The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State

Abstract

Honey has a long history of use for the treatment of digestive ailments. Certain honey types have well-established bioactive properties including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, honey contains non-digestible carbohydrates in the form of oligosaccharides, and there is increasing evidence from in vitro, animal, and pilot human studies that some kinds of honey have prebiotic activity. Prebiotics are foods or compounds, such as non-digestible carbohydrates, that are used to promote specific, favorable changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in human health and well-being, with disturbances to the balance of these organisms linked to gut inflammation and the development and progression of numerous conditions, such as colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and mental health issues. Consequently, there is increasing interest in manipulating the gut microbiota to a more favorable balance as a way of improving health by dietary means. Current research suggests that certain kinds of honey can reduce the presence of infection-causing bacteria in the gut including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridiodes difficile, while simultaneously stimulating the growth of potentially beneficial species, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. In this paper, we review the current and growing evidence that shows the prebiotic potential of honey to promote healthy gut function, regulate the microbial communities in the gut, and reduce infection and inflammation. We outline gaps in knowledge and explore the potential of honey as a viable option to promote or re-engineer a healthy gut microbiome.

Oral administration of Manuka honey modulates gut microbiota composition and enhances anti-tumor immunity in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer

“…The dysbiosis in the gut mucosal environment leads to type I IFN enrichment in CD8 + T cells, resulting in increased anti-tumor immunity [52]. Honey has been shown to acquire protective prebiotic effects due to the presence of oligosaccharides and polyphenols as major constituents [53,54]. MH was shown to improve the growth of probiotic bacteria while inhibiting the growth of pathogens [55].…”

Synbiotics as Supplemental Therapy for the Alleviation of Chemotherapy-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Solid Tumours

“…Honey has been used to treat digestive ailments since ancient times. Some honey types possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities; furthermore, they can also promote wound healing [ 103 ]. Honey includes non-digestible oligosaccharides and studies have suggested that certain types of honey can act as a prebiotic by which to enhance the beneficial microbial population, including Bifidobacterium spp.…”

“…and Lactobacillus spp., in the gut. This enhanced microbial population can help to relieve the symptoms of constipation and ulcerative colitis [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ]. A Cochrane review of three studies investigating honey suggested that it was able to provide mild-to-moderate reduction in radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis [ 108 ].…”

Pharmacological Insights and Therapeutic Potentials of Honey; An Updated Review

“…[48] Besides the antibacterial activity, honey may promote the repair of damaged intestinal mucosa, stimulate the growth of new tissues and work as an antiinflammatory agent. [40,[49][50]…”