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Manuka honey is a type of honey that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. It is a sweet viscous liquid produced by bees through regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and evaporation of water in the hives. Bees collect nectar from plants and also collect insect secretions to produce honeydew honey. Honey is composed of various substances, including carbohydrates such as fructose and glucose, enzymes, proteins, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.
One of the key components of honey is polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and contribute to the health-promoting potential of honey. Honey contains different types of polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds interact with each other to create a range of synergistic antioxidant properties. Numerous studies have revealed that honey possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, and antitumor effects.
Osteoporosis and breast cancer are two serious diseases that are often associated with adverse side effects from current pharmacological treatments. Therefore, researchers have been studying natural therapeutic substances as alternative and effective treatment methods with fewer harmful impacts. Honey and other bee products, such as royal jelly, propolis, bee bread, and drone brood homogenate, are widely used as functional foods due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties contribute to the prevention of various diseases, including diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and reproductive disorders.
Both osteoporosis and breast cancer are influenced by estrogen levels. Breast tissue, like bones, is dependent on estrogen. Elevated exposure to estrogen is linked with an increased risk, incidence, and severity of breast malignancy in pre- and postmenopausal women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, with a higher prevalence in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Decreased estrogen production is a major cause of reduced bone mass during menopause.
Biochemical associations between osteoporosis and breast cancer include the amended function of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANKL), estrogen, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and lipid accumulation. RANKL is a cytokine that plays a role in controlling the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. It is also involved in breast development and breast carcinogenesis. Estrogen, on the other hand, regulates bone metabolism and breast cancer cell proliferation through estrogen receptors. ROS-induced oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of both diseases. Lipid accumulation is also involved in the development of osteoporosis and breast cancer.
Manuka honey has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various diseases, including psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. Manuka honey has been found to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, which may benefit individuals with psoriasis. The antibacterial properties of manuka honey can help prevent secondary infections in psoriatic skin lesions. The anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with psoriasis. The wound-healing properties can aid in the regeneration of skin cells and promote the healing process in psoriatic skin lesions.
In conclusion, manuka honey has potential health benefits due to its various therapeutic properties. It is rich in polyphenols, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Manuka honey has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of various diseases, including psoriasis. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and the specific effects of manuka honey in psoriasis. However, its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties make it a promising natural remedy for individuals with psoriasis.
