200
(1) flavones, (2) flavanones, and (3) flavonols. These phytochemicals contribute to
the flavour, color, and the distinctive taste of honey. Phenolic phytochemicals have
also been explored as potential markers of the botanical origin of honey (Silva
et al. 2012).
11.4.4 Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing
For centuries, the topical use of honey on skin wounds have been practiced because
it controls wound infection, debrides the wound, produces a clean wound bed with
minimal scarring, and reduces inflammation and pain (Dunford et al. 2000; Molan
2006). To date, however, only two honey brands have been approved for therapeutic
use (Medihoney™ and Active Manuka Honey).
Bee pollen enzymes, essentials oils, propolis, and secondary metabolites like
flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenes were found to contribute to honey’s wound
healing properties (Azeredo et al. 2003; Viuda-Martos et al. 2008). The mild acidity
of honey, and its low levels of hydrogen peroxide also enhance tissue repair and the
antibacterial activity of honey (Lusby et al. 2005). Honey can also stimulate the
cytokine production of the monocytes, thus, initiating tissue repair (Molan 2006).
Chestnut honey, rhododendron honey, and multifloral blossom honey from Turkey
were reported to improve histopathological parameters during wound healing (epithelialisation, angiogenesis, macrophages, and fibroplasias) when compared to the
control treatment (Nisbet et al. 2010).
11.4.5 Regulation of Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular
Function
Honey was found to improve the lipid profile and lower the C-reactive protein
(CRP) levels. Honey consumption also lowered homosycteine and the triacylglycerol levels in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (Al-Waili 2004). The risk factors
for cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, and chronic
periodontal disease, are correlated with elevated levels of CRP (Koenig 2003).
Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of honey also relates to its potential cardiovascular function protection.
11.4.6 Anti-Cancer
In a review by Ahmed and Othman (2013), the anti-cancer activity of cancer was
organized into: (1) antioxidant activity; (2) anti-inflammatory activity; (3) p53 regulation; (4) cell cycle arrest; (5) immunomodulatory activity; (6) anti-mutagenic activity;
(7) estrogen modulation; (8) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) modulation; and (9) tumor
M. C. B. Otero and L. Bernolo
(1) flavones, (2) flavanones, and (3) flavonols. These phytochemicals contribute to
the flavour, color, and the distinctive taste of honey. Phenolic phytochemicals have
also been explored as potential markers of the botanical origin of honey (Silva
et al. 2012).
11.4.4 Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing
For centuries, the topical use of honey on skin wounds have been practiced because
it controls wound infection, debrides the wound, produces a clean wound bed with
minimal scarring, and reduces inflammation and pain (Dunford et al. 2000; Molan
2006). To date, however, only two honey brands have been approved for therapeutic
use (Medihoney™ and Active Manuka Honey).
Bee pollen enzymes, essentials oils, propolis, and secondary metabolites like
flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenes were found to contribute to honey’s wound
healing properties (Azeredo et al. 2003; Viuda-Martos et al. 2008). The mild acidity
of honey, and its low levels of hydrogen peroxide also enhance tissue repair and the
antibacterial activity of honey (Lusby et al. 2005). Honey can also stimulate the
cytokine production of the monocytes, thus, initiating tissue repair (Molan 2006).
Chestnut honey, rhododendron honey, and multifloral blossom honey from Turkey
were reported to improve histopathological parameters during wound healing (epithelialisation, angiogenesis, macrophages, and fibroplasias) when compared to the
control treatment (Nisbet et al. 2010).
11.4.5 Regulation of Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular
Function
Honey was found to improve the lipid profile and lower the C-reactive protein
(CRP) levels. Honey consumption also lowered homosycteine and the triacylglycerol levels in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (Al-Waili 2004). The risk factors
for cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, and chronic
periodontal disease, are correlated with elevated levels of CRP (Koenig 2003).
Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of honey also relates to its potential cardiovascular function protection.
11.4.6 Anti-Cancer
In a review by Ahmed and Othman (2013), the anti-cancer activity of cancer was
organized into: (1) antioxidant activity; (2) anti-inflammatory activity; (3) p53 regulation; (4) cell cycle arrest; (5) immunomodulatory activity; (6) anti-mutagenic activity;
(7) estrogen modulation; (8) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) modulation; and (9) tumor
M. C. B. Otero and L. Bernolo