Honey: A Healthy Choice for Diabetics

This published article reviews all studies that validate honey as a novel anti-diabetic agent. To no surprise, honey has been revered as a naturally, preferred sweetner for diabetics, simply for the fact that it doesn't require insulin to be digested. This peer-reviewed article from Romanian faculty is very qualified to digest the data for the intrinsic value contained within.

Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes

Oxid MedCell Longev. 2018 Feb 4;2018:4757893

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with multifactorial and heterogeneous etiologies. Two types of diabetes are common among humans: type 1 diabetes that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin and type 2 diabetes, the most common form, that may be caused by several factors, the most important being lifestyle, but also may be determined by different genes.

Honey was used in folk medicine for a long time, but the health benefits were explained in the last decades, when the scientific world was concerned in testing and thus explaining the benefits of honey.

Different studies demonstrate the hypoglycemic effect of honey, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear.

This review presents the experimental studies completed in the recent years, which support honey as a novel antidiabetic agent that might be of potential significance for the management of diabetes and its complications and also highlights the potential impacts and future perspectives on the use of honey as an antidiabetic agent.

Download the complete article here.

Buckwheat Honey Exhibits Super Protective Effect

Generally speaking, the darker the honey the richer it is both in mineral content and therapeutic effect. Buckwheat honey has a history of it's beneficial value and this study confirms its high antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Though it may be strong in flavor for the palette, it's an ideal complement to a wound healing strategy.

The Protective Effect of Whole Honey and Phenolic Extract on Oxidative DNA Damage in Mice Lymphocytes Using Comet Assay

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 2017 Sep 19

In this study, the antioxidant activity and the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage were assessed for five honeys of different botanical origin. Seven phenolic acids were detected in the honey samples. Ferulic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid detected in longan honey, jujube honey and buckwheat honey. Ellagic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocatechuic acid were the main phenolic acids detected in vitex honey.

Of all honey samples tested, the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in buckwheat honey, whereas the lowest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in locust honey. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide induced a 62% increase in tail DNA in mice lymphocytes, and all studied honeys significantly inhibited this effect (P < 0.05).

The buckwheat honey with higher antioxidant capability also exhibited super protective effect than others. Phenolic extracts of honey displayed greater protective effects than whole honey in comet assay. The hydrogen peroxide-generated increase in 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was effectively inhibited by the honeys studied (P < 0.05). Moreover, a dose-effect relationship between honey concentration and its protective effect was clearly observed in this study.

It can be deduced that phenolic acids of honey can penetrate into lymphocytes and protect DNA from oxidative damage by scavenging hydrogen peroxide and/or chelating ferrous ions.

Honey is for Horses and Humans, Heals Wounds

The take-away from this study is that honey heals wounds, certainly raw honey (unheated & unfiltered) which contains Lactic Acid Bacteria. Many studies have demonstrated its healing capacity with regards to wounds but the researchers chose hard-to-heal wounds that took more than a year to heal! The results are very impressive, as antibiotic-resistant strains are becoming more commonplace in medical establishments.

Fighting Off Wound Pathogens in Horses with Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria

Current Microbiology October 2016

In the global perspective of antibiotic resistance, it is urgent to find potent topical antibiotics for the use in human and animal infection. Healing of equine wounds, particularly in the limbs, is difficult due to hydrostatic factors and exposure to environmental contaminants, which can lead to heavy bio-burden/biofilm formation and sometimes to infection. Therefore, antibiotics are often prescribed. Recent studies have shown that honeybee-specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB), involved in honey production, and inhibit human wound pathogens.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects on the healing of hard-to-heal equine wounds after treatment with these LAB symbionts viable in a heather honey formulation. For this, we included ten horses with wound duration of >1 year, investigated the wound microbiota, and treated wounds with the novel honeybee LAB formulation. We identified the microbiota using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the honeybee LAB formulation were tested against all wound isolates in vitro.

