RESUMO
In this study, the hypolipaemic effect of acacia honey [desi kikar] on cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats has been observed. 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 hyperlipidaemia 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 simvastatin respectively orally for 8 weeks. Rats having normal lipid profile were included in this study. Blood samples were taken on 60[th] day after giving antihyperlipidaemic therapy. Group B showed increase in serum LDL, TGs, cholesterol but decrease HDL levels. The level of these parameters 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 simvastatin the levels reached towards normalcy. In conclusion, acacia honey has an antihyperlidaemic effect against cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats