Nephroprotection of Natural Honey Against Salt-Induced Hypertension in Experimental Rat

Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and premature death globally, with notable renal complications. This study evaluated the renoprotective effects of natural honey and hydrochlorothiazide against salt-induced hypertension. Twenty-five albino rats were divided into four groups (n=5) and treated over 21 days. Group A served as the normal control with no treatment. Groups B, C, and D were induced with hypertension using high salt doses. Group B received 15 ml/kg of natural honey, while group C (positive control) was treated with 0.15 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide. Group D (negative control) received only salt. Following the treatment period, blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results showed that group D had significantly (P<0.05) elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and potassium (K?) levels compared to groups A and C. Treatment with honey (group B) or hydrochlorothiazide (group C) restored these parameters toward normal values, with group B showing better outcomes. Histopathological assessments also supported improved renal protection in the honey-treated group. Overall, both natural honey and hydrochlorothiazide provided renal protection against salt-induced hypertension, but honey demonstrated superior renoprotective effects. These findings suggest that natural honey may serve as an effective alternative or complement to conventional antihypertensive therapies in protecting kidney function.