Our results indicate a diverse wound microbiota including fifty-three bacterial species that showed 90 % colonization by at least one species of Staphylococcus. Treatment with the formulation promoted wound healing in all cases already after the first application and the wounds were either completely healed (n = 3) in less than 20 days or healing was in progress. Furthermore, the honeybee LAB formulation inhibited all pathogens when tested in vitro.

Consequently, this new treatment option presents as a powerful candidate for the topical treatment of hard-to-heal wounds in horses. 

The rapid, painless healing of hard-to-heal equine wounds gives us reason to believe that the honeybee LAB formulation presents a new topical option in future wound healing. This new treatment may be a stepping-stone toward an alternative solution for treating other infected wounds in animals and humans and warrants further investigation.

Chrysin Flavonoid in Honey, Propolis Prevents Cell Damage

Just one of numerous flavonoids found in propolis and in smaller doses in honey, Chrysin has been found to protect cells from lab-induced ammonia intoxication. The protective effects of this flavonoid is a common trait with propolis, where we find it always protecting and healing various conditions as well as preventing damaging effects from chemicals, drugs, pesticides, etc.

Chrysin, a flavonoid attenuates histological changes of hyperammonemic rats: A dose dependent study

Biomed Pharmacother. 2016 May 24;82:345-354

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a major component of some traditional medicinal herbs present in honey, propolis and many plant extracts.

The study was aimed to illuminate the effect of chrysin in the pathogenesis of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) induced hyperammonemic rat model in a dose dependent manner. Rats were injected with NH4Cl (100mg/kg b.w.) by intraperitonially (i.p) thrice a week for 8 consecutive weeks for the induction of experimental hyperammonemia. Hyperammonemic rats were treated with chrysin by orally at a dose of 25, 50 & 100mg/kg b.w. respectively. 

Protective effect of chrysin against hyperammonemia was evaluated by performing biochemical estimations and morphopathological investigations of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of liver, brain and kidney tissues. Supplementation of chrysin reinstated the levels of blood ammonia, plasma urea, uric acid, total bilirubin, creatinine, brain glutamate, glutamine, nitric oxide (NO) and the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase, and liver marker enzymes.

On the other hand increased level of plasma urea was observed in chrysin treated rats as compared with hyperammonemic rats. Chrysin administration caused distortion of hepatic, brain and kidney architecture as shown by histological examination.

Chrysin at a dose (100mg/kg b.w.) showed an utmost decline in the level of all biochemical estimations. Both biochemical and morphological studies clearly revealed that chrysin protects against cell injury induced by ammonia intoxication in a dose-response manner with respect to endogenous antioxidants and hypoammonemic effects.

Honey Bee Products Improve the Immune System

Yet another synergistic effect from consuming bee products. This is an important update to a previous study that identified lactic acid bacteria present in honey, bee pollen and bee bread. This human trial, even though small, reveals great promise for those needing immune system support, complementing the medical community's interest in the connection between the immune system and a healthy gut.

Lactobacillus kunkeei YB38 from honeybee products enhances IgA production in healthy adults

J Appl Microbiol. 2015 Jun 29. doi: 10.1111/jam.12889.

AIMS:
To identify lactic acid bacterial isolates that promote IgA production in honeybee products and honeybees (Apis mellifera).

METHODS AND RESULTS:
Pyrosequencing analysis of the microbiota of honeybee products and honeybees revealed the predominance of Lactobacillus kunkeei in honey, bee pollen, bee bread, and royal jelly. L. kunkeei was isolated from bee pollen, bee bread, and honey stomach, and its effect on IgA production was evaluated in vitro. Heat-killed YB38 and YB83 isolates from bee pollen promoted IgA production in mouse Peyer's Patch cells and had little mitogenic activity or effect on IL-2 production in mouse spleen cells in comparison with Listeria monocytogenes, which does exhibit mitogen activity. A pilot study in 11 healthy adults showed that 4-week intake of 1,000 mg/day heat-killed YB38 increased SIgA concentrations and secretion in saliva with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSION:
Heat-killed L. kunkeei YB38 from bee pollen increases IgA production and may safely improve immune responsiveness.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:

This is the first report of microbiota analysis of royal jelly and the immune efficacy of L. kunkeei from honeybee products in humans.

