Publication:

Modulation of cytochrome P450 3A4 mediated quinine metabolism in healthy volunteers by two honey samples from different floral and geographical sources

Background Honey is widely used both for its nutritional and medicinal benefits and reports exist to suggest it may alter the disposition of conventional drugs whose metabolism is mediated by CYP3A4. The study aimed at investigating the effect of multiple dose administration of honey sourced from two different geographical zones in Nigeria, on an antimalarial, quinine and its CYP3A4 mediated metabolism.

Methods In a randomized cross-over study, twenty healthy volunteers divided into two groups A and B [A used honey (HA) from Northern and B used honey (HB) from Eastern Nigeria; n=10 respectively] received single oral doses of 600 mg quinine sulphate tablet alone  and after 7 days administration of 10 ml of honey (HA or HB)  twice daily. Blood samples collected at the 16th hour following quinine administration were subjected to HPLC analysis.

Results Compared to baseline, 10 ml of honey HA significantly increased (0.86±0.22 versus 1.36±0.43) (p 0.05) (0.84±0.19 versus. 0.69±0.34) of the metabolic ratio of quinine in group B volunteers. Also, the geometric mean [95% CI: 0.63(0.45, 0.91)] of quinine metabolic ratio in the presence of honey HA alone was significantly increased (p=0.02, t-test).

Conclusions Honey sample from Northern Nigeria significantly stimulated CYP3A4-mediated quinine metabolism as reflected by an increased metabolic ratio of quinine. In conclusion some honey samples may have the potential to significantly modulate CYP3A4 activity, thus honey effects cannot be generalized.