Antioxidant Capacity and Therapeutic Applications of Honey: Health Benefits, Antimicrobial Activity and Food Processing Roles

Tlak Gajger, Ivana; Dar, Showket Ahmad; Ahmed, Mohamed Morsi M.; Aly, Magda M.; Vlainić, Josipa (2025) Antioxidant Capacity and Therapeutic Applications of Honey: Health Benefits, Antimicrobial Activity and Food Processing Roles. Antioxidants, 14 (8). ISSN 2076-3921

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Abstract

Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Apis mellifera; reactive oxygen species; honey; diseases; health disorders; antioxidants; phytochemicals
Subjects:	BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE > Veterinary Medicine > Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety
Divisions:	Division of Molecular Medicine
Depositing User:	Lorena Palameta
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2025 12:19
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/9958
DOI:	10.3390/antiox14080959

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