Tualang honey ameliorates the cholesterol diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in an animal model

Abdul Ghani, Azril Shahreez and Abdul Rahim, Roslina and Muhammad, Naznin and Abdullah, Nor Zamzila (2026) Tualang honey ameliorates the cholesterol diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in an animal model. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 25 (2). pp. 116-123. ISSN 1823-4631 E-ISSN 2735-2285

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (876kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with potential progression to cirrhosis. Currently, no definitive treatment is available. This study evaluated the protective effects of Tualang honey (TH), which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against a high cholesterol diet-induced NASH in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a 1% cholesterol diet (CD) for 14 weeks, followed by a 12% CD for 6 weeks to induce mild to moderate NASH. At week 20, rats were randomised into groups that continued the CD, with three groups receiving TH at doses of 0.2, 1.2, or 2.4g/kg/day for 4 weeks. Liver function tests, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and lipid profiles were assessed. After 24 weeks, livers of the rats were harvested for histological evaluation. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s and Tukey’s post hoc tests; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: TH significantly reduced serum ALT (77.25±16.32 to 50.25 ± 10.56 U/L; p=0.025) and AST (193.25±43.95 to 106.75 ± 24.46 U/L; p<0.01). The 1.2 g/kg/day group showed marked improvement in insulin resistance, with reductions in fasting insulin (4.61 ± 1.38 to 0.18 ± 0.18 mIU/L) and HOMA-IR (1.14 ± 0.38 to 0.03 ± 0.03; both p=0.001). LDL-c decreased while HDL-c increased significantly. Histological analysis of the liver demonstrated improved NAFLD activity scores across treated groups. CONCLUSION: Tualang honey improved liver function, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hepatic histology in a mild–moderate NASH rat model.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	High Cholesterol Diet, NASH, Tualang Honey
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC803 Specialties of Internal Medicine-Diseases of The Digestive System. Gastroenterology R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM147 Administration of Drugs and Other Therapeutic Agents R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica > RS403 Materia Medica-Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Basic Medical Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr ROSLINA ABDUL RAHIM
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2026 14:36
Last Modified:	06 Apr 2026 14:36
Queue Number:	2026-04-Q2724
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128159

Actions (login required)

View Item