The effect of a formulation containing honey, black cumin, propolis and royal jelly on blood glucose level and pancreatic -cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

A formulation containing 40% of honey, 30% of black cumin, 20% of propolis and 10% of royal
jelly has been available in the market for the treatment of diabetes. Although each content of
the formulation is proven to possess antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities, its combination
effect has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this
formulation on blood glucose level and pancreatic -cells of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic
rats. Thirty six male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) aged 11 weeks with body weight 100-150 g
were used in this study. The rats were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Group 1
was non diabetic rats that were given aquadest. Group 2 was diabetic rats that were given
aquadest. Group 3 was diabetic rats that were given metformin at dose of 45 mg/kg BW. Group
4-6 were diabetic rats that were given formulation tested at dose of 3, 6 and 12 mL/kg BW,
respectively. All rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 60 mg/kg BW and
diabetic rats were then orally administered the formulation tested or metformin twice daily for
14 days. Blood glucose level was monitored on day 10 and 17 after STZ induction. Rats were
sacrificed and pancreas samples were taken for histopathological examination. The results showed
that the blood glucose level decreased significantly after seven days of treatment with metformin
or fomulation tested and continued after 14 days of treatment. The blood glucose level of
diabetic rats after 14 days of treatment returned to the normal level. The vacuolization of the
pancreatic -cells of diabetic rats treated with metformin or with formulation tested were lower
than untreated diabetic rats but still higher than non diabetic rats. In conclusion, the formulation
tested has antihyperglicemic and protective effect on -cells damage in diabetic rats.

Keywords: diabetic rats - honey - black cumin - propolis - royal jelly - antihyperglicemic