Honey is the God gift to human being and has been successfully used for medicinal purpose since antiquity. The medicinal and nutritional properties of honey depend on its chemical constituents. Although the chief constituents are sugars and water, but the presence of other composition as Carbohydrate, Proteins, Vitamins as well as minerals make it very beneficial for nutritional, preservative and therapeutic properties as well. Pharmacological profile of honey is quite large as being having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator and anti-cancerous activities as revealed by various studies. Present paper provides a brief review of Phytochemistry and medicinal properties of honey

Ahmed, Reesha

Khan, Naeem Ahmad

Waseem, Mohd

English

Advanced Research Publications: Medical Journals

© ADR Journals 2017. All Rights Reserved.Review ArticlePhytochemistry and Medicinal Importance of Honey - A ReviewReesha Ahmed1, Naeem Ahmad Khan2, Mohd Waseem3AbstractHoney is the God gift to human being and has been successfully used for medicinal purpose  since antiquity. The medicinal and nutritional properties of honey depend on its chemical constituents. Although the chief constituents are sugars and water, but the presence of other composition as Carbohydrate, Proteins, Vitamins as well as minerals make it very beneficial for nutritional, preservative and therapeutic properties as well. Pharmacological profile of honey is quite large as being having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator and anti-cancerous activities as revealed by various studies. Present paper provides a brief review of Phytochemistry and medicinal properties of honey.Keywords: Honey, Medicine, Therapeutic properties, Anti-inflammatory, PhytochemistryIntroductionHoney is one of the most valued and appreciated natural substances known to mankind since ancient times1. It is produced by honey bees, belong to the genus Apis, order Hymenoptera14, family Apidae and subfamily Apinae28. There are several species of Bees but most widely used species is the honey bee, Apis mellifera2. It has been mentioned in Eberus papyrus [1550 BC] and Smith papyrus [1700 BC] to be used for wound healing. Jalinoos stated that “Honey is best treatment of various diseases”. Aristotle has written in his Historia Animalium that “Honey is good as a salve for sore eye”3. Ancient Egyptian, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honeybee products for wounds and diseases of the intestine1. It was also used by ancient Egptian as preservative agent13. Russian soldiers in World War 1 used it, for wound healing purposes22. Even the Prophet Mohammed glorified the healing power of honey5. Honey has a valued place in Traditional Medicine as well as Modern Therapeutics for centuries but it has a limited use  in Modern Medicine due to lack of scientific support1. It has been suggested that many medicinal properties of plants can be transmitted through honey, so that honey could be used as a vehicle for transporting plant medicinal properties4. According to the Charak Samhita, honey is of four types namely Makshika, Bhramara, Kshaudra and Paittaka. While Makshika, the best that produced by reddish variety of honey bee1.VernacularThe honey is known by different vernacular names: Mali, Alqolees (Unani); Injubin, Asatulnahl (Arabic); Shadab, Angabina, Shahdaan (Persian); Madhu, Makhika,Madhvika, Saragha, Varti, Vanta (Sanskrit); Honey (English); Saht (Punjabi); Mhach (Kashmiri); Shahad (Dutch); Madhu, Madah, Pehapras, Mehpar, Shahad (Hindi); Mah (Bengali); Madh (Gujrati); Mhou, Tam (kannal); Mal(Tamil); Taenu (Telgu); Mippany (Sindh); Pya-ya (Burma); Ayurmader (Malyalam); Baal (Turky); Deesa (Siryani)6,7,8,9.PhytochemistryThe chemical composition of honey varies with the plants source, season and production method also10. It contains 1,3P.G Scholar, 2Professor, Department of Ilmul Advia, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, A.M.U., Aligarh.Correspondence: Dr. Reesha Ahmed, Department of Ilmul Advia, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, A.M.U., Aligarh.E-mail Id: dr.reeshaahmed17@gmail.comOrcid Id: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8089-984XHow to cite this article: Ahmed R, Khan NA, Waseem M. Phytochemistry and Medicinal Importance of Honey - A Review. J Integ Comm Health 2017; 6(3&4): 31-34.ISSN: 2319-9113J. Integ. Comm. Health 2017; 6(3&4)32ISSN: 2319-9113Ahmed R et al.carbohydrate (95-97%), Protein (0.5%) which are mainly enzymes and free acids12. Glucose [30-40%], fructose [40-50%], sucrose [0.1-10%], dextrin, formic acid volatile acid and pollen grains, wax8. Other types of sugars that are present in small quantities such as disaccharides, trisaccharides and oligosaccharides12.  