Honey, Propolis and Royal Jelly: Health Benefits Reviewed
What it found
Honey has been studied for wound healing, gut problems, coughs and cancer, mostly in lab tests and animal studies, with some human trials.
The authors say the exact ways these bee products work are not yet clear.
What they found
Studies in people
Wound healing
Honey has traditionally been used on wounds, burns and sores. Clinical evidence suggests honey performs better than conventional wound dressings, and it can help even infected wounds that do not respond to antibiotics.
Coughs and sore throat
A survey found honey was better than dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine for cough from upper respiratory infections. Honey coats the throat and destroys harmful microbes while soothing the throat.
Heart and metabolism
Honey intake showed a significant reduction in risk factors of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A clinical study on patients with hyperlipidemia found honey decreased total cholesterol and prevented a rise in plasma glucose levels.
Animal and lab studies
Gut health
In lab tests, prebiotic ingredients in honey increased Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum by 10 to 100 folds. Some animal and lab trials found honey helps the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the gut.
Cancer, in lab tests
In breast cancer cells, Tualang honey showed cytotoxic effects only on cancer cells and not on nonmalignant breast cells. In liver cancer cells, honey reduced nitric oxide levels and decreased cell numbers. In colon cancer cells, honey inhibited proliferation and curbed inflammation.
Blood sugar and liver
A study on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats found honey minimized liver damage. Another study reported significant reduction in blood glucose levels after treatment with Tualang honey.
What the authors conclude
“Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of action of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on the abovementioned diseases and activities have not been not fully elucidated, and further research is warranted to explain their exact contributions.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say these bee products can be developed into potent apitherapeutic agents.
- They advise that precautions need to be taken for allergens and in finding the right intake dosage.
- They call for further studies to determine the critical mechanisms and appropriate amounts for health benefits.
How it was done
Bee products like honey, propolis and royal jelly have long been used in traditional medicine, and researchers want to understand their health benefits and how they work.
The authors reviewed published studies on honey, propolis and royal jelly, looking at their effects on metabolic diseases, cancers and other conditions, and at how they might act in the body.
What it can’t tell you
- Many of the findings come from lab tests or animal studies, so they cannot show what happens in people.
- The exact ways honey, propolis and royal jelly work in the body are not yet fully known.
- The right dose for health benefits has not been established.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia; Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
The paper
- Title
- Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH (2017). Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510Free full textPubMed 28814983DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error