Physicochemical and Medicinal Properties of Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut Honeys: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut honeys are tropical rainforest honeys reported to have various medicinal properties. Studies related to the medicinal properties and physicochemical characteristics of these honeys are growing extensively and receiving increased attention. This review incorporated and analysed the findings on the biological and physicochemical properties of these honeys. Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut honeys were found to possess a wide variety of biological effects attributed to their physicochemical characteristics. Findings revealed that these honeys have anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system and reproductive system. The physicochemical properties of these honeys were compared and discussed and results showed that they have high-quality contents and excellent antioxidant sources.

The Physicochemical Characteristics of Gelam Honey and Its Outcome on the Female Reproductive Tissue of Sprague–Dawley Rats: A Preliminary Study

“…Honey is known to affect dipsogenic hormones and cause an anti-dipsogenic effect. Angiotensin II and serotonin are dipsogenic hormones that are able to increase thirst perception, resulting in an increased water intake [9,29]. However, in the present study, the rats receiving higher doses of GH experienced anti-dipsogenic effects and ultimately reduced their water intake.…”

“…The most prevalent monosaccharides are fructose and glucose. Honey is known as a promoter of general health with antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-adiposity and woundhealing properties [9]. The substance exerts beneficial effects on neurology with known anxiolytic, anti-nociceptive, anti-convulsant and anti-depressant effects [10].…”

Protective Roles of Honey in Reproductive Health: A Review

“…Moreover, honey colour is dependent on potential alkalinity and ash content, as well as the presence of antioxidative active pigments, including carotenoids and flavonoids [ 32 ]. In addition, differences in honey composition can influence the value of specific honey types for medicinal or health-promoting purposes [ 2 , 33 ]. Nevertheless, the main constituents of all honey types from all countries around the world are almost similar.…”

“…It mainly comprises 38% fructose, 31% glucose and a small amount of a complex mixture of disaccharides, trisaccharides, maltose, maltulose and oligosaccharides. It contains a wide variety of essential bioactive compounds, as well as various types of enzymes, including amino and organic acids, acid phosphorylase, phytochemicals, carotenoid-like substances, vitamins and minerals [ 1 , 2 ]. It also contains a trace amount of vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin K (an antihaemorrhagic vitamin), vitamin B1 (thiamine 1), vitamin B6, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), niacin, folic acid, minerals and iron zinc [ 3 ].…”

Tualang Honey: A Decade of Neurological Research

“…Moreover, honey has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-stress properties [ 16 ]. Previous reviews on Tualang honey showed comparative differences in medicinal properties [ 13 ], potential anti-cancer properties [ 17 ], and physicochemical properties [ 18 ]. Although the potential roles of honey and honeybee products in neurological actions [ 19 ] as well as in learning and memory have been reviewed [ 20 ], other potential neurological effects, particularly of Tualang honey, remain to be comprehensively reviewed.…”