Fat soluble and water soluble vitamins are present in honey11 such as Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin etc. Minerals (P, S, Ca, Cr, Ba, Ni etc.)12 and trace amount of enzymes, maltose, melezitose, pentosans, gums and colouring matte ralso present in honey8.Acetic, Butanoic, Formic, Citric, Succinic, Lactic, Malic, Pyroglutamic, Gluconic acids and a number of aromatic acids are found in honey. Honey is free of cholestrol1. The main volatile compounds in honey are alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, acids, esters, terpenes. Organic acids have been found as volatile compounds in different type of honeys such as gluconic acid (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pentahydroxyhexanoic acid)12. In manuka honey, the major flavonoids are pinobanksin, pinocembrin and chrysin, while luteolin, quercetin, 8-methoxykaempferol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol and galangin are also in minor concentration4. Phenolic Acid and Flavonoids such as Caffeic acid, Isoferulic acid, p-Coumaric acid, Gallic acid, 4-hydrobenzoic acid, Syringin acid, Quercetin, Luteolin, 8-Methoxykaempferol, Pinocembrin, Isorhamnetin, Kaempferol, Chrysin, Galangin, Pinobanksin are present. Other compounds like Phenyllactic acid, 4-Methoxyphenolactic acid, Kojic acid, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, 2-Methoxybenzoic acid, Phenylacetic acid, Methyl syringate, Dehydrovomifoliol, Leptosin , Glyoxal, Methylglyoxal, 3-Deoxyglucosulose are also present in this type of honey4. Pure honey yields from 0.3 to 0.8 % of ash containing traces only of sulphate and chlorides and usually exhibits slight dextro- or laevorotation (+30 to 30 )14.Medicinal PropertiesHoney has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant, antiulcer and wound/burn healing (regenerative) effects.Antibacterial ActivitiesThe antibacterial effect of honey against gram-positive bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide was responsible for the antibacterial activity of honey, but hydrogen peroxide were destroyed by light.15,16 The sugar content of honey is also high enough to hinder the growth of microbes, along with pH of honey lie between 3.2 and 4.5 and this acidity is low enough to inhibit the growth of microorganisms2. A study has shown that one group of light-sensitive, heat-stable antibacterial factors in honey which inhibited the growth of B. subtilis, E. coli, B. alvei, pseudomonas, S. aureus and salmonella. Another study reported that bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity of honey as well as antibacterial properties particularly against bacteria, developed resistance to many antibiotic15.17,18.Antifungal ActivitiesThe antifungal activities of honey is due to synergistic action of starch15. In vitro, anti-fungal activity of honey has been tested on Candida albicans, C. pseudotropicalis, C. stellatoidea and C. tropicalis21. It was reported that honey inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. It has also have fungicide activity against different dermatophyte15,18. Anti-oxidant PropertyNatural honey contain many flavonoid, tocopherols, phenolic acids, catalase and ascorbic acid17,20. Antioxidant foods that are rich in flavonoids are protective agents against oxidative demage like atherosclerosis, ageing and cancer diseases19. Strong antioxidants are present in honey are Pinocembrin, pinobaxin, chrisin and galagin, while pinocembrin is an antioxidant that merely exists in the honey23.Anti-Inflammatory ActivityHealing effect of honey have been mentioned in QURAN and traditional medicine, it is used as a curative agent for many diseases24. When honey is applied to wounds, it effectively reduces the inflammation as well as reducing oedema around wounds and exudation from wounds. Honey has been observed to relieve the pain that is a feature of inflammation26.Wound Healing propertyWet dressings or any form of irrigation moisten the tissues and therefore delay healing. Honey is an effective treatment of wounds because it is non-irritating, non-toxic, self-sterile, bactericidal, nutritive, easily applied and more comfortable than other dressings21 and promote healing25. It was investigate that the patients suffering from wound breakdown after operation for carcinoma of the vulva were treated by pouring honey into the wounds twice daily. The wounds became bacteriologically sterile within 3-6 days21.Anti-mutagenic and Antitumor ActivityMutagenic substances act directly or indirectly by promoting mutations of