The use of natural honey (NH) as a nutraceutical agent is associated with nutritional benefits and therapeutic promises. NH is widely accepted as food and medicine by all generations, traditions and civilizations, both ancient and modern. The nutritional profiles, including its use in infant and children feeding reported in different literatures as well as health indices and biomarkers observed by various researchers are illustrated in this manuscript. The review documents folk medicine, experimentation with animal models, and orthodox medical practices shown by clinical trials. This covers virtually all human organs and body systems extensively studied by different workers. The sources and adverse effects of NH contamination, as well as the preventive methods are identified. This could promote the availability of residue free honey and a wholesome natural product for domestic consumption and international market. This could also help to prevent health problems associated with NH poisoning. In addition, apicultural practices and the economic importance of honey are well documented. This report also includes information about a relatively unknown and uncommon South American stingless bee species. We concluded this review by identifying important roles for Ethno-entomologists, other Scientists and Apiculturists in the development of stingless bees to boost honey production, consumption and economic earnings.

No abstract

The growth and metabolic response of unweaned rats fed with honey were investigated. Ten day old Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with 50% honey solution (low dose 10 ml/kg or high dose 20 ml/kg) twice daily for ten days. All data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed by one way ANOVA. Pups nourished with honey had 5.41-7.43% body weight gain than untreated rats. Tibial length was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the honey-fed group than control (6-9%). The differences in growth could be attributed to circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 as the concentrations were also significantly higher in the honey-fed pups. There were no differences in the circulating and stored metabolic substrates (glucose, triglycerides, free fatty acid, cholesterol, lipid and glycogen) between the treatment and control groups. The plasma alanine transaminase was not affected by the treatments, however there was significantly increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity in the male pups compared with female litter mates. Short term (10-day) oral administration of honey resulted in growth promotion and increased alkaline phosphatase in male rats, possibly in relation to bone growth and caused no liver pathology in neonatal rats. It was concluded that honey supplements administered orally to suckling rats have a positive effect on body weight and linear growth, and these effects are beneficial during weaning and development of fast growing animals.

No abstract