Comparative evaluation of manuka honey with honey in antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the effect of manuka honey with honey in hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs in rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide given orally as suspension for 30 days. Treatment groups received honey and manuka honey along with anti-tubercular drugs. Liver damage was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. Results: Concurrent administration of manuka honey along with anti-tubercular drugs significantly prevented the rise in levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, and tissue malondialdehyde. It reduced inflammation, degeneration, and necrotic changes in hepatocytes. Similarly, manuka honey significantly prevented fall in serum total protein and superoxide dismutase as compared to the group receiving anti-tubercular drugs alone. However, the effects produced by manuka honey were not statistically different from those of honey and silymarin. Conclusion: Manuka honey is effective as a hepatoprotective agent as it significantly prevented the hepatotoxic damage induced by antitubercular drugs in rats. However, the comparison between the effects produced by manuka honey and honey or silymarin showed that the difference was not statistically significant. Hence, contrary to the popular belief, it is only as good and effective as honey.