Insights & Discussion
Honey's phytochemical components and bioactive compounds have potential antiviral effects, potentially making it an effective natural product against COVID-19.
The methodology of this research utilizes a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature regarding the antiviral effects and phytochemical components of honey. Previous studies have indicated that certain bioactive compounds present in honey, such as methylglyoxal, chrysin, caffeic acid, galangin, hesperidin, levan, and ascorbic acid, may exhibit antiviral effects or stimulate the body's antiviral immune responses.
Through thorough examination of past works, the researchers isolated and focused on these compounds, exploring their potential utility in the context of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus that currently lacks established preventative or treatment measures.
The results of the analysis pointed towards the efficacy of honey's bioactive compounds, which were found to potentially display both direct antiviral effects and the promotion of antiviral immune responses. However, the precise mechanisms by which these compounds exert their antiviral activity, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, remain largely unclear. Despite these ambiguities, the research established honey as a fruitful field of study for potential therapeutic material against the novel coronavirus disease.
Discover Related Insights
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.
The Jing Si Herbal Drink, composed of various antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs, has been confirmed as potentially effective in treating COVID-19 symptoms.
2022 Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine Jing Si Herbal Drink as a prospective adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 treatment: Molecular evidence and mechanisms Lu PH, Tseng CW, Lee JL, Lee EY, Lin YP, Lin IH, et al.
Review Article Ai Ye Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidant
The methodology incorporated in this study involves analyzing the efficacy of the component herbs present in Jing Si Herbal Drink (JSHD). This was done through in vivo and in vitro testing to understand their potential in treating COVID-19. JSHD comprises a combination of 5 antiviral, 7 antioxidant, 7 anti-inflammatory herbs. Furthermore, it includes 2 herbs that inhibit the overactive immune system, one herb that reduces cell apoptosis, and another with antithrombotic ability. These constituent herbs were evaluated for their impact on the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Discussion of the results showed that the ingredients in JSHD have demonstrated potential effectiveness against COVID-19. The active ingredients in the drink were effective in providing symptomatic relief for infected patients. The antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory herbs, along with those altering immune response, inhibiting cellular apoptosis and providing antithrombotic capacity, were all found beneficial against the disease. Thus, JSHD holds promise as a useful adjuvant or supplementary treatment in handling COVID-19.
Honey, owing to its bioactive compounds, demonstrates potential in treating COVID-19 symptoms by reducing oxidative damage and enhancing the immune system.
2022 Applied Sciences Honey as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of COVID-19 Infection: A Review Soares S, Bornet M, Grosso C, Ramalhosa MJ, Gouvinhas I, Garcia J, et al.
Review Article Antioxidant Honey Immunity
The review outlines the SARS-CoV-2 virus's mechanisms of action, which is responsible for COVID-19, offering a comprehensive understanding. It also explores the various bioactive assets honey has at its disposal, primarily focusing on its beneficial properties.
The discussion elaborates on the potentials of honey's biological properties, especially its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These characteristics of honey, as suggested by the review, could contribute to the relief of oxidative damage and boost the immune system, thereby proving beneficial in combating viral infections, including COVID-19.
Bee honey and propolis could have potential beneficial effects as supporting treatments for COVID-19, enhancing immunity and inhibiting viral activity.
2021 Molecules Propolis, Bee Honey, and Their Components Protect against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review of In Silico, In Vitro, and Clinical Studies Ali AM, Kunugi H
Review Article Anti-Inflammatory Antiviral Honey
The study's methodology involved a comprehensive review of the literature on the potential anti-COVID-19 effects of bee honey and propolis, products known for their strong antimicrobial and antioxidant abilities. The researchers conducted molecular simulations to see how various flavonoids found in these products might inhibit essential viral processes. Additionally, they compared the effectiveness of propolis extracts delivered by nanocarriers to ethanolic extracts, and they examined the effects of a combination of honey and propolis on hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The findings from the review and simulations suggested that certain flavonoids in honey and propolis may inhibit the fusion of the virus spike with host cells, interactions that cause a cytokine storm, and viral replication. Propolis ethanolic extract, rutin, and propolis liposomes displayed inhibitory action against non-structural proteins of the virus in vitro while naringin inhibited viral infection in specific cells. When delivered via nanocarriers, propolis extracts showed enhanced antiviral effects against the virus compared to ethanolic extracts. Observations of hospitalized patients suggested that those treated with green Brazilian propolis or a honey-propolis combination experienced quicker viral clearance, symptom recovery, and hospital discharge, along with lower mortality rates.