Effects of honey on the urinary total nitrite and prostaglandins concentration.

Objectives: To evaluate effects of natural and artificial honey solutions on urinary nitrite content, prostaglandin excretion and urinary variables in healthy individuals.

Methods: The study comprised 12 individuals, nine males and three females; age range 25-45 years. Urinary total nitrite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were assessed in spot morning sample and 1, 2, and 3 hours after ingestion of 80 g of natural honey dissolved in 250 ml water. Honey solution was given at night; urine volume, urinary osmolality and electrolytes, and serum osmolality and electrolytes, were assayed 10 hours after drinking honey. Same procedure was repeated after drinking artificial honey (30 g glucose plus 38 g fructose) and compared with control (drinking 250 ml of water).

Results: The mean (SD) of total urinary nitrite excretion was 103 +/- 43.5 micromol/l which was increased by 40%, 55% and 74% at 1, 2, and 3 hours after drinking honey solution respectively. The mean urinary PGE2 was 1.323 +/- 0.8 ng/ml that was decreased by 31% 3 hours after honey ingestion. The mean urinary PGF2 alpha was 1.554 +/- 1.2 ng/ml and that of TXB2 was 0.35 +/- 0.4 ng/ml. Forty-four percent reductions in urinary PGF2 alpha and 67% reduction in TXB2 were obtained 3 hours after drinking honey. Honey increased insignificantly free water clearance, filtered sodium and creatinine clearance. It decreased insignificantly urinary osmolality, urinary calcium, urinary sodium, and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Little changes were obtained in urine volume and urinary urea, glucose and creatinine concentration. Artificial honey decreased urinary nitrite and increased urinary prostaglandins concentration. It increased insignificantly free water clearance, filtered sodium, urinary urea, urinary creatinine and creatinine clearance. It decreased insignificantly urinary osmolality, urinary calcium, urinary sodium, and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa). Artificial honey increased FBS by 14% and urinary glucose by 76.5%, and decreased serum sodium and plasma osmolality.

Conclusion: Honey solution decreased urinary prostaglandins concentration and increased total urinary nitrite content whilst artificial honey decreased urinary nitrite and increased urinary prostaglandins.