The use of “Mad Honey” as an antihypertensive agent in rats - a preliminary study

Abstract

Background: Mad honey (Deli hat in Turkish) is obtained from Rhododendron ponticum which grows extensively on the mountains of Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey. Excessive intake of this honey causes intoxication due to its grayanotoxins, hence the name 'mad honey’. ‘Mad honey’ is used in traditional medicine by Eastern Black Sea people and is recommended for the cure of certain disease, especially hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effects of'mad honey’ in hypertensive rats. Methods: The blood pressure and heart rate of JV'“-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats were recorded by a data acquisition system (Powerlab 8SP®). After this, ‘mad honey’ (10 and 50 mg/kg dosage) was administered for 14 days by gavage feeding, at the end of which the measurements were repeated. Results: It was found that the 'mad honey’ treatment de-creased the blood pressure and heart rate in L-NAME in-duced hypertensive rats. Conclusion: It is speculated that the grayanotoxins of 'mad honey’ decrease the blood pressure by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. On the basis of this effect, we hypothesize that mad honey may be used as an antihypertensive agent in hypertensive patients.

Background: Mad honey (Deli hal in Turkish) is obtai ned from Rhododendron ponticum which grows extensively on the mountains of Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey. Excessive intake of this honey causes intoxic ation due to its grayanotox ins, hence the name 'mad honey'. ' Mad honey' is used in tradit ional medicine by Eastern Black Sea people and is recommended for the cure of certain disease. especia lly hyperten sion. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effect s of 'mad honey' in hypertensive rats. Me thods: The blood pressure and heart rate of N"-nitro-Larginin e methyl ester (L-NAM E) induced hypertensive rats were recorded by a data acquisition system (Powerlab 8SP"'). After this, 'mad honey' (10 and 50 rug/kg dosage) was admin istered for 14 days by gavage feeding, at the end of which the measurements were repeated . Results: It was fo und that the 'mad honey' treatmen t decreased the blood pressure and heart rate in L-NAM E induced hypertensive rats. Conclus ion: It is speculated that the grayanotox ins of 'mad honey' dec rease the blood pressure by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. On the basis of this effect , we hypothe size that mad honey may be used as an antihypertensive agent in hypertensive patients.