Insights & Discussion
Honey, traditionally a food item, exhibits therapeutic properties—anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and wound healing—showing promise in managing and preventing allergic diseases, as supported by scientific evidence and clinical studies.
This mini review explores honey's transition from a conventional food to a potential treatment for allergic diseases. Emphasis is placed on its diverse therapeutic properties, particularly its ability to alleviate pathological conditions and regulate inflammatory cell recruitment in cellular and animal models.
Scientific evidence and clinical studies suggest that honey holds potential in relieving allergic symptoms, offering a promising treatment or preventive approach for allergic diseases such as anaphylaxis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. The review provides valuable insights for considering honey in clinical settings for allergic disease management.
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Manuka honey has demonstrated the potential to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and stimulate apoptosis in these cells.
2024 Nutrients Manuka Honey Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Progression in Preclinical Models Márquez-Garbán DC, Yanes CD, Llarena G, Elashoff D, Hamilton N, Hardy M, et al.
Animal Study Breast Cancer Honey
In the experiment, Manuka honey was applied to three different types of cells: MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and non-malignant human mammary epithelial cells. The concentrations applied ranged from 0.3 to 5.0% to observe different effects. In addition to inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, the honey was tested for its ability to cause apoptosis (cell death) among the MCF-7 cells. It was also compared to the effects of tamoxifen, an antiestrogen medication used in breast cancer treatment.
The results showed that Manuka honey was able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, though its effects were less pronounced in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The non-malignant cells were not affected. The honey's antitumor activity was comparable to that of tamoxifen. Moreover, Manuka honey stimulated apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells. It was also observed that the honey activated AMPK, which inhibits specific cellular growth signals, and reduced STAT3 levels, a protein often elevated in tumors.
Higher consumption of ultra-processed food by pregnant women was linked to an increased risk of infantile atopic dermatitis within the first year of life.
2024 Nutrition Journal Association of maternal ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy with atopic dermatitis in infancy: Korean Mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study Jang W, Kim M, Ha E, Kim H
Eczema Ultra-Processed Foods
The research used 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health project in Korea. These women’s dietary intake was measured using the 24-hour recall method during 12-28 weeks gestation. Foods were classified as ultra-processed following the NOVA classification and their consumption was calculated as the proportion of total energy intake, with participants categorized into quartiles. The prevalence of infantile atopic dermatitis was assessed based on their medical histories and according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria.
The results revealed that children born to mothers in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption, compared to the lowest quartile, showed a higher risk towards atopic dermatitis within 12 months. This relationship became stronger after adjusting for certain confounding variables. Additionally, the link stayed consistent even after adjusting based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, which measures diet quality.
The combination of dark chocolate with herbs could be one of the therapies for period pain.
2023 Journal of Tropical Pharmacy and Chemistry Effect of Combination of Dark Chocolate and Herbal Ingredients for Dysmenorrhea in Late Adolescents Azizah RNP, Anggreini P, Prasetya F
Randomised Controlled Trial Dark Chocolate Ginger Honey
This test was conducted on 30 respondents who were divided into three groups, namely the positive control group (K), dark chocolate (C), and a combination of dark chocolate with herbs (C+H). Dark chocolate was combined with herbal ingredients consisting of turmeric, red ginger, moringa, sambiloto extract, and honey as a beverage 250 mL.
The study is quantitative research with quasi-experimental method. Pain measurement using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) sheet was given before and 2 hours after treatment. The data was analyzed using paired t-test. State the results of the values obtained the combination of dark chocolate and herbs showed a significant reduction in pain before and after treatment (p<0.05).
Clinical studies related to breast cancer have revealed that honey is effective in increasing blood cell counts, interleukin-3 levels, and quality of life.
2023 Antioxidants Honey: A Promising Therapeutic Supplement for the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer Martiniakova M, Kovacova V, Mondockova V, Zemanova N, Babikova M, Biro R, et al.
Clinical Study Breast Cancer Honey Osteoporosis
In relation to breast cancer, in vitro experiments revealed the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic impact of honey on breast cancer cells, as well as their increased apoptosis. Animal studies have shown that honey reduces the number, growth rate, volume, and tumor weight. Findings from clinical trials reported its immunomodulatory properties showing that honey is effective in increasing leukocyte and platelet counts, IL-3 levels, and quality of life. In this context, the potential role of honey and its oligosaccharides as prebiotics for specific beneficial bacteria might be examined in future clinical studies.
Preclinical studies related to osteoporosis have reported favorable effects of honey on cortical and trabecular bone microstructure, bone strength, and oxidative stress.
2023 Antioxidants Honey: A Promising Therapeutic Supplement for the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer Martiniakova M, Kovacova V, Mondockova V, Zemanova N, Babikova M, Biro R, et al.
Clinical Study Breast Cancer Honey Osteoporosis
Honey is able to protect the bone mainly due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through its content of polyphenols, which act on several signaling pathways, resulting in anabolic and antiresorptive effects. From the group of polyphenols, the anti-osteoporotic impact of quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin was recorded. In addition, vitamin D3 and its hydroxyderivatives with antioxidant properties were also detected in honey. Vitamin D3 supplementation was found to have protective effects on the inhibition of bone loss and BMD in both experimental animals and postmenopausal women.
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