Effects of Daily Sidr Honey (Ziziphus spina-christi) Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Adults
Zanyar Othman Omer
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Abdulrahman Ahmed Mahmood *
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Shaheen Ekram Jaafar
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Husam M.S. Hussein
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Ikbal M. Albarzinji
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Aims: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition and biological activities of natural Sidr honey (Ziziphus spina-christi) produced by Apis florea, together with a clinical assessment of its effects on selected human health biomarkers. The biological effects of Sidr honey are largely attributed to its phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins and bioactive enzymes, which may reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory pathways, support immune-cell function and improve metabolic homeostasis.
Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled experimental study was conducted with 30 healthy adults (aged 18–65 years; mean age: 40.57 ± 14.33 years) at Services Hospital, Lahore. Participants consumed 10 g of Sidr honey daily for three months while following dietary controls, including abstaining from white sugar and late-evening fruits and maintaining hydration. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention. Data were analysed using paired-sample t-tests (p < 0.05).
Results: All 30 participants completed the trial (100% retention). Seven parameters showed statistically significant changes. BMI decreased significantly from 27.85 ± 4.72 to 26.27 ± 4.93 (p < 0.001), whereas body-weight changes were non-significant. Significant improvements were observed in the lipid profile: HDL increased from 37.15 ± 6.76 mg/dL to 51.77 ± 32.71 mg/dL (p = 0.014), and LDL decreased from 109.33 ± 23.82 mg/dL to 91.13 ± 24.09 mg/dL (p = 0.003). Vitamin D3 showed a non-significant increase (p = 0.137). Most red blood cell parameters (RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV and MCH) decreased significantly, whereas white blood cell parameters remained stable, except for a significant rise in platelet count (p = 0.026).
Conclusion: Daily consumption of Sidr honey for three months significantly modulated selected metabolic, cardiovascular and haematological indicators, notably by improving lipid profiles and BMI, while maintaining overall immunological stability. It may represent a functional food for metabolic health support in healthy adults.
Keywords: Sidr honey, Ziziphus spina-christi, Apis florea, lipid profile, BMI, haematological parameters, immune biomarkers, functional food