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Microbes & Immunity Hyphaene thebaica honey as a multitarget therapeutic product

1. Introduction following mechanisms: Disrupting or damaging bacterial
cell membranes, inhibiting bacterial virulence factors, and
Extensive research efforts have concentrated on exploring preventing bacterial adhesion to target cells. 14,15 Contrary to
the therapeutic properties of a diverse array of natural other antimicrobial agents, honey has yet to be thoroughly
compounds, which have been employed as natural investigated concerning its microbial resistance. 16
remedies since ancient times and are generally regarded
as having low toxicity. Their potential therapeutic benefits Besides its antimicrobial properties, honey has been
have attracted significant interest across various fields, explored for its potential anticancer effects. Cancer,
including anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, and anticancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells
research. A notable type of natural product is honey, exhibiting potential malignancy, ranks among the primary
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a natural substance derived from nectar by honeybees. causes of mortality globally. Breast cancer holds the
Honey has played a significant role in traditional medicine top position among all cancer types affecting women
for centuries. Drawing from cultural beliefs, theoretical globally. Its etiology is complex, and influenced by various
principles, and historical records, subjects from various factors. The occurrence of events, such as pregnancy,
civilizations, including the Greek, Roman, and Arab-Islamic breastfeeding, first menstruation, and menopause, along
societies, incorporate honey into their medical practices. with their duration and the accompanying hormonal
In Arab-Islamic medicine, the medical value of honey is imbalances, play a crucial role in potentially inducing
highly regarded owing to its therapeutic properties, and carcinogenic changes in the breast microenvironment.
thus it is frequently used in wound care. Different types In Palestine, the incidence of breast cancer has surged in
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of honey, many of which have been scientifically studied, recent times, attributed partially to heightened awareness
are widely employed as natural remedies for maintaining and screening efforts, as well as socioeconomic factors
health and addressing various illnesses. Honey as well affecting lifestyle and dietary patterns. It stands as the most
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as its various constituents have been demonstrated to prevalent cancer among Palestinian women, constituting
possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, 32% of diagnoses in the West Bank and 18% in the Gaza
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antiproliferative, antitumor, antimetastatic, and anticancer Strip. Existing cancer management strategies, such as
properties. 3-5 surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have significant
limitations. In addition, cytotoxic drugs, though essential
Among the traditional therapeutic uses of honey, its
antimicrobial effects stand out as a prominent attribute. to treatment, present considerable challenges. Their
accessibility and affordability are particularly problematic
Antimicrobial resistance is globally acknowledged as a
significant challenge to global health. This phenomenon in developing regions. In addition, the utilization of these
is primarily associated with high morbidity, severe drugs often leads to a range of undesirable side effects and
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complications, and mortality rates attributed to multidrug- adverse reactions. Consequently, a significant segment of
the population prefers utilizing natural products. Despite
resistant bacteria, a rising public health challenge its inherent limitations, natural products present several
stemming from the scarcity or complete absence of
effective drugs. Thus, immediate measures are imperative advantages over synthetic or standard drugs, including
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3,2,19-21
to address the looming crisis of antibiotic resistance on affordability, accessibility, and reduced side effects.
The escalating public interest in natural products can be
both national and global scales. These measures could attributed to the growing body of research underscoring
encompass enhancing public awareness, developing
novel antibiotics, implementing antibiotic stewardship to its health benefits.
control their usage, and exploring alternative approaches In addition, various types of honey have been shown
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to antibiotics. Alternative strategies to antibiotics to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,
may include the use of bacteriophages, antimicrobial which are vital for addressing chronic inflammation
peptides, and natural derivatives such as plant extracts, and mitigating the accumulation of reactive oxygen
phytochemicals, and honey. 8-13 Antimicrobial efficacy species (ROS) generated during inflammatory responses.
of various forms of natural honey against an extensive Inflammation, a natural physiological reaction to harmful
array of bacteria has been documented, corroborating stimuli, such as allergens, infections, or injuries, can
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their potential in treatment for infections instigated by become a chronic condition due to prolonged exposure
multidrug-resistant bacteria. While the precise mechanism to certain factors. Chronic inflammation is linked to
of natural honey’s antimicrobial action remains unclear, it a wide range of health conditions, including allergies,
is generally accepted that its antimicrobial activity can be metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
attributed to multiple underlying mechanisms. Honey is and autoimmune disorders, making it a significant
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believed to eliminate bacteria through one or more of the concern for global health. The primary treatments for
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Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 79 doi: 10.36922/mi.4994