Brain Levels of Reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in Honey-Fed Wistar Rats

This research sought to verify the effect of natural honey on brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in rats. Forty nine male and female Wistar rats were used for the experiment. The rats were allotted into seven groups of seven rats in each group. For one month, rats in groups 1-4 were fed with 100% feed, 20%, 30% and 40% honey respectively. The remaining 3 groups were fed with amounts of refined fructose and glucose equivalent to those in 20%, 30% and 40% honey. The brains were then excised, homogenized and used for biochemical analysis. Results showed that honey in all concentrations caused a significant increase in GSH levels but only 20% honey caused a significant decrease in MDA level when compared with control. Also, fructose feeding at 20%, 30% and 40% increased both brain GSH and MDA levels. Consequently, the influence of GSH as an antioxidant against brain lipid peroxidation needs further studies for better understanding since an increase in GSH for fructose- and honey-fed rats did not cause a simultaneous decrease in MDA content.