the genetic structure. During the roasting and frying of food heterocyclic amines are formed, e.g. Trp-p-1(3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyridol [4,3-b] indole). The anti-mutagenic activity of honey from seven different floral sources (acacia, buckwheat, fireweed, soyabean, tupelo and Christmas berry) against Trp-p-1 was tested by the Ames assay and compared to a sugar analogue as well as to individually tested simple sugar. All types of honey exhibited a significant inhibition of Trp-p-1 mutagenicity15,20. J. Integ. Comm. Health 2017; 6(3&4)33 ISSN: 2319-9113Ahmed R et al.In a study, the effect of honey was evaluated in gastric ulcer that gastric ulcer have been successfully treated by the use of honey as dietary supplement15. Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bone have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day15,17.Medicinal usesEffect of Honey on Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Gastric and Duodenal UlcerGastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers are complications resulting from infection with Helicobacter pylori. Honey-derived remedies constitute a potential source of new compounds that may be useful in the management of H. pylori infections.  Clinical and animal studies have shown that honey reduces the secretion of gastric acid. Additionally gastric ulcers have been successfully treated by the use of honey as a dietary supplement. An 80% recovery rate of 600 gastric ulcer patients treated with oral administration of honey has been reported2,21. Honey as antioxidantHoney exerts its anti-oxidant action by inhibiting the formation of free radicals, catalyzed by metal ions such as iron and copper. Flavonoids and other polyphenols, common constituents of honey have the potential to impound these metal ions in complexesand preventing the formation of free radicals in the first place12. Antioxidants in honey have also been implicated in reducing the damage done to the colon in colitis19Stimulation of Tissue regenerationThe re-growth of tissue is very important in the wound healing process12.Honey facilitates healing process and prevents scarring. This is because honey stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin cover over a healed wound. In this way, even in case of large wounds, honey may eliminate the need for tissue transplantation. It stimulates the regrowth of tissue involved in the healing process. It also stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin and produce the collagen fibres that give strength to the repair23.Honey as anti-fungal remedyA study reported that the usefulness of topical application of honey against Acyclovir for the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex lesions. It was demonstrated that the honey from different floral sources had antifungal activity against 40 yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata and Trichosoporon spp). Cutaneous and superficial mycoses like ringworm and athletes foot are found to be responsive to honey12.   Honey Enhance ImmunityIt has been reported that honey stimulates B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in cell culture to multiply and activate neutrophils22. In addition, it was reported that oral intake of honey augmented antibody productions in primary and secondary immune responses against thymus-dependent and thymus-independent antigens10.Used in ArthritisBoron stimulates in a positive way, hormonal factors for both men and women, resulting in healthy bones. If this hormonal balance is disturbed, it will lead to osteo-arthritis and as honey contains boron, it’s routinely consumption can avoid such problems10. For arthritis, patients daily morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured27.Diabetic BenefitsPure natural honey has been reported to produce a lower glycemic response in rabbits as compared to sucrose or commercial honey, possibly due to added sugar in the latter. Honey might provide protection against diabetic complications via its antioxidant and organ protective effects28.ConclusionHoney produced in most of the countries of the world. Honey used in Unani medicine as a vital medicine since many centuries. Scientists also accept that honey is very effective medicine for all kinds of disease. It can be used without any side effect for any kind of diseases.Due to variation of botanical origin honey differs in appearance, sensory perception and composition. It contains mainly carbohydrates and trace amount of micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients along with protein, which are responsible for producing numerous biological