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Towards a better understanding of the therapeutic applications and corresponding mechanisms of action of honey

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Abstract

Honey is a bee-derived supersaturated solution composed of complex contents mainly glucose, fructose, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Composition of honey may vary due to the difference in nectar, season, geography, and storage condition. Honey has been used since times immemorial in folk medicine and has recently been rediscovered as an excellent therapeutic agent. In the past, honey was used for a variety of ailments without knowing the scientific background and active ingredients of honey. Today, honey has been scientifically proven for its antioxidant, regulation of glycemic response, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular potentiating agent. It can be used as a wound dressing and healing substance. Honey is different in color, flavor, sensory perception, and medical response. Apart from highlighting the nutritional facts of honey, we collected the finding of the published literature to know the mechanism of action of honey in different diseases. This review covers the composition, physiochemical characteristics, and some medical uses.

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Funding

This study was supported by King Saud University, Deanship of Scientific Research, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, Research Centre.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Rifat Ullah Khan & Alaeldein M. Abudabos

  2. Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

    Rifat Ullah Khan

  3. Department of Zoology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Shabana Naz

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  1. Rifat Ullah Khan
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  2. Shabana Naz
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  3. Alaeldein M. Abudabos
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Correspondence to Rifat Ullah Khan.

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Khan, R.U., Naz, S. & Abudabos, A.M. Towards a better understanding of the therapeutic applications and corresponding mechanisms of action of honey. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 27755–27766 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0567-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0567-0

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