 828 women with histologically confirmed incident cancer of the colon or rectum. Controls were 2073 men and 2081 women hospitalized for acute conditions. We calculated average daily dietary glycemic index and glycemic load, and fiber intake from a validated food frequency questionnaire.
Direct associations with colorectal cancer risk emerged for glycemic index (odds ratio (OR) in highest vs. lowest quintile = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-2.0) and glycemic load (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5-2.2), after allowance for sociodemographic factors, physical activity, number of daily meals, and intakes of fiber, alcohol and energy. ORs were more elevated for cancer of the colon than rectum. Overweight and low intake of fiber from vegetables and fruit appeared to amplify the adverse consequences of high glycemic load.
The positive associations of glycemic index and load with colorectal cancer suggest a detrimental role of refined carbohydrates in the etiology of the disease.
It has been suggested that the current dietary recommendations (low-fat-high-carbohydrate diet) may promote the intake of sugar and highly refined starches which could have adverse effects on the metabolic risk profile. We have investigated the short-term (6-d) nutritional and metabolic effects of an ad libitum low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein diet (prepared according to the Montignac method) compared with the American Heart Association (AHA) phase I diet consumed ad libitum as well as with a pair-fed session consisting of the same daily energy intake as the former but with the same macronutrient composition as the AHA phase I diet. Twelve overweight men (BMI 33.0 (sd 3.5) kg/m2) without other diseases were involved in three experimental conditions with a minimal washout period of 2 weeks separating each intervention. By protocol design, the first two conditions were administered randomly whereas the pair-fed session had to be administered last. During the ad libitum version of the AHA diet, subjects consumed 11695.0 (sd 1163.0) kJ/d and this diet induced a 28 % increase in plasma triacylglycerol levels (1.77 (sd 0.79) v. 2.27 (sd 0.92) mmol/l, P<0.05) and a 10 % reduction in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations (0.92 (sd 0.16) v. 0.83 (sd 0.09) mmol/l, P<0.01) which contributed to a significant increase in cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio (P<0.05), this lipid index being commonly used to assess the risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, the low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein diet consumed ad libitum resulted in a spontaneous 25 % decrease (P<0.001) in total energy intake which averaged 8815.0 (sd 738.0) kJ/d. As opposed to the AHA diet, the low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein diet produced a substantial decrease (-35 %) in plasma triacylglycerol levels (2.00 (sd 0.83) v. 1.31 (sd 0.38) mmol/l, P<0.0005), a significant increase (+1.6 %) in LDL peak particle diameter (251 (sd 5) v. 255 (sd 5) A, P<0.02) and marked decreases in plasma insulin levels measured either in the fasting state, over daytime and following a 75 g oral glucose load. During the pair-fed session, in which subjects were exposed to a diet with the same macronutrient composition as the AHA diet but restricted to the same energy intake as during the low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein diet, there was a trend for a decrease in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels which contributed to the significant increase in cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio noted with this condition. Furthermore, a marked increase in hunger (P<0.0002) and a significant decrease in satiety (P<0.007) were also noted with this energy-restricted diet. Finally, favourable changes in the metabolic risk profile noted with the ad libitum consumption of the low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein diet (decreases in triacyglycerols, lack of increase in cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, increase in LDL particle size) were significantly different from the response of these variables to the AHA phase I diet. Thus, a low-glycaemic index-low-fat-high-protein content diet may have unique beneficial effects compared with the conventional AHA diet for the treatment of the atherogenic metabolic risk profile of abdominally obese patients. However, the present study was a short-term intervention and additional trials are clearly needed to document the long-term efficacy of this dietary approach with regard to compliance and effects on the metabolic risk profile.
Certain types of carbohydrates increase glucose and insulin levels to a greater extent than others. In turn, insulin may raise levels of insulin-like growth factors, which may influence breast cancer risk. We analyzed the effect of type and amount of carbohydrates on breast cancer risk, using the glycemic index and the glycemic load measures in a large case-control study conducted in Italy.
Cases were 2,569 women with incident, histologically-confirmed breast cancer interviewed between 1991 and 1994. Controls were 2588 women admitted to the same hospital network for a variety of acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Average daily glycemic index and glycemic load were calculated from a validated 78-item food frequency questionnaire.
