BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity is a disease associated with increased oxidative stress in humans and animals, and consumption of antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols can minimise it. These compounds are abundant in malícia ( METHODS: Wistar rats (228 ± 14.69 g) were randomly divided into two groups: a healthy group (HG, RESULTS: The administration of malícia honey reduced energy intake and weight gain in the OGH in comparison to the OG. Total antioxidant capacity increased in the brain, liver, and gut in both groups treated with honey compared to respective controls. Lipid peroxidation decreased in the brain, gut, and kidney of the OGH. Both treated groups showed elevated phenolic compound deposition, including catechin, procyanidins, and flavonoids, across all organs. Specifically, the brain in the OGH showed greater procyanidin B2 and gallic acid deposition
the liver showed increased procyanidin B1 and B2, epicatechin, and myricetin concentrations
the gut showed higher procyanidin B2 and kaempferol 3-glucoside concentrations
and the kidneys had increased catechin, procyanidin B1 and B2, and gallic acid deposition compared to the OG. CONCLUSION: Histologically, the OGH displayed reduced neuronal damage and prevention of hepatic steatosis induced by the cafeteria diet. Malícia honey effectively reduced oxidative stress via modulation of phenolic compounds in the brain, gut, kidney, and liver of cafeteria diet-induced obese rats.