Background::Scientific studies support the evidence of the involvement of Metabolic Syndrome
(MetS) in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through oxidative stress. Consumption
of antioxidant compounds was found to be beneficial for brain-health as it reduced the brain oxidative
stress level and improved cognitive performance in animals. Stingless bee honey or locally known as
Kelulut Honey (KH) has high phenolic content and is widely used as a food supplement.
Objectives::In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of KH on the brain of MetS-induced rats.
Methods:: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups; 8 weeks (C8) and 16 weeks control
groups (C16), groups that received High-Carbohydrate High Fructose (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks (MS8)
and 16 weeks (MS16), and a group that received HCHF for 16 weeks with KH supplemented for the
last 35 days (KH).
Results::Serum fasting blood glucose decreased in the KH group compared to the MS16 group. HDL
levels were significantly decreased in MetS groups compared to control groups. Open field experiments
showed that KH group exhibits less anxious behavior compared to the MetS group. Probe trial
of Morris water maze demonstrated significant memory retention of KH group compared to the MS16
group. Nissl staining showed a significant decrease in the pyramidal hippocampal cells in the MS16
compared to the KH group.
Conclusion::KH has the ability to normalise blood glucose and reduce serum triglyceride and LDL
levels in MetS rats, while behavior studies complement its effect on anxiety and memory. This shows
a promising role of KH in attenuating neurodegenerative diseases through the antioxidant activity of
its polyphenolic content.
