Honey as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action
Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, Ibrahim M, Liaqat S, Fatima S, Jabeen S, Shamim N, Othman NH · Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity · 2018 January
DOI 10.1155/2018/8367846
Objective
Honey was reported to exhibit strong wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects. It also retains immunomodulatory, estrogenic regulatory, antimutagenic, anticancer, and numerous other vigor effects. These wholesome effects have been thoroughly reviewed to underscore the mode of action of honey exploring various possible mechanisms.
Conclusions
Honey can be considered a serine potential natural antioxidant medicine. Evidence-based research shows that honey acts through a modulatory road of multiple signaling pathways and molecular targets. This results in triggering the amelioration of antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, and estrogenic responses to abate different types of diseases.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Insights
Honey, a natural food supplement, emerges as a potent therapeutic antioxidant with diverse medicinal effects, including wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties, suggesting its potential as a novel antioxidant in managing oxidative stress-related diseases.
The research extensively reviews honey's medicinal effects, emphasizing its role as a therapeutic antioxidant. The study explores various mechanisms, including the modulation of multiple signaling pathways and molecular targets.
The evidence-based research underscores honey's role in alleviating diseases linked to oxidative stress. The reviewed pathways include caspase induction, cytokine stimulation, cell cycle regulation, and modulation of inflammatory markers. The comprehensive exploration of honey's therapeutic potential indicates its promise as a standalone or adjuvant antioxidant, necessitating further experimental and clinical investigation.
Related insights
- Curcumin, derived from turmeric, exhibits an extensive range of biological and medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal qualities.
- Bee pollen showcases a range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential antiviral properties, which could contribute to the creation of innovative therapies.
- Ginger, native to Southeast Asia, possesses antioxidant and antiviral properties, contributing to healthy ageing and potential prevention of age-related disorders.
- Cherries and blueberries, rich in phenolic compounds, can be effectively used in pharmaceutical products, smart foods, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals to prevent or treat diseases.
- Yu Xing Cao, a traditional Asian medicine, demonstrates organ protection, immune regulation, and anti-tumour activity when analysed in modern research.
- The fresh rhizoma of Roscoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, has proven effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems and has antibacterial, antitumor, and antioxidant properties.
- Green tea, coffee, wine, and curry have beneficial health effects due to the polyphenols they contain, which possess both antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties.
- Star anise is the source of the precursor molecule, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an antiviral medication for influenza A and influenza B.