Forest Honey Can Prevent Ulcers

Recognized world wide that honey is more than a food but also medicine, this new study finds these monofloral honeys to possess specialized healing properties, in particular concerning gastric ulcers. In fact, oak and chestnut honeys inhibit enzymes which cause gout, gastritis, cardiovascular disease and peptic ulcers.

Honey as an apitherapic product: its inhibitory effect on urease and xanthine oxidase

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2015 May 

The aim of this study was to evaluate new natural inhibitor sources for the enzymes urease and xanthine oxidase (XO). Chestnut, oak and polyfloral honey extracts were used to determine inhibition effects of both enzymes.

In addition to investigate inhibition, the antioxidant capacities of these honeys were determined using total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays.

Due to their high phenolic content, chestnut and oak honeys are found to be a powerful source for inhibition of both enzymes. Especially, oak honeys were efficient for urease inhibition with 0.012-0.021 g/mL IC50 values, and also chestnut honeys were powerful for XO inhibition with 0.028-0.039 g/mL IC50 values.

Regular daily consumption of these honeys can prevent gastric ulcers deriving from Helicobacter pylori and pathological disorders mediated by reactive oxygen species.

Honey Effective as Antiprotozoal Agent

Protective properties of honey are frequently understated. This study found Ziziphus honey  outperformed a leading antibiotic in eliminating a common parasite. A very important result, especially in developing countries where water supplies aren't reliable. In fact, Giardiasis is the most common pathogenic parasitic infection in humans worldwide.

Antigiardial activity of glycoproteins and glycopeptides from Ziziphus honey

Nat Prod Res. 2015 Jan 14:1-3

Natural honey contains an array of glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycopeptides. Size-exclusion chromatography fractionated Ziziphus honey proteins into five peaks with molecular masses in the range from 10 to >200 kDa. The fractionated proteins exhibited in vitro activities against Giardia lamblia with IC50 values ≤ 25 μg/mL. 


Results indicated that honey proteins were more active as antiprotozoal agents than metronidazole. This study indicated the potential of honey proteins and peptides as novel antigiardial agents.

Honey: A Realistic Antimicrobial for Skin Disorders

A reassuring assessment of the antimicrobial properties of honey without singling out any particular nectar source. More importantly, it reinforces honey's value in reversing antimicrobial resistance...

Honey: A realistic antimicrobial for disorders of the skin

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2015 Jan 30

Resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics is a serious global health concern. In this review, research investigating the antimicrobial properties of honeys from around the world against skin relevant microbes is evaluated.

A plethora of in vitro studies have revealed that honeys from all over the world have potent microbicidal activity against dermatologically important microbes. Moreover, in vitro studies have shown that honey can reduce microbial pathogenicity as well as reverse antimicrobial resistance. Studies investigating the antimicrobial properties of honey in vivo have been more controversial.

It is evident that innovative research is required to exploit the antimicrobial properties of honey for clinical use and to determine the efficacy of honey in the treatment of a range of skin disorders with a microbiological etiology. 

Honey Consumption Reduces Chemotherapy Side Effects

This clinical study reaffirms that honey is medicine. It's therapeutic value improved the health of children suffering from Leukemia. It also enhanced hemoglobin levels, decreased hospital stay and chemotherapy side effects. Whether ill or well, consuming honey has important advantages to improving and maintaining one's health, while preventing unwanted illnesses.

Clinical Trial: The Effects of Honey on Febrile Neutropeniain Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Clinical Trials.gov, Oct 2014

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common and serious side effect of chemotherapy. Current management of FN is expensive and may induce side effects. Honey is a natural substance produced by honeybees. It possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. In addition, honey is not expensive. 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-week honey consumption on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) particularly with regards of FN episodes. This randomized crossover clinical trial included 40 patients of both sexes, aged 2.5 to 10 years. They were randomized into two equal groups [intervention to control (I/C) and control to intervention (C/I)]. 

The dietary intervention was 12-week honey consumption in a dose of 2.5g//kg body weight per dose twice weekly. The intervention resulted in a significant decrease of FN episodes and duration of hospital admission. Furthermore, the intervention improved the levels of hemoglobin and did not lead to any serious side effect. As a possible effect of honey withdrawal in the I/C group, the Hb%, the absolute neutrophil count and the platelet count decreased. 

This small clinical trial suggests that honey consumption might have positive effects on FN and hematologic parameters of children with ALL.

Honey and Milk Effective For Coughs As OTC Medication

Interesting results from a study using a honey and milk mixture which performed as good as over-the-counter medication. Previous studies have also confirmed that honey alone works better at treating acute coughs as OTC medication.

Effect of multiple honey doses on non-specific acute cough in children. An open randomised study and literature review

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2014 Sep 5. pii: S0301-0546(14)00129-3

BACKGROUND:

Honey is recommended for non-specific acute paediatric cough by the Australian guidelines. Current available randomised clinical trials evaluated the effects of a single evening dose of honey, but multiple doses outcomes have never been studied.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effects of wildflower honey, given for three subsequent evenings, on non-specific acute paediatric cough, compared to dextromethorphan (DM) and levodropropizine (LDP), which are the most prescribed over-the-counter (OTC) antitussives in Italy.

METHODS:

134 children suffering from non-specific acute cough were randomised to receive for three subsequent evenings a mixture of milk (90ml) and wildflower honey (10ml) or a dose of DM or LDP adjusted for the specific age. The effectiveness was evaluated by a cough questionnaire answered by parents. Primary end-point efficacy was therapeutic success. The latter was defined as a decrease in cough questionnaire score greater than 50% after treatment compared with baseline values.

RESULTS:

Three children were excluded from the study, as their parents did not complete the questionnaire. Therapeutic success was achieved by 80% in the honey and milk group and 87% in OTC medication group (p=0.25).

CONCLUSIONS:

Milk and honey mixture seems to be at least as effective as DM or LDP in non-specific acute cough in children. These results are in line with previous studies, which reported the health effects of honey on paediatric cough, even if placebo effect cannot be totally excluded.

Honey Outperforms Sugars As Anti-Cancer Agent

This study confirms that the holistic capacity of honey, which is rich in sugars, cannot be duplicated to possess the same anticancer effects as lab-created honey. Honey has unique origins from the nectar sources to the transitional processes that honey bees use to make it medicinal and nutritional. Honey is good medicine.

EFFECT OF SUGAR CONCENTRATION MIMICKING COMPOSITION OF SUGARS IN HONEY ON N-METHYL-N-NITROSOUREA (MNU)-INDUCED BREAST CARCINOMA IN RATS

Pathology: October 2014 - Volume 46

Aim: 
High concentration of sugar is carcinogenic. Honey which is rich in sugars has been shown to have anti-cancer effect. There is no study reported on the effect of sugars mimicking the concentration of sugars of honey (honey-mimic) in inhibiting breast carcinoma in rats. The aim of the study is to investigate if honey-mimic has similar effect as natural honey on experimental breasts tumor induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats.

Methods: 
Honey-mimic was made by mixing proportions of fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose mimicking the sugar composition of honey based on published method. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 animals per each group. Group 1 rats did not receive MNU injection (negative control). Group 2, 3, 4 rats received a single intraperitoneal dose (80 mg/kg body weight) of MNU injection. The size and development of the tumors were monitored. When the tumor size reached 10-12 mm2 in diameter, rats of Group 3 were given oral honey-sugar mimic 1.0 g/kg while Group 4 was given honey 1.0 g/kg body weight daily. Group 2 was not given honey-sugar mimic nor natural honey (positive control). All rats were allowed to feed on rat chowder ad lib. After 120 days, all rats were sacrificed and tumors were harvested for gross and histopathological examinations
.

Results: 
The mean number of tumors developed per rat in groups 2, 3, 4 was 4.9 +/- 0.60, 3.6 +/- 0.40 and 3.4 +/- 0.30, respectively. The mean tumor weight and volume in the negative and positive control group were significantly larger at 11.85 +/- 1.01 g and 8.50 +/- 0.40 cm3, respectively; while in the test groups (Groups 3 and 4) were 6.45 +/- 0.60 g and 4.50 +/- 0.20 cm3; 4.34 +/- 0.35 g and 2.50 +/- 0.20 cm3 (p < 0.05), respectively. Histopathological grading revealed that the majority of rats which received honey-sugar mimic and honey were of grade 1 and 2 compared to control, which were of grade 3.

Conclusion: 
Sugar concentration mimicking composition of sugars in natural honey has some anti-carcinogenesis modulation properties but not as effective as honey.

Reduced Toxicity Achieved in Liver, Spleen & Pancreas with Apitherapy

A fantastic study revealing the "synergistic effects" of an Apitherapy diet, combining multiple bee products enhances the effects of each individual product thereby boosting the overall results. This study reaffirms the previous results which identified the detoxing effects of honey and propolis on liver and kidneys.

Effect of Apitherapy Formulations against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats after Three Weeks of Treatment

Molecules 2014, 19(9), 13374-13

The human body is exposed nowadays to increasing attacks by toxic compounds in polluted air, industrially processed foods, alcohol and drug consumption that increase liver toxicity, leading to more and more severe cases of hepatic disorders. The present paper aims to evaluate the influence of the apitherapy diet in Wistar rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity, by analyzing the biochemical determinations (enzymatic, lipid and protein profiles, coagulation parameters, minerals, blood count parameters, bilirubin levels) and histopathological changes at the level of liver, spleen and pancreas.

Liver samples

The experiment was carried out on six groups of male Wistar rats. Hepatic lesions were induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (dissolved in paraffin oil, 10% solution). Two mL per 100 g were administered, every 2 days, for 2 weeks. Hepatoprotection was achieved with two apitherapy diet formulations containing honey, pollen, propolis, Apilarnil, with/without royal jelly.

Spleen samples

Biochemical results reveal that the two apitherapy diet formulations have a positive effect on improving the enzymatic, lipid, and protein profiles, coagulation, mineral and blood count parameters and bilirubin levels. The histopathological results demonstrate the benefits of the two apitherapy diet formulations on reducing toxicity at the level of liver, spleen and pancreas in laboratory animals.

Pancreas samples

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Honey and Coffee Outperform Steroid Against Oral Mucositis

Honey protects the body from the good and bad of our nutritional food chain. This study reveals that honey, combined with coffee, does a better job than the topical steroid solution. 

"Coffee plus Honey" versus "topical steroid" in the treatment of Chemotherapy-induced Oral mucositis

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014 Aug 8;14(1):293

BACKGROUND:

Oral mucositis is one of the common complications of cancer chemotherapy and about 40% of the patients who take chemotherapy protocols, experience this irritating problem. The purpose of this study was to draw comparison between the therapeutic effects of our treatment modalities (topical steroid, honey, honey plus coffee) in patients suffering from oral mucositis.

METHODS:

This was a double blinded randomised clinical trial of a total of 75 eligible adult participants which they randomly fell into three treatment groups. For all the participants a syrup-like solution was prepared. Each 600 grams of the product consisted of "20 eight-mg Betamethasone solution ampoules" in the Steroid (S) group, "300 grams of honey plus 20 grams of instant coffee" in the Honey plus Coffee (HC) group, and "300 grams of honey" for the Honey (H) group. The participants were told to sip 10 ml of the prescribed product, and then swallow it every three hours for one week. Severity of lesions was clinically evaluated before the treatment and also one week after the initiation of the intervention. This study adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.

RESULTS:

This study showed that all three treatment regimens reduce the severity of lesions. The best reduction in severity was achieved in HC group. H group and S group took the second and third places. In other words, honey plus coffee regimen was the most effective modality for the treatment of oral mucositis.

CONCLUSION:

Oral mucositis can be successfully treated by a combination of honey and coffee as an alternative medicine in a short time. Further investigations are warranted in this field.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT: 201104074737N3, (9 May 2011).