Direct associations with breast cancer risk emerged for glycemic index (odds ratio, OR for highest vs. lowest quintile = 1.4; P for trend <0.01) and glycemic load (OR = 1.3; P < 0.01). High glycemic index foods, such as white bread, increased the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.3) while the intake of pasta, a medium glycemic index food, seemed to have no influence (OR = 1.0). Findings were consistent across different strata of menopausal status, alcohol intake, and physical activity level.
This study supports the hypothesis of moderate, direct associations between glycemic index or glycemic load and breast cancer risk and, consequently, a possible role of hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance in breast cancer development.
Although weight loss can be achieved by any means of energy restriction, current dietary guidelines have not prevented weight regain or population-level increases in obesity and overweight. Many high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets may be counterproductive to weight control because they markedly increase postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Many high-carbohydrate foods common to Western diets produce a high glycemic response [high-glycemic-index (GI) foods], promoting postprandial carbohydrate oxidation at the expense of fat oxidation, thus altering fuel partitioning in a way that may be conducive to body fat gain. In contrast, diets based on low-fat foods that produce a low glycemic response (low-GI foods) may enhance weight control because they promote satiety, minimize postprandial insulin secretion, and maintain insulin sensitivity. This hypothesis is supported by several intervention studies in humans in which energy-restricted diets based on low-GI foods produced greater weight loss than did equivalent diets based on high-GI foods. Long-term studies in animal models have also shown that diets based on high-GI starches promote weight gain, visceral adiposity, and higher concentrations of lipogenic enzymes than do isoenergetic, macronutrientcontrolled, low-GI-starch diets. In a study of healthy pregnant women, a high-GI diet was associated with greater weight at term than was a nutrient-balanced, low-GI diet. In a study of diet and complications of type 1 diabetes, the GI of the overall diet was an independent predictor of waist circumference in men. These findings provide the scientific rationale to justify randomized, controlled, multicenter intervention studies comparing the effects of conventional and low-GI diets on weight control.
Guinea pigs carry the majority of their plasma cholesterol in LDL, making them a unique animal model with which to study hepatic cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism. In this review, the benefits and advantages of using this particular model are discussed. How dietary factors such as soluble fiber, cholesterol and fatty acids that vary in saturation and chain length affect hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and influence the synthesis, intravascular processing and catabolism of lipoproteins is reviewed. In addition, alterations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and plasma lipoproteins as affected by treatment with cholestyramine or 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, exercise, marginal intake of vitamin C, ovariectomy (a model for menopause) and similarities to the human situation are addressed. A review of guinea pigs as models for early atherosclerosis development is also presented.
Honey is a completely natural product. Although most commercially distributed honey has been subjected to some degree of physical processing, raw honey can be used straight from the comb as taken from the beehive. The distinction of honey as a pure natural product is maintained by food regulations worldwide: anything sold as honey has to have been produced by bees from the secretions of plants, and be free from any additives and contaminants. Nevertheless, the fraudulent practice of selling adulterated or simulated honey is widespread and has gone on since ancient times. To understand the challenge presented in detecting such fraud it is necessary to be aware of the complexity of honey, a natural product with a very varied nature resulting from the wide variability of its sources.
Background
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend that fasting glucose alone with the oral glucose tolerance test should be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus. We assessed mortality associated with the ADA fasting-glucose criteria compared with the WHO 2 h post-challenge glucose criteria.
Methods
We assessed baseline data on glucose concentrations at fasting and 2 h after the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test from 13 prospective European cohort studies, which included 18 048 men and 7316 women aged 30 years or older. Mean follow-up was 7–3 years. We assessed the risk of death according to the different diagnostic glucose categories.
Findings
Compared with men who had normal fasting glucose (<6.1 mmol/L), men with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus by the ADA fasting criteria (≤7.0 mmol/L) had a hazard ratio for death of 1.81 (95% CI1.49–2.20); for women the hazaid ratio was 1.79 (1.18–2.69). For impaired fasting glucose (6.1–6.9 mmol/L), the hazard ratios were 1.21 (1.05–1.41) and 1.08 (0.70–1.66). Fbrthe WHO criteria (≤11.1 mmol/L), the ratios for newly diagnosed diabetes were 2.02 (1.66–2.46) in men and 2.77 (1.96–3.92) in women, and for impaired glucose tolerance (7.8–11.1 mmol/L) were 1.51 (1.32–1.72) and 1.60 (1.22–2.10). Within each fasting-glucose classification, mortality increased with increasing 2 h glucose. However, for 2 h glucose classifications of impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes, there was no trend for increasing fasting glucose concentrations.
Interpretation
Fasting-glucose concentrations alone do not identify individuals at increased risk of death associated with hyperglycaemia. The oral glucose tolerance test provides additional prognostic information and enables detection of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, who have the greatest attributable risk of death
Background The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend that fasting glucose alone with the oral glucose tolerance test should be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus. We assessed mortality associated with the ADA fasting-glucose criteria compared with the WHO 2 h post-challenge glucose criteria. Methods We assessed baseline data on glucose concentrations at fasting and 2 h after the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test from 13 prospective European cohort studies, which included 18 048 men and 7316 women aged 30 years or older. Mean follow-up was 7.3 years. We assessed the risk of death according to the different diagnostic glucose categories. Findings Compared with men who had normal fasting glucose (<6.1 mmol/L), men with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus by the ADA fasting criteria(greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/L) had a hazard ratio for death of 1.81 (95% Cl 1.49-2.20); for women the hazard ratio was 1.79 (1.18-2.69). For impaired fasting glucose (6.1-6.9 mmol/L), the hazard ratios were 1.21 (1.05-1.41) and 1.08 (0.70-1.66). For the WHO criteria (greater than or equal to 11.1 mmol/L), the ratios for newly diagnosed diabetes were 2.02 (1.66-2.46) in men and 2.77 (1.96-3.92) in women, and for impaired glucose tolerance (7.8-11.1 mmol/L) were 1.51 (1.32-1.72) and 1.60 (1.22-2.10). Within each fasting-glucose classification, mortality increased with increasing 2 h glucose. However, for 2 h glucose classifications of impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes, there was no trend for increasing fasting glucose concentrations. Interpretation Fasting-glucose concentrations alone do not identify individuals at increased risk of death associated with hyperglycaemia. The oral glucose tolerance test provides additional prognostic information and enables detection of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, who have the greatest attributable risk of death.
High fat-sucrose (HFS) diets can reportedly produce glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia that may indirectly have deleterious
effects on bone. The effects of a high-fat diet on calcium absorption, bone calcium content, and bone mechanical properties,
however, remain controversial. Thus, we examined the morphological and biomechanical adaptations in limb bones of rats that
were fed a HFS diet. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two groups, either a control group
(n=9) fed a standard diet (low-fat complex-carbohydrate) or an experimental group (n=9) fed a HFS diet for 10 weeks. The right
tibia and second metatarsus (MT) were fractured in three-point bending, and contralateral bones were used for morphological
and histological analyses. HFS tibias had significantly lower maximum load and failure energy, and tensile stress at the proportional
limit for both HFS tibia and MT was significantly less than controls. In addition, the elastic modulus and density of the
HFS MT was significantly lower than controls. Geometry of the tibial mid-diaphysial cross section did not differ for the two
diets, but the cortical cross-sectional area of HFS MT increased significantly compared to control MT. The total number of
osteons in the middiaphysis of HFS MT decreased, but tibial and MT porosities did not change with the HFS diet. Our results
suggest that the deleterious effects of the HFS diet may be more related to changes in the material properties of the cortical
bone rather than to osteoporotic changes in the bone.
Low HDL-cholesterol is common among patients with cardiovascular disease. Well-designed epidemiological studies carried out over the previous three decades have defined the prognostic significance of low HDL-cholesterol. Indeed, a recent evaluation of patients undergoing coronary angiography showed that factors related to HDL-cholesterol, but not to LDL-cholesterol, were primarily responsible for driving the elevated risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events associated with dysglycaemia within this population. Randomized intervention studies have demonstrated significant inhibition of atherosclerosis and/or improvement in cardiovascular event rates with treatments that increase HDL-cholesterol (nicotinic acid or a fibrate). Nicotinic acid is the most powerful HDL-cholesterol raising agent currently available, and a combination of this agent with a statin facilitates simultaneous control of both HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Indeed, the HDL Atherosclerosis Treatment Study demonstrated a reduction in major cardiovascular events of 90% vs. placebo in patients randomized to nicotinic acid+simvastatin. In addition, patients randomized to nicotinic acid in the Coronary Drug Project benefited from a significant reduction in mortality after 15 years, 9 years after the trial ended. A new prolonged-release formulation of nicotinic acid, Niaspan®, has superior tolerability compared with immediate-release nicotinic acid and facilitates the delivery of this therapy. The evidence base supporting intervention to correct low HDL-cholesterol in addition to reducing LDL-cholesterol is now sufficiently strong to support the introduction of this strategy into routine clinical practice.
Summary— In the course of study of the influence of varying the amount of refined carbohydrate (sugar and sugar products) in an otherwise standardised diet in 18 normal subjects it was evident that the analysis of 24-h urine collections failed to show the profound diurnal variation in urinary electrolyte excretion and, in particular in this instance, calcium excretion.
The analysis of individually voided specimens showed some normal subjects to have spontaneously high peaks of urinary calcium concentration throughout the day even whilst on a diet with low refined carbohydrate content. Increase in the refined carbohydrate content of the otherwise standardised diet caused significant increase in the number of urines with a calcium concentration above 9 mmol/l.
Refined carbohydrate, a common constituent in Western diets, can therefore influence urinary electorlyte excretion in such a way that there may be an increased risk of over-saturation with calcium oxalate.
Tolerance tests using glucose, sucrose, fructose, or sorbitol each at 4 dose levels, were carried out in nine healthy young men and during the 90 min after ingestion the plasma serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, fructose, triglyceride, glycerol, uric acid, lactate, and pyruvate were estimated. It was confirmed that serum glucose levels are unaffected by the amount of glucose given. Little fructose seems to be converted to glucose judging by the serum fructose levels following sucrose and fructose, and by the small insulin response to oral fructose. The insulin response to a sucrose meal is half of that after an equivalent amount of glucose. The fall in serum triglyceride seen after carbohydrate meals is not related to insulin. Only glucose is not associated with a rise in serum uric acid, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations after ingestion.
Increasing restrictions on the experimental use of human subjects and the difficulties of either evaluating or controlling human subjects over long periods of time suggest the need for increasing use of experimental animals, especially in the study of chronic disease. Experience appears to provide the only guideline for the selection of the most useful species in any particular field. It should be recognized that the species that are most susceptible or those that most nearly approximate the lesion found in man are not necessarily the only useful species. Differences in susceptibility or metabolism provide opportunities for identifying significant parameters in man. We tend to be locked into the use of a few experimental species for no obvious logical reason and have not yet begun to utilize the potential of the diverse species available. Whatever the experiment, diet remains an environmental variable that should be considered in the design and evaluation.
High fat and sucrose (HFS) diets may induce glucose intolerance, alter calcium metabolism, and lead to deficits in bone mineralization, development, and mechanical properties. To determine the mechanical and structural consequences of a HFS diet on rapidly growing vertebrae, female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 wk) were assigned randomly (2:1) either to a control group (n = 20) fed a low-fat complex-carbohydrate diet or an experimental group (n = 10) fed a HFS diet for 10-12 wk. The sixth lumbar vertebral body (L6) was isolated from the pedicles, morphological measures were taken, and compression was tested at a fast strain rate, while immersed in a warmed (37 degrees C) isotonic physiological buffer solution. No significant difference in body mass existed between HFS and control groups; nevertheless, HFS L6 cross-sectional areas, lengths, and volumes were significantly smaller than controls. The HFS L6 also had significantly lower mechanical properties, including initial maximum load, energy at initial maximum load, and strain energy density at initial maximum load. Diets high in sucrose and fat content have been associated with changes in calcium metabolism, and the results of the current study suggest that in immature vertebrae, a HFS diet may adversely affect vertebral body mechanical integrity and strength.
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet, with weight loss if indicated, to correct elevated plasma cholesterol levels. Weight loss accomplished by simple caloric restriction or increased exercise typically increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Little is known about the effects on plasma lipoproteins of a hypocaloric NCEP diet with or without exercise in overweight people.
We tested the hypothesis that exercise (walking or jogging) will increase HDL cholesterol levels in moderately overweight, sedentary people who adopt a hypocaloric NCEP diet. We randomly assigned 132 men and 132 women 25 to 49 years old to one of three groups: control, hypocaloric NCEP diet, or hypocaloric NCEP diet with exercise. One hundred nineteen of the men and 112 of the women returned for testing after one year.
