Synergistic and Ameliorative Effect of Honey and Coconut Water on Crude Oil Induced Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Crude oil as a major pollutant in oil-producing area requires diverse means of control to its toxicity; particularly on the liver. One strategy is to treat with natural products which are cost effective and non-toxic. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of co-administration of honey and coconut water against toxicity induced by crude oil. Material(s) and Method(s): Thirty five male Wister rats were grouped into five groups treated for 11 days after which enzymes, antioxidant, oxidative stress and histopathology of the liver was assessed. Result(s): A significant (p<0.05) elevation in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino-transferase and alkaline phosphatase in the crude oil (Cr) only treated rats was observed. Consequently, treatment with both honey and coconut water (Cr+Hy+Cw) significantly reduced the enzyme activities than treatment with honey (Hy) and coconut water (Cw) separately. The Cr significantly decreased the concentration of liver's reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. However, the activities of these enzymes: GSH, catalase, SOD increased, while MDA reduced in the group treated with both Hy and Cw than those animals treated with Hy and Cw separately. The Hy and Cw reversed histological damages caused by crude oil administration on the liver. Conclusion(s): The findings showed that honey and coconut water synergistically reversed hepatic damage induced by crude oil in rats via its antioxidant and minerals contents. Administration of honey and coconut water together at a dosage of 5 g kgG1 b.wt. and 10 mL kgG1 b.wt., respectively daily is recommended.Copyright © 2018 Adebola Olayemi Akintola et al.