Survey Reveals Honey Heals Babies, Parents Okay

The beneficial effects of honey and its healing properties are well-documented. This study reveals the acceptance by parents and staff in the effectiveness of the healing properties of a honey wound dressing.

A Feasibility Study of Active Manuka Honey Dressings on Babies Requiring Admission to NICU

Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed, 2014 June

OBJECTIVE:

Honey Dressings have been demonstrated to have important anti-infective and wound healing properties in adults and children. Mechanisms of action include an osmotic effect on bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties. They have yet to be adequately studied in newborn infants and this study aimed to determine if honey dressings are safe and acceptable to staff and parents. In this abstract we present the themes obtained from asking parents and staff what they thought of the dressings.

METHODS:

Questionnaires were distributed to parents of babies who had Active Manuka Honey Dressings applied to their wounds in a feasibility study. Similar questionnaires were given to staff that had used the dressings. Responses were grouped into themes reflecting similar comments.

RESULTS:

12 parents responded, giving responses grouped into the themes of 'natural product' and the 'effect on healing'. 46 staff commented and their responses were grouped into three themes: 'ease of application', 'smell' and 'effect on healing'. Some negative comments were also received covering 5 areas: 'properties of the dressings', 'wastage', 'inappropriate use', 'appearance' and 'lack of adhesion' under certain conditions.

CONCLUSION:

Honey Dressings appear to be acceptable to parents and staff with both groups saying that they felt the dressings helped the wounds heal more quickly. More research is required to fully assess the effectiveness and role of honey dressings in newborn infants.

Bee Product Stops Renal Disease Failure in Diabetics

Propolis, honey and other products from honey bees will contain common ingredients - when bees find good food, they stick with it. This flavonoid is most prevelant in propolis, followed by honey and occasionally in pollen and beeswax.. There are other studies that confirm the benefits of propolis and honey for diabetics.

Chrysin, an anti-inflammatory molecule, abrogates renal dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

J Tox Pharm, 2014 Aug

ABSTRACT

Highlights:

• Chrysin reduced renal oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic rats.

• Chrysin reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory in diabetic rats.

• Chrysin exhibited renal protective effect by suppressing the TNF-α pathway.

Diabetic nepropathy (DN) is considered as the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, but the current available treatments are limited. Recent experimental evidences support the role of chronic microinflammation in the development of DN. Therefore, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) pathway has emerged as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of DN. 

We investigated the nephroprotective effects of chrysin (5, 7-dihydroxyflavone) in a high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rat model. Chrysin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that is abundantly found in plant extracts, honey and bee propolis. The treatment with chrysin for 16 weeks post induction of diabetes significantly abrogated renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Chrysin treatment considerably reduced renal TNF-α expression and inhibited the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-кB) activation. Furthermore, chrysin treatment improved renal pathology and suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), fibronectin and collagen-IV protein expressions in renal tissues. Chrysin also significantly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6. Moreover, there were no appreciable differences in fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels between the chrysin treated groups compared to the HFD/STZ-treated group. 

Hence, our results suggest that chrysin prevents the development of DN in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats through anti-inflammatory effects in the kidney by specifically targeting the TNF-α pathway.

Honey Improves Frozen Sperm Perfomance

Studies have already proven honey to be an effective medium for human tissue but this study confirms that it not only improves human sperm performance of infertile patients but also protects them after a deep freeze of 6 months!

Honey Supplementation to Semen-Freezing Medium Improves Human Sperm Parameters Post-Thawing

J Family Reprod Health, 2014 Mar

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of honey supplemented to cryoprotectant medium on post-thaw sperm motility, concentration, morphology and agglutination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Thirty semen samples were collected from 30 infertile patients. After assessment of semen analysis, semen samples were divided into 3 aliquots (0.7ml for each) and mixed with 1 ml of cryopreservation solution (G1, control) alone, or enriched with 5% honey (G2) or with 10% honey (G3) for cryopreservation. Cryopreservation was done at -196°C in liquid nitrogen and thawing was performed after six months. Direct swim up technique was used for in vitro sperm preparation post-thawing. Sperm parameters were assessed and data were statistically analyzed pre- and post-thawing.

RESULTS:

Results appeared that the percentage of sperm motility for G1 and G2 groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) post-thawing when compared to pre-cryopreservation. However, there was no significant difference in the total motility (%) of the post-thaw sperm between the G1 and G2 groups. While there was significant increased (P < 0.05) in the percentage of normal sperm morphology for G1 and G3 groups post-thawing. Post-thawing normal sperm morphology (%) for G3 group was significantly increased (P < 0.05) as compared to G1 and G2 groups. In contrast non significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between G1 and G2 groups. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) was seen in the sperm concentration for all groups post-thawing as compared to pre-cryopreservation groups. After thawing the results reveal significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the sperm agglutination (%) for G3 group as compared to G1 and G2 groups.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study indicated that the supplementation of honey (10%) to cryoprotectant solution results in enhancement of sperm quality post-thawing.

Corneal Wound Healing Accelerated with Acacia Honey

Honey has very effective wound-healing properties and its use with delicate corneal tissue is a very important discovery. The significance of this study shows Acacia honey, with no preservatives necessary, sped healing of tissue as compared with conventional treatment, which rely on preservatives that also have negative side effects, such as cytotoxicity...

Effect of acacia honey on cultured rabbit corneal keratocytes

BMC Cell Biology 2014, May

Background

Acacia honey is a natural product which has proven to have therapeutic effects on skin wound healing, but its potential healing effects in corneal wound healing have not been studied. This study aimed to explore the effects of Acacia honey (AH) on corneal keratocytes morphology, proliferative capacity, cell cycle, gene and protein analyses. Keratocytes from the corneal stroma of six New Zealand white rabbits were isolated and cultured until passage 1. The optimal dose of AH in the basal medium (FD) and medium containing serum (FDS) for keratocytes proliferation was identified using MTT assay. The morphological changes, gene and protein expressions of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), marker for quiescent keratocytes and vimentin, marker for fibroblasts were detected using q-RTPCR and immunocytochemistry respectively. Flowcytometry was performed to evaluate the cell cycle analysis of corneal keratocytes.

Results

Cultured keratocytes supplemented with AH showed no morphological changes compared to control. Keratocytes cultured in FD and FDS media supplemented with 0.025% AH showed optimal proliferative potential compared with FD and FDS media, respectively.

Corneal keratocytes in 4 different media after 48hrs

Gene expressions of ADLH and vimentin were increased in keratocytes cultured with AH enriched media. All proteins were expressed in keratocytes cultured in all media in accordance to the gene expression findings. No chromosomal changes were detected in keratocytes in AH enriched media.

Conclusion

Corneal keratocytes cultured in media supplemented with 0.025% AH showed an increase in proliferative capacity while retaining their morphology, gene and protein expressions with normal cell cycle. The results of the present study show promising role of AH role in accelerating the initial stage of corneal wound healing.

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Does Gamma Irradiation Make Honey Better?

A very important study concerning sterilized honey for medical use. People have used honey with success in treating wounds for centuries but its use in hospital settings requires irradiation. Though the results show no effect on physicochemical properties, there is significant effects on vitamins C, E and HMF (used to determine the amount of heat exposure which destroys healthy enzymes). There's also no mention of the effects on phenolic acids which have a strong impact on the therapeutic use of honey. Further studies are definitely required...

Does Gamma Irradiation Affect Physicochemical Properties of Honey? 

La Clinica Terapeutica, 2014 Mar-Apr

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars, enriched with proteins, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and polyphenols. Gamma irradiation is a physical technique of food preservation which protects the honey from insects' and microbial contamination during storage. We investigated the effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical properties in two types of Malaysian honey, Gelam and Nenas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Both honeys were irradiated at the dose 25 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator. The physicochemical properties pH, moisture, acidity, color, and sugar content as well as vitamins C and E, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and mineral contents, for the irradiated and non-irradiated honeys were assessed.

