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Jungle honey enhances immune function and antitumor activity
Miki Fukuda1, Kengo Kobayashi, Yuriko Hirono
1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|January 15, 2009
Summary
Nigerian jungle honey (JH) boosts immune cells, specifically neutrophils, which exhibit potent antitumor activity. The effective component has a molecular weight of 261, suggesting novel therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Jungle honey (JH) from Nigeria is traditionally used for various health conditions.
- The immunomodulatory and antitumor effects of JH are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of JH on immune functions and antitumor activity in a mouse model.
- To identify the active component responsible for the observed effects.
Main Methods:
- Female C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of JH.
- Peritoneal cells were analyzed using flow cytometry (FACS) for cell populations and antigen expression.
- Antitumor activity was assessed by monitoring Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LL/2) cell growth.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for component fractionation.
Main Results:
- JH administration increased peritoneal cell counts, notably neutrophils (Gr-1+ cells).
- JH demonstrated chemotactic activity for neutrophils.
- JH significantly reduced tumor incidence and weight in mice.
- JH increased the ratio of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing cells.
- An active component with a molecular weight of approximately 261 was isolated.
Conclusions:
- JH enhances neutrophil-mediated antitumor activity, likely through ROS production.
- A low-molecular-weight component (MW 261) in JH is responsible for its immune-modulating effects.
- JH shows promise as a natural agent for immune support and cancer therapy.
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