The Therapeutic Effect of Honey on Dexamethasone-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats

Background: The effect of glucocorticoids on calcium balance and bone growth may lead to osteoporosis and currently glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis is one of the recognized types of osteoporosis. The present study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of honey on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in rat model.Methods: Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups including dexamethasone receiving group, physiological serum receiving group, dexamethasone and honey receiving group, and dexamethasone and alendronate group. All rats were treated for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, blood was collected and the changes in blood phosphorus, calcium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were compared on the first day. Animals were sacrificed and femurs were separated for histological evaluation, while specimens were obtained from the epiphysis and metaphysis.Results: The positive effect of honey on prevention of osteoporosis was demonstrated, although there were no significant differences between groups regarding serum calcium. Histomorphometric parameters revealed the effective role of honey in prevention of dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis.Conclusion: Prescription of dexamethasone was illustrated to reduce the histomorphometric parameters of rat femur that caused osteoporosis. On the other hand, the administration of honey with dexamethasone could largely prevent more reduction for osteoporosis. Therefore, honey is suggested as a potential treatment for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis