The inhibitory effect of Manuka honey on human colon cancer HCT-116 and LoVo cell growth. Part 2: Induction of oxidative stress, alteration of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, and suppression of metastatic ability

An updated review of functional ingredients of Manuka honey and their value-added innovations

Manuka honey (MH) is a highly prized natural product from the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium flowers. Increased competition on the global market drives MH product innovations. This review updates comparative and non-comparative studies to highlight nutritional, therapeutic, bioengineering, and cosmetic values of MH. MH is a good source of phenolics and unique chemical compounds, such as methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, leptosperin glyoxal, methylsyringate and leptosin. Based on the evidence from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies, multifunctional bioactive compounds of MH have exhibited anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities. There are controversial topics related to MH, such as MH grading, safety/efficacy, implied benefits, and maximum levels of contaminants concerned. Artificial intelligence can optimize MH studies related to chemical analysis, toxicity prediction, multi-functional mechanism exploration and product innovation.

From metabolism to malignancy: the multifaceted role of PGC1α in cancer

PGC1α, a central player in mitochondrial biology, holds a complex role in the metabolic shifts seen in cancer cells. While its dysregulation is common across major cancers, its impact varies. In some cases, downregulation promotes aerobic glycolysis and progression, whereas in others, overexpression escalates respiration and aggression. PGC1α's interactions with distinct signaling pathways and transcription factors further diversify its roles, often in a tissue-specific manner. Understanding these multifaceted functions could unlock innovative therapeutic strategies. However, challenges exist in managing the metabolic adaptability of cancer cells and refining PGC1α-targeted approaches. This review aims to collate and present the current knowledge on the expression patterns, regulators, binding partners, and roles of PGC1α in diverse cancers. We examined PGC1α's tissue-specific functions and elucidated its dual nature as both a potential tumor suppressor and an oncogenic collaborator. In cancers where PGC1α is tumor-suppressive, reinstating its levels could halt cell proliferation and invasion, and make the cells more receptive to chemotherapy. In cancers where the opposite is true, halting PGC1α's upregulation can be beneficial as it promotes oxidative phosphorylation, allows cancer cells to adapt to stress, and promotes a more aggressive cancer phenotype. Thus, to target PGC1α effectively, understanding its nuanced role in each cancer subtype is indispensable. This can pave the way for significant strides in the field of oncology.

Hawthorn Proanthocyanidin Extract Inhibits Colorectal Carcinoma Metastasis by Targeting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a major global health concern, with cancer metastasis being the main cause of patient mortality, and current CRC treatments are challenged by drug resistance. Although natural compounds, especially in foods like hawthorn proanthocyanidin extract (HPOE), have good anticancer activity, their effects on CRC metastasis remain unknown. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the impact and potential mechanisms of HPOE on the movement and infiltration of cells in the HCT116 CRC cells. Firstly, scratch-healing experiments confirmed the anti-migratory and anti-invasive capabilities of HPOE. Then, network pharmacology identified 16 possible targets, including MMP-9. Subsequently, RT-qPCR and Western blotting experiments confirmed that HPOE downregulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related factors (N-cadherin and MMP-9) and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Finally, these results were experimentally validated using the Wnt pathway activator Licl and inhibitor XAV939. It was confirmed that HPOE had a certain inhibitory effect on the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway caused by the activator Licl and could enhance the inhibitory effect of the inhibitor XAV939. Our findings provide a basis for developing functional foods or dietary supplements, especially positioning HPOE as a functional food raw material for adjuvant treatment of CRC, given its ability to inhibit metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Composition, functional properties and safety of honey: a review

Honey has been used not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. Recent studies have indicated that honey exhibits antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and anti-obesity properties, as well as anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, hypotensive, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These health benefits of honey could be attributed to its wide range of nutritional components, including polysaccharides and polyphenols, which have been proven to possess various beneficial properties. It is notable that the composition of honey can also be affected by nectar, season, geography and storage condition. Moreover, the safety of honey requires caution to avoid any potential safety incidents. Therefore, this review aims to provide recent research regarding the chemical composition, biological activities and safety of honey, which might be attributed to comprehensive utilization of honey. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bee Products and Colorectal Cancer—Active Components and Mechanism of Action

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Lifestyle and eating patterns may have a significant impact on the prevention of this type of cancer. Bioactive food ingredients influence the gut microbiome and can have a protective effect. Bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom) or pharmacologically active fractions obtained from them are widely used in many fields of medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. Some evidence suggests that bee products may have anti-cancer potential. The main bioactive components with anti-colon cancer potential from propolis and bee honey are polyphenols such as pinocembrin, galangin, luteolin, CAPE, Artepilin C, chrysin, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. This review is focused on the new data on epidemiology, risk factors for colon cancer, and current reports on the potential role of bee products in the chemoprevention of this type of cancer.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Different Types of Honey and Their Biological and Therapeutic Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Honey is considered to be a functional food with health-promoting properties. However, its potential health benefits can be affected by individual composition that varies between honey types. Although studies describing the health benefits of Tualang honey (TH), Kelulut honey (KH), and Sidr honey (SH) are scarce, these honey types showed a comparable therapeutic efficacy to Manuka honey (MH). The purpose of this review is to characterise the physicochemical, biological, and therapeutic properties of TH, KH, and SH. Findings showed that these honeys have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and respiratory system. The physicochemical characteristics of TH, KH, and SH were compared with MH and discussed, and results showed that they have high-quality contents and excellent biological activity sources. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. The activity of honey depends on the type of bee, sources of nectar, and the geographic region where the bees are established. In conclusion, TH, KH, and SH could be considered as natural therapeutic agents for various medicinal purposes compared with MH. Therefore, TH, KH, and SH have a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal use.

Effects of Sangju Honey on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Since ancient times, honey has been used in traditional medicine owing to its pharmacological effects. It possesses anticancer properties. However, the therapeutic implications of Sangju honey in cancer remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate the potential anticancer effects of Sangju honey on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), particularly focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptotic and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Ca9-22 and YD-10B human OSCC cells were treated with 0.25% or 0.5% Sangju honey, and the cell viability was examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell morphology studies were conducted to observe morphological changes, and the wound-healing assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation of honey-treated OSCC cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression related to EMT and apoptotic and MAPK signaling pathways. Sangju honey reduced cell viability, induced morphological changes, and significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration of Ca9-22 and YD-10B cells. The expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin was increased and decreased, respectively, in both OSCC cell lines. Moreover, Sangju honey stimulated apoptosis by increasing the expression of p21, p53, cleaved caspase 3, and caspase 9. Furthermore, it downregulated the expression of phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, p-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase, and p-p38 in Ca9-22 and YD-10B cells. Sangju honey inhibits Ca9-22 and YD-10B cell proliferation by regulating EMT, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, it is a potential anticancer agent for human OSCC.

Natural products targeting glycolysis in cancer

Many energy metabolism pathways exist in cancer, including glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration. Tumor cells mainly generate energy through glycolysis to maintain growth and biosynthesis of tumor cells under aerobic conditions. Natural products regulate many steps in glycolysis and targeting glycolysis using natural products is a promising approach to cancer treatment. In this review, we exemplify the relationship between glycolysis and tumors, demonstrate the natural products that have been discovered to target glycolysis for cancer treatment and clarify the mechanisms involved in their actions. Natural products, such as resveratrol mostly found in red grape skin, licochalcone A derived from root of Glycyrrhiza inflate, and brusatol found in Brucea javanica and Brucea mollis, largely derived from plant or animal material, can affect glycolysis pathways in cancer by targeting glycolytic enzymes and related proteins, oncogenes, and numerous glycolytic signal proteins. Knowledge of how natural products regulate aerobic glycolysis will help illuminate the mechanisms by which these products can be used as therapeutics to inhibit cancer cell growth and regulate cellular metabolism. Systematic Review Registration: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://clinicaltrials.gov/, http://lib.zzu.edu.cn/.

The Development and Application of a HPTLC-Derived Database for the Identification of Phenolics in Honey

This study reports on the development and validation of a HPTLC-derived database to identify phenolic compounds in honey. Two database sets are developed to contain the profiles of 107 standard compounds. Rich data in the form of Rf values, colour hues (H°) at 254 nm and 366 nm, at 366 nm after derivatising with natural product PEG reagent, and at 366 nm and white light after derivatising with vanillin–sulfuric acid reagent, λ max and λ min values in their fluorescence and λ max values in their UV-Vis spectra as well as λ max values in their fluorescence and UV-Vis spectra after derivatisation are used as filtering parameters to identify potential matches in a honey sample. A spectral overlay system is also developed to confirm these matches. The adopted filtering approach is used to validate the database application using positive and negative controls and also by comparing matches with those identified via HPLC-DAD. Manuka honey is used as the test honey and leptosperine, mandelic acid, kojic acid, lepteridine, gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, o-anisic acid and methyl syringate are identified in the honey using the HPTLC-derived database.

