Medicinal properties of honey: A review

Authors

  • Kanwal Hanif Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Qurban Ali Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Waqas ul Hassan Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Asad Aslam Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Shehzad Department of Entomology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
  • Tamsila Nazir Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Faheem Akhtar Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Humaira Malik Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Bilal Bin Iqbal Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55627/zoobotanica.002.03.0880

Keywords:

Honey, medicinal properties, antimicrobial activity, cardiovascular diseases, antioxidant, wound healing, fertility

Abstract

Honey has long been a valuable natural resource, used as a nutritional supplement and in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties have been linked to treating wound healing, diabetes, cancer, asthma, neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular disorders. Honey contains flavonoids and polyphenols, the primary bioactive chemicals with antioxidant qualities. It is commonly accepted as mostly food and traditional medicine by all generations, both ancient and modern. Honey and its byproducts are commonly used in Asian countries, such as China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, in their traditional medicinal systems. Modern scientific literature suggests that honey may be beneficial for treating various diseases, including cancer, and should be used in clinical wards. The objective of this study is to thoroughly review and synthesize existing literature on the medicinal properties of honey, focusing on its effectiveness in treating several diseases and its potential applications in modern clinical frameworks. By emphasizing on the bioactive compounds and their health benefits, this review seeks to encourage the integration of honey in therapeutic practices.

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2025-01-07

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