Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits

Abstract

Background There are several health benefits that honeybee products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly claim toward various types of diseases in addition to being food. Scope and Approach In this paper, the effects of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on different metabolic diseases, cancers, and other diseases have been reviewed. The modes of actions of these products have also been illustrated for purposes of better understanding. Key Findings and Conclusions An overview of honey, propolis, and royal jelly and their biological potentials was highlighted. The potential health benefits of honey, such as microbial inhibition, wound healing, and its effects on other diseases, are described. Propolis has been reported to have various health benefits related to gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and gynecological, oral, and dermatological problems. Royal jelly is well known for its protective effects on reproductive health, neurodegenerative disorders, wound healing, and aging. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of action of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on the abovementioned diseases and activities have not been not fully elucidated, and further research is warranted to explain their exact contributions.

Treating severe wounds in pediatrics with medical grade honey: A case series

“…Moreover, MGH has pro‐healing effects, keeps the wound moisturized, promotes autolytic debridement, has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects, and induces angiogenesis and reepithelialization . Honey also contains protective molecules such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids that further enhance wound healing …”

“…1,2,[13][14][15] Honey also contains protective molecules such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids that further enhance wound healing. 16,17 It has been demonstrated that MGH can safely and effectively improve tissue regeneration in a wide variety of wounds, covering the whole range of wound types, from black necrotic wounds to infected yellow wounds and superficial red wounds. Examples of wounds that can be treated are traumatic injuries, burns, hematomas, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, full and partial thickness wounds, lacerations, and skin tears.…”

The efficacy of propolis on markers of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The health‐promoting properties of propolis have been investigated in various animal studies (Seven, Yilmaz, Seven, & Kelestemur, ; Yildirim et al, ). Several biological and pharmacological effects of propolis include antioxidant, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, and immune‐stimulating effects (Fuliang et al, ; Lotfy, ; Pasupuleti, Sammugam, Ramesh, & Gan, ). Nowadays, propolis supplements are commercially available in various dosages and forms.…”

Chemical composition and biological properties of aromatic compounds in honey: An overview

“…Different community used honey in distinct purpose (Pearce, ). Researchers around the world have reported the antibacterial, antifungal, cytostatic, wound healing, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory properties of honeybee products (Afroz, Tanvir, Zheng, & Little, ; Devasvaran & Yong, ; Elnakady et al, ; Khorasani, Jarrahi, & Jarrahi, ; Mcloone, Oluwadun, Warnock, & Fyfe, ; Meo, Al‐Asiri, Mahesar, & Ansari, ; Pasupuleti, Sammugam, Ramesh, & Hua, ; Takzaree, Hadjiakhondi, Hassanzadeh, Rouini, & Manayi, ). The ancient Assyrians and Chinese used honey for wounds, skin diseases, and cataract.…”