Inhibitory effect of selected Indian honey on colon cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and targeting the β-catenin/Wnt pathway

Colon cancer is the most prevalent cause of death from cancer across the globe. Although chemotherapy drugs are predominantly used, their toxicity always remains a cause of concern. As an alternative to synthetic drugs, natural compounds or nutraceuticals are comparatively less toxic. Honey is widely used across different cultures as an alternative form of medicine. It represents a prominent source of plant-phenolic compounds and there is demonstrable evidence of its anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. The aim of the present work was to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of some Indian honeys and analyze their mechanism of action in colon cancer. In order to establish the composition-activity relationship, we evaluated the bioactive components present in selected honey samples by GC-MS and HPLC analysis. Indian honey samples showed a significant inhibitory impact on cell growth by restricting cell proliferation, causing apoptosis, and restricting the cell cycle in the G₂/M phase specifically for colon cancer cells. The apoptotic activities, as imparted by the honey samples, were established by Annexin V/PI staining, real-time PCR, and immunoblot analyses. The treated cells showed increased expressions of p53 and caspases 3, 8, and 9, thus indicating the involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The honey samples were also found to inhibit the β-catenin/Wnt pathway. In the next phase of the study, the efficacy of these honey samples was evaluated in colon carcinoma induced SD-rats. Overall, these findings demonstrated that selected Indian honeys could be established as effective nutraceuticals for the prevention as well as cure of colon cancer.

Bioactive compounds in Apis mellifera monofloral honeys

Honey is a natural product with a sweet flavor. Honey is made by the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) from the nectar of flowers or other plant secretions that are collected near the hive. These products are mixed with bee saliva and stored. Several studies have demonstrated that honey exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, nematicidal, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. These properties are influenced by the plants from which the secretions are harvested, from the naturally occurring compounds present in the nectar. Studies of the properties and applications of honey have distinguished honey from other natural products due to the presence of certain compounds and due its bioactive properties. The focus of this review is to discuss the identified and isolated compounds from monofloral honey produced by A. mellifera, with specific emphasis on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey and its therapeutic health benefits.

Ultra-Small Iron Nanoparticles Target Mitochondria Inducing Autophagy, Acting on Mitochondrial DNA and Reducing Respiration

The application of metallic nanoparticles (materials with size at least in one dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nm) as a new therapeutic tool will improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The mitochondria could be a therapeutic target to treat pathologies whose origin lies in mitochondrial dysfunctions or whose progression is dependent on mitochondrial function. We aimed to study the subcellular distribution of 2-4 nm iron nanoparticles and its effect on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial function, and autophagy in colorectal cell lines (HT-29). Results showed that when cells were exposed to ultra-small iron nanoparticles, their subcellular fate was mainly mitochondria, affecting its respiratory and glycolytic parameters, inducing the migration of the cellular state towards quiescence, and promoting and triggering the autophagic process. These effects support the potential use of nanoparticles as therapeutic agents using mitochondria as a target for cancer and other treatments for mitochondria-dependent pathologies.

Anti-Tumor Activity of Hypericum perforatum L. and Hyperforin through Modulation of Inflammatory Signaling, ROS Generation and Proton Dynamics

In this paper we review the mechanisms of the antitumor effects of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort, SJW) and its main active component hyperforin (HPF). SJW extract is commonly employed as antidepressant due to its ability to inhibit monoamine neurotransmitters re-uptake. Moreover, further biological properties make this vegetal extract very suitable for both prevention and treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Regular use of SJW reduces colorectal cancer risk in humans and prevents genotoxic effects of carcinogens in animal models. In established cancer, SJW and HPF can still exert therapeutic effects by their ability to downregulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit pro-survival kinases, angiogenic factors and extracellular matrix proteases, thereby counteracting tumor growth and spread. Remarkably, the mechanisms of action of SJW and HPF include their ability to decrease ROS production and restore pH imbalance in tumor cells. The SJW component HPF, due to its high lipophilicity and mild acidity, accumulates in membranes and acts as a protonophore that hinders inner mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, inhibiting mitochondrial ROS generation and consequently tumor cell proliferation. At the plasma membrane level, HPF prevents cytosol alkalization and extracellular acidification by allowing protons to re-enter the cells. These effects can revert or at least attenuate cancer cell phenotype, contributing to hamper proliferation, neo-angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, several studies report that in tumor cells SJW and HPF, mainly at high concentrations, induce the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, likely by collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Based on these mechanisms, we highlight the SJW/HPF remarkable potentiality in cancer prevention and treatment.

