A review of the pharmacological activities of honey

Abstract

Background: Since ancient times, Honey has been highly prized and widely used by humans for both nourishment
and medicinal purposes. The sweet substance known as honey is mostly made by honey bees from the nectar and parts
of plants. Because of its amazing therapeutic abilities due to its Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory,
Antiproliferative, Anticancer, and Antimetastatic properties, honey is and has been used for a wide range of illnesses
in traditional medical systems and in majority of ancient cultures and religion for millennia.
Methods: An online search of relevant databases for the pharmacological activities of honey was undertaken.
Websites such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science were utilized. The characteristics and the types of honey
were considered in this review. Also, the value and significance of honey was discussed.
Results: The review uncovered numerous aspects of honey such as- Description/Composition of honey, History of
honey, Religious significance of honey, Income analysis of honey production, Types of honey, Physical properties of
honey, Thermal characteristics of honey, Shelf life of honey, Preservative properties of honey with greater emphasis
on the Therapeutic properties of honey.
Conclusion: Numerous modern scientific literature point to the potential benefits of using honey in the management
of wounds, diabetes, cancer, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, infertility, arthritis, eye problems, asthma, and a host
of other conditions including neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders. The two main
class of bioactive compounds found in honey are flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which have antioxidant
properties.