After one year, the subjects in both intervention groups had reached or closely approached NCEP Step 1 dietary goals and reduced their mean body fat significantly (range of reduction in mean fat weight, 4.0 to 7.8 kg). Weight loss on the NCEP diet alone did not significantly change HDL cholesterol levels in either the men or the women as compared with the subjects in the control group. Plasma levels of HDL cholesterol increased significantly more in the men who exercised and dieted (mean [+/- SE] change, +13 +/- 3 percent) than in the men who only dieted (+2 +/- 3 percent, P less than 0.01) or the men who acted as controls (-4 +/- 2 percent, P less than 0.001). HDL cholesterol levels remained about the same in the women who exercised and dieted (+1 +/- 2 percent); they were higher than in the women who only dieted (-10 +/- 3 percent, P less than 0.01), but not higher than in the controls (-3 +/- 3 percent).
Regular exercise in overweight men and women enhances the improvement in plasma lipoprotein levels that results from the adoption of a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
It is now recognized that dietary carbohydrate components influence the prevalence and severity of common degenerative diseases such as dental problems, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Fructose and sucrose have been evaluated and compared to glucose using glucose tolerance tests, but few such comparisons have been performed for a "natural" sugar source such as honey. In this study, 33 upper trimester chiropractic students volunteered for oral glucose tolerance testing comparing sucrose, fructose and honey during successive weeks. A 75-gm carbohydrate load in 250 ml of water was ingested and blood sugar readings were taken at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 minutes. Fructose showed minimal changes in blood sugar levels, consistent with other studies. Sucrose gave higher blood sugar readings than honey at every measurement, producing significantly (p less than .05) greater glucose intolerance. Honey provided the fewest subjective symptoms of discomfort. Given that honey has a gentler effect on blood sugar levels on a per gram basis, and tastes sweeter than sucrose so that fewer grams would be consumed, it would seem prudent to recommend honey over sucrose.
We have studied the hyperglycaemic effect of the carbohydrate of glucose, sucrose, and honey equivalent to 20 g in twelve normal volunteers, eight patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and six patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Honey produced an attenuated postprandial glycaemic response in normal volunteers (vs glucose p less than 0.005; vs sucrose p less than 0.05) and IDDMs (vs glucose p less than 0.005; vs sucrose p less than 0.05). The glycaemic index (GI) showed considerable variability within each subject group. Combined with a peak incremental index (PI), the two indices appear to be more valuable in predicting the glycaemic effects of carbohydrates rather than either one alone. We suggest that honey may prove to be a valuable sugar substitute in diabetics, and that both the GI and PI should be used in the analysis of food.
Ten men and nine women were studied to determine whether replacement of utilizable complex carbohydrate by sugars (mono- and disaccharides) in a high-fiber, low-saturated fat diet would affect indices of glucose tolerance. Diets differed in that the 50% of calories derived from carbohydrate was either 35% complex and 15% sugars (low-sugar) on 15% complex and 35% sugars (high-sugar). Summation of glucose responses 30-180 min following an oral glucose tolerance test was significantly higher in men, but not women, after they consumed the high-sugar diet. Corresponding insulin responses were significantly higher in men consuming the high-sugar compared to the low-sugar diet. Insulin binding was significantly lower during the base line period and after the high-sugar diet compared to the low-sugar diet. Results indicate that sugars adversely affect indices of glucose tolerance when they replace complex carbohydrates even in a high-fiber, low-saturated fat diet.
Consecutive survivors of a myocardial infarction from the Southern Hospital, below 70 years of age, were randomized into a Control group (n = 276) and a Treatment group (n = 279). The latter was openly prescribed the combination of clofibrate and nicotinic acid for serum lipid lowering. Each patient should remain in the study for 5 years and be seen regularly every 4 months at a special IHD outpatient clinic within the hospital. The concentration of serum cholesterol and triglyceride was lowered by 13% and 19%, respectively, in the Treatment group compared to the Control group. Total mortality was 82 cases in the Control group and 61 in the Treatment group, a 26% reduction (p < 0.05). For patients above 60 years of age in the Treatment group the reduction in mortality was 28% (p < 0.05). IHD mortality was reduced by 36% (p < 0.01) in the Treatment group compared to the Control group. The beneficial effects of the serum lipid lowering treatment was related to the serum triglyceride concentration in two ways. First, it only occurred in patients with a triglyceride level > 1.5 mmol/l (n = 216). Secondly, it was most pronounced in the 44% of the treated patients who had a lowering of the serum triglyceride concentration by 30% or more, and in this subgroup the reduction of IHD mortality was 60% (p < 0.01). For serum cholesterol there were no such relations. The difference between serum triglyceride and cholesterol concerning these relations to the treatment outcome may be due to the fact that hypertriglyceridaemia was the most common hyperlipidaemia among our patients, occurring in 50%, while hypercholesterolaemia only occurred in 13%. Caution should be exercised in the interpretation of the results as the trial was not blind. However, the fact that the decrease in IHD deaths was directly related to the degree of serum triglyceride lowering indicates that it was the drug effect on serum lipids that was responsible for the beneficial effect of the treatment.
