One Month Consumption of Bitter Honey Improves Central Obesity Related Parameters

Central obesity is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome that has a risk of clinical comorbidities such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and NAFLD (Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). Many studies showed the potential of honey consumption in improving central obesity related parameters. However, no study has been done using bitter honey. This study aimed to determine the levels of total flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugars and total sugars contained in bitter honey with UV-Vis spectrophotometry method and the effect of bitter honey on body weight, waist circumference, height, waist to hip ratio. and biomarkers of liver and kidney function, as well as total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels in centrally obese subjects. Standardization of bitter honey was carried out by organoleptic tests, calculating water content and acidity (pH) test. The method used in this study was a one group pre and post-test design by administering honey to 40 central obese subjects. The results showed that the total flavonoid, the quinine equivalent alkaloid, reducing sugar, total sugar, tannin content in bitter honey was 0.0373%, 230.30 g/g, 23.87%, 4.02% (w/v). 5.564 mg/L (0.694%), respectively. The organoleptic test showed a bitter and sweet taste with dark brown color and a pungent odor. The water content of bitter honey was 4.67%, the pH of bitter honey was 5.54. Consumption of bitter honey for 1 month can significantly reduce waist circumference by 3.193%, ALT 9.70%, but could increase AST significantly by 12.973%, whereas body weight did not change significantly. Furthermore, the effect of bitter honey consumption orally can reduce significantly total cholesterol and LDL levels by 7.844% and 11.457% respectively. Consumption of bitter honey for 30 days could significantly reduce serum creatinine levels by 17.601% and BUN by 20.1402 %, but there was an increase in uric acid (UA) by 0.7958%, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 17.328%. This study shows that bitter honey contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugars and can effectively lose weight and improve parameters related to central obesity such as improving liver and kidney function and can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels.