MIEL Y SISTEMA INMUNE

Los efectos de la miel en el sistema inmune son demostrados en este estudio comparativo con la sucrosa, suplemento presene en muchos de los alimentos de consumo habitual.

The Effects of Honey Compared With Sucrose and a Sugar-free Diet on Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Lymphocyte Numbers after Long-term Feeding in Rats

Lynne M. Chepulis, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract+

To determine whether honey and sucrose would have differential effects on levels of neutrophil phagocytosis after long-term feeding 36 2-month old Sprague Dawley rats were fed a powdered diet that was either sugar-free or contained 7.9% sucrose or 10% honey (honey is 21% water) ad libitum for 52 weeks. The percent of neutrophils exhibiting phagocytosis, and the percentage of leukocytes that were lymphocytes were then measured by flow cytometry after 52 weeks. Results: Neutrophil phagocytosis was similar between sucrose- and honey-fed rats, and lower in rats fed the sugar-free diet (79.2%, 74.7% and 51.7 %, respectively). The percentage of leukocytes that were lymphocytes differed significantly between all three treatments, the levels being highest in honey-fed rats (53% vs 40.1% and 29.5% for sucrose- and sugar-free fed rats). In conclusion: Honey may have a beneficial effect on immune activity, possibly attenuating the decline seen in older age.
Submitted: September 11, 2007 · Accepted: October 11, 2007 · Published: October 14, 2007

Recommended Citation

Chepulis, Lynne M. (2007) "The Effects of Honey Compared With Sucrose and a Sugar-free Diet on Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Lymphocyte Numbers after Long-term Feeding in Rats," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol4/iss1/8