honey a novel antioxidant蜂蜜的一种新型抗氧化剂.pdfVIP

Molecules 2012, 17, 4400-4423; doi:10.3390/molecule OPEN ACCESS molecules ISSN 1420-3049 /journal/molecules Review Honey: A Novel Antioxidant Omotayo O. Erejuwa *, Siti A. Sulaiman and Mohd S. Ab Wahab Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia; E-Mails: sbsamrah@kb.usm.my (S.A.S.); msuhaimi@kb.usm.my (M.S.A.W.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: erejuwa@; Tel.: +609-7666-877; Fax: +609-7653-370. Received: 25 February 2012; in revised form: 30 March 2012 / Accepted: 1 April 2012 / Published: 12 April 2012 Abstract: The global prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimers disease is on the rise. These diseases, which constitute the major causes of death globally, are associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as an “imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants, potentially leading to damage”. Individuals with chronic diseases are more susceptible to oxidative stress and damage because they have elevated levels of oxidants and/or reduced antioxidants. This, therefore, necessitates supplementation with antioxidants so as to delay, prevent or remove oxidative damage. Honey is a natural substance with many medicinal effects such as antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic,