ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF ACACIA HONEY (DESI KIKAR) IN CHOLESTEROL – DIET INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN RATS

Introduction: In this study, the hypolipaemic effect of acacia honey (desi kikar) on cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats has been observed. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 60 male wistar rats weighing 200 – 250g. Rats were divided into five groups, each having 12 animals. Initially all four groups (B to E) were given cholesterol diet (2%) 2 gms cholesterol in 98 gms diet for 2 months to induce hyperlipidae- mia except Group A, which served as (control). Group B received no therapy after establishing hyperlipidaemia. Groups C received 20 mg/kg of body weight acacia honey and group D received 10 mg/kg body weight of simvastatin orally for 8 weeks after establishing hyperlipidaemia, while group E received combination of 20 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight of acacia honey and simva- statin respectively orally for 8 weeks. Rats having normal lipid profile were included in this study. Results: Blood samples were taken on 60th day after giving antihyperlipidaemic therapy. Group B showed increase in serum LDL, TGs, cholesterol but decrease HDL levels. The level of these para- meters decreased in group C which was given acacia honey reached near towards normal level. On the other hand with simvastatin, in group D, these levels reached near normal level. In group E given combination of acacia honey and simvastatin the levels reached towards normalcy. In con- clusion, acacia honey has an antihyperlidaemic effect against cholesterol diet induced hyperlipida- emia in rats.