effect such as anti-microbial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effect. Use of honey is beneficial in Diabetes mellitus, arthritis, fungal diseases and also in some other diseases.Conflict of Interest: NoneReference1. Bagde A.B et al. Therapeutic and nutritional values of honey [Madhu]. International Research Journal of Pharmacy.2013; 4(3):19-22.J. Integ. Comm. Health 2017; 6(3&4)34ISSN: 2319-9113Ahmed R et al.2. Basu, B. Review on Medicinal value of Honey bee Product: Apitherapy. Advances in Biological Research .2016; 10(4): 236-247.3. http://www.bee-hexagon.net (last accessed on 12 Jan,2017.4. Suarez,J.A. et al. The composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A focus on Manuka Honey. Foods.2914; 3:420-432. (www.mdpi.com/Journal/Foods).5. Purbafrani, A. et al. The Benefits of Honey in Holy Quran. International Journal of Pediatrics.2014; 2(9):67-73.6. Ibn Baytar. Al-Jamiul-Mufridat Al-adviyawalAghizaya. Vol-3, urdu translation by Ziya Uddin Abdullah Ibn-Al-Baytar(1197-1248AD) .C.C.R.U.M. New Delhi, Pp.271-275.7. Nadkarni, M.K. Indian Materia Medica. Vol-2. Bombay popular Prakeshan, Mumbai. 1982. Pp.191-195.8. Ali, Mohd.Text Book of Pharmacognosy, 2ndEdn. Satish Kumar Jain for CBS,Publishers and distribution Pvt, Limited. 2015; Pp. 65-67.9. Lubhaya, H.R. (GoswamiBayanulAdvia. Vol. II. Shakti Kumar AyurvedAchariya, Goswami Pharmacy, Delhi. 1984. pp.81.10. M.P Singh et al. Honey as complementary Medicine: A Review. International journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences; 2012; 3(2):12-26.11. htt://www.shs-conferences.org (last accessed on 11 feb, 2017).12. Manyi-Loh, C.E. et al. An overview of honey: Therapeutic properties and contribution in nutrition and human health.African Journal of Microbiology Research. 2011; 5(8): pp. 844-852.13. Laichena, S.F. Antimicrobial Food Additives. 2ndEdn. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidel berg New York, 1998; pp: 7.14. Greenish, H.G. Materia Medica. 3thEdn. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur (India), 1999; pp:522-523.15. M.P Singh et al, “Honey as complementary Medicine: A Review”, International journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences; 2012, Vol-3, issue no-2, ISSN 0975-6299, Pp.12-26.16. Natalia G Vallianou et al. Honey and its Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant properties, GMO; an open access Journal, 2014, 2(2): 1-5.17. K.P. Sampathkumar et al. Medicinal Uses and Health benefits of Honey: An Overview. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Reacher, 2006; 2(1):385-395.18. Pipicelli and Tatti. Therapeutical properties of honey. Health. 2009, 1(2):280-283. ( On line- http://www.scirp.org/journal/Health).19. Wilson JI, George BO, Umukoro GE, Effects of honey on the histology of liver in adult Wistar rats. Research Articlein Biology and Medicine, 2011, 3 (1): 1-5.20. Bogdanov et al. Honey for Nutrition and health: A Review. American Journal of the college of nutrition, 2008; 27(6):677-689.21. J.E. Amy,E.M.Carlos M. Medical uses of honey. An article in RevistaBiomédica1996; 7(1):43-49. 22. Khan et al. Medicinal Properties of Honey: A Review. International Journal of Pure and Applied Bioscience, 2014; 2 (5): 149-156.23. Bayyenat et al. The Benefits of Honey in Holy Quran. International Journal of Paediatrics. 2014; 2 (9):67-72.24. Ahmed et al. Effect of honey or Lavender use on post-tonsillectomy Pain Relieve Among Preschool Children. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS), 2016;5(1):53-61.25. P.C Molan. The Evidence Supporting the use of Honey as a wound dressing. International Journal on low extreme wounds,2006; 5(1):40-54.(http://ijl.sage/pub.com/egi/content/abstract/5/1/40).26. Hao Wang, The Study of the Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Components of Manuka Honey, The University of Waikat, 2011.27. Saranraj et al. Pharmacology of Honey: A Review. Advances in Biological Research, 2016; 10 (4): 271-289.28. K. Amudha  andG.Sunil .Potential benefits of honey in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review. International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health, 2013; 5(4): 199-21629. Evans, WC. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy, 16thedn. Saunders  Elsevier  Edinburgh  London  New  York Philadelphia St Louis Sydney Toronto. 2009; 216.  Date of Submission: 2017-12-02 Date of Acceptance: 2018-01-04

Phytochemistry and Medicinal Importance of Honey - A Review

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Phytochemistry and Medicinal Importance of Honey - A Review

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