Investigation of immunomodulatory role of honey on cisplatin injected rats

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of honey as an immunomodulator. Rats given cisplatin injections as immune suppressor agent were used to study the effect of honey as an immunological modulator. Cisplatin treatment resulted in a reduction in WBCs and neutrophil counts, antibodies IgG and IgM, as well as Bcl2 gene expression levels an increase in IL-4 and IL-6 levels, BAX and iNOS gene expression levels, and notable histological alterations in spleen tissue sections, including the expansion of the red pulp with lymphocytic depletion and many variable-sized blood-filled voids. All study parameters are successfully improved by the co-administration of honey and cisplatin. The results obtained can be explained by the high concentration of bioactive compounds in honey, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, honey can modulate the immune system. In conclusion, honey can mitigate the damaging effects that cisplatin has on the immune system.