Reductive Stress, Bioactive Compounds, Redox-Active Metals, and Dormant Tumor Cell Biology to Develop Redox-Based Tools for the Treatment of Cancer

Significance: Cancer is related to redox biology from many points of view, such as initiation and promotion, metabolism and growth, invasion and metastasis, vascularization, or through the interaction with the immune system. In addition, this extremely complex relationship depends on the redox homeostasis of each cellular compartment, which might be used to fight cancer. Recent Advances: New ways of modulating specific and little explored aspects of redox biology have been revealed, as well as new delivery methods or uses of previously known treatments against cancer. Here, we review the latest experimental evidence regarding redox biology in cancer treatment and analyze its potential impact in the development of improved and more effective antineoplastic therapies. Critical Issues: A critical issue that deserves particular attention is the understanding that both extremes of redox biology (i.e., oxidative stress [OS] and reductive stress) might be useful or harmful in relation to cancer prevention and treatment. Future Directions: Additional research is needed to understand how to selectively induce reductive or OS adequately to avoid cancer proliferation or to induce cancer cell death.

5-Hydroxymethyl-Furfural and Structurally Related Compounds Block the Ion Conductance in Human Aquaporin-1 Channels and Slow Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) dual water and ion channels enhance migration and invasion when upregulated in leading edges of certain classes of cancer cells. Work here identifies structurally related furan compounds as novel inhibitors of AQP1 ion channels. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5HMF), a component of natural medicinal honeys, and three structurally related compounds, 5-nitro-2-furoic acid (5NFA), 5-acetoxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (5AMF), and methyl-5-nitro-2-furoate (M5NF), were analyzed for effects on water and ion channel activities of human AQP1 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrode voltage clamp showed dose-dependent block of the AQP1 ion current by 5HMF (IC₅₀ 0.43 mM), 5NFA (IC₅₀ 1.2 mM), and 5AMF (IC₅₀ ∼3 mM) but no inhibition by M5NF. In silico docking predicted the active ligands interacted with glycine 165, located in loop D gating domains surrounding the intracellular vestibule of the tetrameric central pore. Water fluxes through separate intrasubunit pores were unaltered by the furan compounds (at concentrations up to 5 mM). Effects on cell migration, invasion, and cytoskeletal organization in vitro were tested in high-AQP1-expressing cancer lines, colon cancer (HT29) and AQP1-expressing breast cancer (MDA), and low-AQP1-expressing SW480. 5HMF, 5NFA, and 5AMF selectively impaired cell motility in the AQP1-enriched cell lines. In contrast, M5NF immobilized all the cancer lines by disrupting actin cytoskeleton. No reduction in cell viability was observed at doses that were effective in blocking motility. These results define furans as a new class of AQP1 ion channel inhibitors for basic research and potential lead compounds for development of therapeutic agents targeting aquaporin channel activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5HMF), a component of natural medicinal honeys, blocks the ion conductance but not the water flux through human Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) channels and impairs AQP1-dependent cell migration and invasiveness in cancer cell lines. Analyses of 5HMT and structural analogs demonstrate a structure-activity relationship for furan compounds, supported by in silico docking modeling. This work identifies new low-cost pharmacological antagonists for AQP1 available to researchers internationally. Furans merit consideration as a new class of therapeutic agents for controlling cancer metastasis.

Comparison of the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Mature and Immature Honey: An HPLC/QTOF/MS-Based Metabolomic Approach

Harvesting uncapped immature honey (IMH) followed by dehydration is a typical counterfeit honey production process, but the differences between IMH and capped mature honey (MH) have not been well described previously. In this study, MH and IMH from Apis mellifera colonies during the same rapeseed flower season were compared. MH was found to have lower water content, lower acidity, and higher fructose content. High-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic analysis indicated that MH had a distinct metabolite composition to IMH. Targeted metabolomic analysis on 20 major polyphenolic constituents showed higher accumulation in MH. MH had greater bacteriostatic effect and stronger free radical scavenging effect. While both the honeys mitigated cell damage caused by H₂O₂, the effective dosage of IMH was higher and its inducing effect on the antioxidant gene expression was weaker. Overall, MH was shown to be of better quality than IMH not only because of its richer polyphenolic composition but also because of its stronger biological activity.

