Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Apis dorsata Honey against Morphine Tolerance: An in vivo Study

Background: To determine the effects of Apis dorsata honey on the development of morphine tolerance and oxidative stress in rats.Materials and Methods: A total of ۴۰ male Sprague Dawley rats were injected (subcutaneous) with ۱۰ mg/kg of morphine following oral administration of A. dorsata honey (۰.۵, ۱.۵, and ۲.۵g/kg). On day ۱۵, the rats were euthanized, and the thalamus, spinal cord, and hippocampus were homogenized to assess iNOS and MDA using ELISA kits.Results: The honey of A. dorsata significantly prevented morphine tolerance to analgesia in the hotplate test on Day ۱۴ (p<۰.۰۵). The biochemical assessment showed that A. dorsata honey significantly reduced MDA formation in the brain regions compared to the morphine control group at dose ۲.۵g/kg. Elevation of iNOS caused by chronic morphine intake was reduced in A. dorsata honey co-treatment.Conclusion: This study suggests the therapeutic role of A. dorsata honey in preventing morphine tolerance via inhibition of oxidative stress.

Keywords:

Morphine tolerance , A. dorsata honey , Oxidative stress