Insights & Discussion
Honey contains 20(S)-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (20(OH)D3) and its derivatives, including 20(OH)-7DHC, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3, indicating their production in bees and suggesting potential health implications.
This study explores the presence of vitamin D3 derivatives in honey, emphasizing the detection of 20(OH)D3 and related compounds. Analysis using LC-MS revealed distinct peaks corresponding to these derivatives, implying their production in bees during the summer in Alabama.
The identification of 20(OH)D3, 20(OH)-7DHC, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 in honey suggests their synthesis within bees, highlighting potential biochemistry and photochemistry processes. This finding opens avenues for understanding the health-related implications of these compounds in honey.
We determined the concentration of 20(OH)D3 in honey to be 0.26 µg/g, corresponding to approximately 10 IU/g.
Using an LC-MS assay utilizing 20(OH)D3-d3 as internal standard, we determined the concentration of 20(OH)D3 in honey to be 0.26 µg/g, corresponding to approximately 10 IU/g based on the conversion for vitamin D3 (400 IU = 10 µg). While this may seem relatively low, it must be noted that 20(OH)D3, unlike vitamin D3, is an activated form of the vitamin. It is non-calcemic but exerts many of the other activities of 1,25(OH)2D3 seen in cell culture and in animal studies, with comparable potency. Thus, while the amount of 20(OH)D3 in honey is relatively low, it could potentially be of physiological significance.
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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).
Honey potentially has superior results than cough medication or placebo in curtailing symptoms and enhancing sleep in children with acute cough.
2023 European Journal of Pediatrics Honey for acute cough in children — a systematic review Kuitunen I, Renko M
Systematic Review Children's Health Cough Honey
Methodology:
This targeted review leveraged multiple databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science, to extract relevant trials relating to honey's usage in treating acute child cough. By applying a systematic approach, the emphasis was on randomized controlled trials featuring children. To ensure the results' credibility, payment was done for risk-of-bias as well as the quality of the evidence. The studies were not combined owing to the absence of essential information; instead, conclusions provided a range of noticed effects for principal results.
Discussion of results:
Following rigorous screening of almost four hundred papers, a select ten were incorporated. Significant variability in biases was noticed, with two studies possessing a high risk-of-bias and six inviting some concerns. The evidence, though of low to very low quality, indicated honey's potential superiority over placebo/no treatment and cough medication, both in reducing cough frequency and improving sleep quality.
Honey intake has observed beneficial effects on various health aspects like cardiovascular, metabolic risk factors, and wound healing, primarily replacing other sweeteners.
2023 Nutrients A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health Palma-Morales M, Huertas JR, Rodríguez-Pérez C
Review Article Honey
In this comprehensive review study, the researchers went beyond just looking at one or two aspects of health; instead, they embarked on an ambitious task of reviewing forty-eight clinical trials that were published between 1985 and 2022, involving a total of 3655 subjects. The researchers aimed to critically analyze the effect of honey on multiple health indices, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, glucose tolerance, mucositis inflicted by chemo-radiotherapy, cough in children, and wound healing.
The evaluation and analysis of the data involved a thorough examination of the results of each of the clinical trials, consideration of several potential variables, and detailed cross-study comparisons. This broad and deep investigation allowed the researchers to draw correlations and pinpoint the beneficial influences of honey, considered a nutritious and natural food.
The results from these clinical trials saw more beneficial effects on health from honey intake when compared to neutral or negative outcomes. It was most notably effective, particularly when used as a substitute for other sweeteners. The review also pointed out the potential use of honey as a safe adjuvant to be used in combination with drugs for specific illnesses. Confidently stating that honey has clear benefits in the clinical trials analyzed, the researchers fostered a promising narrative for the further exploration and acceptance of honey as a health booster.
Manuka honey exhibits a dual role in immune modulation, triggering a pro-inflammatory response by elevating cytokine expression and neutrophil recruitment via TLR signaling, while also influencing the phenotypic and functional maturation of macrophages.
2022 Frontiers in Immunology Characterization of immunomodulatory responses induced by manuka honey Masad RJ, Nasser RA, Bashir G, Mohamed YA, Al-Sbiei A, Al-Saafeen BH, et al.
Network Pharmacology Honey Immunomodulation
In vitro experiments using RAW 264.7 macrophages demonstrated that 1% Manuka honey significantly upregulated the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS, as well as chemokines such as CXCL2 and CCL2. In vivo studies with C57BL/6 mice revealed a robust peritoneal response characterized by increased neutrophil recruitment and phenotypic changes in peritoneal macrophages after intraperitoneal administration of Manuka honey. Notably, this response persisted in TLR4-defective mice, suggesting independence from TLR4 and ruling out LPS contamination. However, the dependence on MyD88 protein, a crucial adaptor in TLR signaling, was evident, shedding light on the immunostimulatory properties of Manuka honey and its potential as an immunomodulatory agent in diverse disorders.
The study delineates Manuka honey's immunomodulatory actions, showcasing its pro-inflammatory impact through cytokine release and neutrophil recruitment, independent of TLR4 but reliant on MyD88 signaling. Additionally, the observed phenotypic alterations in macrophages underscore the potential utility of Manuka honey as an immunomodulatory agent across various health conditions, offering insights into its complex yet promising role in immune regulation.
Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
2022 Melatonin Research Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey Kim TK, Fabisiak A, Brzeminski P, Reiter RJ, Slominski AT
Review Article Vitamin D
The identification of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey aligns with their presence in insects and plants. Serotonin and melatonin, integral to tryptophan metabolism, serve diverse roles as hormones, neurotransmitters, and antioxidants. Dopamine and tryptamine, essential neurotransmitters, have broad significance across species. The detection of these molecules in honey, a widely consumed health-promoting substance, enhances its beneficial effects on human health.
The findings highlight the multifaceted composition of honey, encompassing compounds with recognized roles in neurotransmission, antioxidant activity, and hormonal regulation. The presence of these molecules not only broadens honey's spectrum of health benefits for humans but also implies their significance in the intricate physiology of social insects, influencing bee development and colony functions. The co-detection of these compounds with vitamin D3 derivatives further underscores the interconnectedness of honey with insect and plant biology, shedding light on potential synergies that contribute to the diverse positive effects of honey on human health.
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