Effect of Tualang (Apis dorsata) Honey on Development ofMorphine Tolerance in Rats

Background: Morphine tolerance leads to decrease in analgesic effect of the drug, causing a need to increase the dose and eventually increased dependency. Previous studies demonstrated the involvement of morphine tolerance with decrease in antioxidant activities and increased oxidative stress. Honey, a traditional natural remedy possesses analgesic, antioxidant and neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress, suggesting its potential in reducing morphine tolerance. This study aimed to assess the effect of different A. dorsata honey doses on development of morphine tolerance in Sprague- Dawley rats. Methods: To induce morphine tolerance, rats were subcutaneously injected with 10 mg/kg morphine 30 minutes after A. dorsata honey oral administration (0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 g/kg). Analgesic effects (MPE %) were then assessed via hot plate test and mean difference between groups were analysed using Repeated Measure ANOVA. Findings: Our results showed that dose 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 g/kg significantly prevented the development of morphine tolerance compared to control group (p<0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: A. dorsata honey can prevent development of morphine tolerance. This property highlights the potential of this honey type in the treatment of opioid tolerance and dependence.