The Influence of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Anticancer Activity of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey (MH) is a natural food with many beneficial properties to human health, thanks to its high variety of bioactive compounds; however, little is known about its bioaccessibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the polyphenol compounds, the antioxidant capacity and the anticancer activity of MH subjected to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in human HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Raw MH and digested MH (DMH) were assessed for total polyphenols and flavonoids by spectrophotometric and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using different methods. Cell viability, intracellular ROS production, apoptosis, cell cycle and colony formation capacity were tested after treatment with MH or DMH. Results showed that total polyphenols, total flavonoids and TAC were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after in vitro digestion. In addition, MH and DMH at 8, 16 and 24 mg/mL had similar effects in inducing intracellular ROS production and in inhibiting the colon formation ability; MH induced a more marked apoptosis compared to DMH, while cell cycle was blocked in S phase by MH and in Sub G1 phase by DMH. Our results increase knowledge of the effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the biological effect of honey against colorectal cancer.

Therapeutic and preventive properties of honey and its bioactive compounds in cancer: an evidence-based review

Despite the much improved therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment that have been developed over the past 50 years, cancer remains a major cause of mortality globally. Considerable epidemiological and experimental evidence has demonstrated an association between ingestion of food and nutrients with either an increased risk for cancer or its prevention. There is rising interest in exploring agents derived from natural products for chemoprevention or for therapeutic purposes. Honey is rich in nutritional and non-nutritional bioactive compounds, as well as in natural antioxidants, and its potential beneficial function in human health is becoming more evident. A large number of studies have addressed the anti-cancer effects of different types of honey and their phenolic compounds using in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The reported findings affirm that honey is an agent able to modulate oxidative stress and has anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory and anti-metastatic properties. However, despite its reported anti-cancer activities, very few clinical studies have been undertaken. In the present review, we summarise the findings from different experimental approaches, including in vitro cell cultures, preclinical animal models and clinical studies, and provide an overview of the bioactive profile and bioavailability of the most commonly studied honey types, with special emphasis on the chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of honey and its major phenolic compounds in cancer. The implications of these findings as well as the future prospects of utilising honey to fight cancer will be discussed.

Relevance of functional foods in the Mediterranean diet: the role of olive oil, berries and honey in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases

The traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a well-known dietary pattern associated with longevity and improvement of life quality as it reduces the risk of the most common chronic pathologies, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), that represent the principal cause of death worldwide. One of the most characteristic foods of MedDiet is olive oil, a very complex matrix, which constitutes the main source of fats and is used in the preparation of foods, both raw as an ingredient in recipes, and in cooking. Similarly, strawberries and raspberries are tasty and powerful foods which are commonly consumed in the Mediterranean area in fresh and processed forms and have attracted the scientific and consumer attention worldwide for their beneficial properties for human health. Besides olive oil and berries, honey has lately been introduced in the MedDiet thanks to its relevant nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant profile. It is a sweet substance that has recently been classified as a functional food. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the recent evidence, obtained from in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies, on the potential roles exerted by these foods in the prevention and progression of different types of cancer and CVDs.

Beeswax by-Products Efficiently Counteract the Oxidative Damage Induced by an Oxidant Agent in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

The antioxidant capacity and the phytochemical composition of two by-products from beeswax recycling processes were recently investigated. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the efficacy of one of these by-products, MUD1, against the oxidative stress induced by 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. After a preliminary viability assay, the protective effect of MUD1 was investigated through the measurement of apoptosis level, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) production, the level of protein and lipid biomarkers (carbonyl groups, total glutathione and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) of oxidative damage, and the measurement of antioxidant enzymes activities (glutatione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase). The obtained results showed that MUD1 exerted protective effects on HDF, increasing cell viability and counteracted the oxidative stress promoted by AAPH-treatment, and improved mitochondria functionality and wound healing capacities. This work shows the antioxidant effects exerted by beeswax by-products, demonstrating for the first time their potential against oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblast cells; however, further research will be necessary to evaluate their potentiality for human health by more deeply in vitro and in vivo studies.

Phenolic Compounds in Honey and Their Associated Health Benefits: A Review

Honey is a natural substance appreciated for its therapeutic abilities since ancient times. Its content in flavonoids and phenolic acids plays a key role on human health, thanks to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that they exert. Honey possesses antimicrobial capacity and anticancer activity against different types of tumors, acting on different molecular pathways that are involved on cellular proliferation. In addition, an antidiabetic activity has also been highlighted, with the reduction of glucose, fructosamine, and glycosylated hemoglobin serum concentration. Honey exerts also a protective effect in the cardiovascular system, where it mainly prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, in the nervous system, in the respiratory system against asthma and bacterial infections, and in the gastrointestinal system. A beneficial effect of honey can also be demonstrated in athletes. The purpose of this review is to summarize and update the current information regarding the role of honey in health and diseases.