Augmentation of the Female Reproductive System Using Honey: A Mini Systematic Review

Abstract

Phytochemical contents of honey are presumed to be beneficial to the female reproductive system (FRS). However, the biological effects of honey supplementation (HS) in vivo on the FRS remain unclear. This review aims to investigate the current literature on the effects of HS on the FRS, particularly on the sex hormone profile and reproductive organs (uterus and vagina). A systematic literature search using Scopus, MEDLINE via Ovid and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Records were screened and identified for preclinical and clinical studies addressing the effects of HS on the FRS. Data on populations, interventions, outcomes and methodological quality were extracted. Studies were synthesised using tables and written summaries. Of the 198 identified records, six fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All six records were used for data extraction: two experimental studies using rats as the model organism and four human clinical studies of honey on female reproductive health. HS elevated the progesterone levels, restrained body weight increase, prevented uterine and vaginal atrophies in ovariectomised rats, attenuated symptoms of candidiasis and improved oxidative status in patients. Current evidence shows that short-term HS following surgical or physiological menopause exerts an oestrogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the FRS. However, insufficient long-term studies preclude any definitive conclusions.

Effects of Kelulut Honey on Oestrus Cycle Regulation and Histomorphological Changes in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats: A Preliminary Study

“…Particularly in this study, Kelulut honey was harvested by a local beekeeper who planted different herbal plants as the source for the stingless bee nectar. Furthermore, honey has benefited female reproductive organs, mainly due to its antioxidant content [ 17 , 55 ]. Hence, the beneficial effect recorded in this study may be attributed to the high antioxidant content of Kelulut honey.…”

“…A systematic review by Ismail et al (2021) recently showed that honey supplementation provides oestrogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects on the female reproductive system [ 17 ]. Various types of honey have been investigated for their beneficial effects on the female reproductive system, and one of them is Kelulut honey.…”

Towards a Better Understanding of Nutritional and Therapeutic Effects of Honey and Their Applications in Apitherapy

“…Finally, the positive effects on reproductive system were outlined for different honey varieties, Tualang and Kelulut honey in particular [217,218]. Overall, the results from animal studies suggest that honey can be included in future analyses in order to see its potential as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women [46,219].…”

Kelulut Honey Improves Folliculogenesis, Steroidogenic, and Aromatase Enzyme Profiles and Ovarian Histomorphology in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats

“…Honey supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in female reproduction [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Kelulut honey (KH) is stingless bee honey with excellent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties [ 33 ].…”