RESULTS:

The results revealed that pH, acidity, minerals and sugar contents in both types of honey were not affected significantly by gamma irradiation, while moisture, vitamin E contents and HMF level decreased significantly with gamma irradiation. However, significant increase in color intensity and vitamin C were observed after gamma irradiation for both types of honey.

DISCUSSION:

In summary, gamma irradiation treatment of honey (in the dose mentioned above) did not cause significant changes in the physicochemical and mineral contents, except for significant alterations in color intensity, moisture, vitamins (C and E), and HMF contents.

Chestnut Honey Exhibits High Antimicrobial Effect on E coli, Salmonella

This study highlights the importance of honey floral sources for antimicrobial usage, stressing the need for further studies using honey to stop the spread of resistant bacteria... 

Antimicrobial potential of Sicilian honeys against commensal Escherichia coli and pathogenic Salmonella serovar infantis

J Prev Med Hyg. 2013 Dec

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of 71 locally produced honeys from different botanical sources collected from apiarist's open markets in Sicily.

METHODS:

Antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Salmonella serovar Infantis (ATCC 1523) by an agar-diffusion assay from the estimation of the diameter of the inhibition zone produced by the honeys. Statistically) significant differences (P < .000) regarding inhibition were observed for the honeys tested.

RESULTS:

The chestnut and polyfloral honey samples exhibited the largest and highest inhibition (diameter of the inhibition zone > 25 mm) against both E. coli and S. Infantis. The honey of oregano origin showed intermediate or low activity against E. coli and S. Infantis, respectively. Prickly pear and erica honeys showed no antimicrobial activity against the two reference strains.

DISCUSSION:

The results may partially suggest the usefulness of the Sicilian honeys on treating multi-resistant enterobacteria. In light of the enormous potential for application of honey in the clinical practice, it is important that research continues not only into those honeys well recognized as antimicrobial, but also into other locally produced and yet untested honeys.

Greek Honey Contains Rich Anti-Cancer, Anti-Cholesterol, Antioxidant Compounds

Location is everything, not only in real estate but also with bees. Depending on their geographic placement, floral sources change and so does the nectar, tree resin and pollen. This new study identified important phenolic compounds in Greek honeys that are important to human health and reaffirms the importance of daily consumption of non-commercial honey...

Phenolic Acid composition, antiatherogenic and anticancer potential of honeys derived from various regions in Greece

PLoS One, 2014 Apr 21

The phenolic acid profile of honey depends greatly on its botanical and geographical origin. In this study, we carried out a quantitative analysis of phenolic acids in the ethyl acetate extract of 12 honeys collected from various regions in Greece.

Our findings indicate that protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid are the major phenolic acids of the honeys examined. Conifer tree honey (from pine and fir) contained significantly higher concentrations of protocatechuic and caffeic acid (mean: 6640 and 397 µg/kg honey respectively) than thyme and citrus honey (mean of protocatechuic and caffeic acid: 437.6 and 116 µg/kg honey respectively). p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was the dominant compound in thyme honeys (mean: 1252.5 µg/kg honey). We further examined the antioxidant potential (ORAC assay) of the extracts, their ability to influence viability of prostate cancer (PC-3) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells as well as their lowering effect on TNF- α-induced adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells (HAEC).

ORAC values of Greek honeys ranged from 415 to 2129 µmol Trolox equivalent/kg honey and correlated significantly with their content in protocatechuic acid (p < 0.001), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p < 0.01), vanillic acid (p < 0.05), caffeic acid (p < 0.01), p-coumaric acid (p < 0.001) and their total phenolic content (p < 0.001). Honey extracts reduced significantly the viability of PC-3 and MCF-7 cells as well as the expression of adhesion molecules in HAEC. Importantly, vanillic acid content correlated significantly with anticancer activity in PC-3 and MCF-7 cells (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively). Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid and total phenolic content correlated significantly with the inhibition of VCAM-1 expression (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively).

In conclusion, Greek honeys are rich in phenolic acids, in particular protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid and exhibit significant antioxidant, anticancer and antiatherogenic activities which may be attributed, at least in part, to their phenolic acid content.