Effect of Honey on Permethrin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

This study examined the protective effects of honey on permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control) received 0.1 ml of normal saline, Group B (permethrin only) was administered permethrin at 1000 mg/kg, Group C (honey only) was administered honey (0.7 ml/kg) and Group D received a combination of permethrin (1000 mg/kg) and honey (0.7 ml/kg) daily for 28 days. Following the administration, the rats were anesthetized, and liver tissues were harvested for histological, biochemical, and oxidative stress analyses. Key biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase, were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and liver functions. Results revealed that permethrin exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation and depleted endogenous antioxidant levels. Co-administration of honey mitigated these effects, as evidenced by improved antioxidant status, reduced lipid peroxidation, and restoration of hepatic architecture. Honey exhibited a protective mechanism by counteracting oxidative damage and preserving liver morphology in permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity. This study highlights the potential of honey as a natural therapeutic agent against xenobiotic-induced liver damage.

Key Words: hepatotoxicity, honey, oxidative stress, permethrin