Urinary Ca (UCaV) and Mg (UMgV) excretion rates increase after glucose ingestion. The increments are small relative to the analytical errors involved in estimating rates of filtration of Ca and Mg. Thus, whether glucose augments filtration or diminishes net tubular reabsorption of Ca and Mg has not been clarified. To distinguish between these possibilities, inulin clearances (CIn) and clearances of serum ultrafiltrable Ca (UFCa) and Mg (UFMg) were measured in 14 healthy men during water diuresis, first while they were recumbent and then during quiet standing to lower CIn and thus filtration of Ca and Mg. Ten subjects ingested 100 Gm. of glucose before standing, and 4 subjects received no sugar. UFCa and UFMg were unchanged in all studies. Urine flow and sodium excretion fell significantly and comparably after standing in both groups. In the 4 subjects who simply stood, CIn, filtered Ca and Mg, UCaV and UMgV all diminished. In the subjects who ingested glucose before standing, CIn fell from 121 ± 6 (S.E.M.) to 107 ± 4 ml. per minute (p < 0.05). Filtered Ca and Mg fell from 172 ± 9 to 150 ± 8 μM per minute (p < 0.02) and from 76 ± 4 to 67 ± 4 μM per minute (p < 0.05), respectively. Despite this, UCaV and UMgV rose from 2.8 ± 0.5 to 3.6 ± 0.5 μM per minute (p < 0.02) and from 2.8 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.5 μM per minute (p < 0.01), respectively. The results indicate that glucose ingestion augments UCaV and UMgV by inhibiting net tubular reabsorption of these cations.
Hamsters, months old, were fed the diet for 2 months. The decrease found in trabecular bone volume and in trabecular thickness at the metaphysal area of the femur supported previous data but the previously reported decrease in cortical thickness was absent. The widening of the epiphysal plate suggests a relationship of the osteoporosis with disturbances in the growth process; the decrease in epiphysal trabecular thickness and trabecular bone volume could indicate that the diet affects bone remodeling.
Nine normal subjects ingested 100 gm. glucose, fructose, and sucrose on separate days after an overnight fast. Plasma glucose, fructose, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, and triglyceride levels were then measured over the following 5 hr. Plasma glucose and insulin peaks were both significantly lower after fructose ingestion as compared with glucose and sucrose. Plasma glucagon suppression was significantly less after fructose. Growth hormone showed a late stimulation after glucose and sucrose but did not rise after fructose intake. Triglyceride levels were significantly increased at 3 to 5 hr. after fructose ingestion.
Honey contains fructose in excess of glucose, which may lead to incomplete fructose absorption associated with abdominal symptoms and/or diarrhea. This hypothesis was investigated in 20 healthy volunteers (13 males, 7 females) with a mean (+/- SD) age of 35.9 +/- 12.1 y. Each subject drank the following aqueous solutions in random order: 20 g lactulose, 100 g honey, 50 g honey, and 35 g each of a glucose and fructose mixture. The breath-hydrogen concentration was measured every 15 min for 6 h. Semiquantitative estimates of carbohydrate malabsorption were assessed with lactose as a nonabsorbable standard. Breath-hydrogen concentrations increased by 52 +/- 6, 30 +/- 4, 20 +/- 3, and 4 +/- 1 ppm (mean +/- SEM) after each of the four test solutions, respectively. The estimated carbohydrate malabsorption was 10.3 +/- 1.8, 5.9 +/- 1.2, and 0.5 +/- 0.2 g after 100 g honey, 50 g honey, and the glucose-fructose mixture, respectively (F[2,57] = 16.05, P < 0.001). Within 10 h after the ingestion of 100 g honey, 50 g honey, and the glucose-fructose mixture, six, three and none of the volunteers, respectively, reported loose stools (chi 2 = 7.1, df = 2, P < 0.03). The results of this study suggest that carbohydrate malabsorption after ordinary doses of honey is frequent in healthy adults and may be associated with abdominal complaints. Honey may have a laxative effect in certain otherwise healthy individuals, probably because of incomplete fructose absorption.