Gen info
- Koompassia is a genus of legume in the family Fabaceae, which contains three species: Koompassia excelsa, K grandiflora, and K. malaccensis.
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Koompassia excelsa is an emergent tropical rainforest species in the family Fabaceae. It is one of the tallest rainforest trees recorded; the tallest reported to measure 88 meters tall. It is considered the tallest tree species in the Philippines.
- Forest Foundation lists it as the 2nd tallest tree in the Philippines next to Toog - Petersianthus quadrialatus. Manggis is reported to occur only in the lowland primary forests of Palawan, and is listed as endangered. (38)
 - They grow branches above the canopy (about 30 m or 100 ft)
with slippery trunks that protect them from sun bears, making them attractive to giant honey bees Apis dorsata that hang their huge combs from the branches. (2)
- Tualang trees are best known for the immense parabolic honey combs hanging from the bottom of the branches, which can be 6 feet across and contain as many as 30,000 bees. One tualang tree can contain more than 100 nests.
- In Palawan, where the manggis is widely found and nowhere else in the Philippines, the honey is a local specialty. The harvests, usually done at night when the bees are less active, are assisted by rattan hoists, and the nests lowered on pulleys.
Each tree may have four nests, each yielding around 4 liters of honey. The harvests are looked upon as enjoyable activity, which provides quick cash commerce. The honey season is a much anticipated period among indigenous communities. (39)
- In Borneo, the honey combs are collected by native climbers using bamboo ladders. The book of "Poems and Chants of Sarawak Dayaks" reflects and expands on the cultural significant of the tree which links the earth to the sky. (2)
- Logging tapang trees is a native taboo in parts of Sarawak; only naturally fallen trees are used for timber.
(2)
- Etymology: The genus name Koompassia derives from Kempas, the Malay vernacular name for members of the genus. The species epithet excelsa means "tall", referring to the tree's mature height. The Malay name Tualang means "tree of swarming bees'.
- Malaysian Tualang Honey (MTH) is a multifloral jungle honey found in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, northern Sumatra and Borneo, produced by the giant Asian rock bees Apis dorsata. (see constituents below) (21)
 Botany
• Growth form: Leguminous emergent forest tree, one of the tallest tropical tree species, measuring up to 80-90m height. Crown: Dome-like or mushroom-like, with delicate bright to pale green foliage and gnarled branching. Trunk: Huge (up to 2m across), columnar, with smooth grayish bark, branching at only around 30m from ground, supported by large root buttresses at base. Foliage: Leaves light green, pinnately-compound with small alternate leaflets and terminal leaflet. Species is drought-deciduous once yearly, between February and June, during which crown becomes bare for a few weeks. Flowers: Very small, 5 petals, clustered in terminal panicles. Produced at 5-6 year intervals, after formation of new leaves subsequent to shedding of old ones. Blooming observed to coincide with Dipterocarp species in forest. Fruit: Thin flat papery pods, twisted near base, with broad wing around margin, ripening to brown, non-dehiscent, containing 1 flat seed. (3)
 • Giant tree up to 75(-88) m high, 1(-2.7) m in diam.; buttresses steep, thick and up to 12 m high; bole straight, smooth and cylindric. Stipules oblong, 2-4.5 mm long, pubescent outside. Leaves 7-12(-17)-foliolate, rachis slender 6-7.5 cm, pubescent, glabrescent; petiole c. 1.5 cm; petiolules short, 1-2.5 mm, pubescent. Leaflets elliptic oblong, sometimes elliptic, symmetrical, 3.1-3.7(-4.2) by 1-1.4(-1.7) cm; base subrotundate to cuneate; apex obtuse or acute and slightly notched; glabrous except sparsely hairy above, densely pubescent beneath. Inflorescences up to 11(-12.5) cm long, rachis pubescent, densely flowered; pedicels c. 1.5 mm. densely puberulous. Calyx lobes lakoomnceolate, equally sized, 2.5-3.3 mm long, thinly puberulous outside. Petals oblong or narrow-elliptic, 2.5-3 by 0.5 mm, acute or acuminate at the apex, glabrous. Stamens slightly longer than the petals; filaments stout, about as long as the anthers; anthers oblong, 2-3 mm long, glabrous. Ovary sessile, oblong or obovate-oblong, compressed, glabrous except some hairs at the basal part; style very short (c. 0.3 mm) and stigma indistinct. Pods oblong or elliptic-obovate, 8-12.5 by 2-3.5 cm (including the wing), strongly veined, glabrous. Seeds very flat, compressed, oblong, 2-3 by 1 cm. [Flora Malesiana] (5)
• Pendant strings of Koompassia tiny white flowers are targeted for pollination by nectar bats although bees are involved as well. The papery seeds (beans with a single wing) are wind dispersed. (36)
Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- In lowland primary forests.
- Also native to Borneo, Malaya, Sumatera, Thailand. (1)
Constituents
- The composition and physicochemical properties of honey are variable depending on its floral source and are often named according to geographical location. (22) MalaysianTualang honey (MTH) a generally dark brown appearance which correlates with high phenolic content, reportedly higher than other types of honey. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has shown presence of a number of phenolic acids, including gallic, syringic, benzoic, trans-cinnamic, p-coumaric acids and flavonoid compounds such as catechin and kaempferol. MTH has also been reported to contain 5-(hydroxymethyl) -2-furancarboxaldehyde, 3-furaldehyde, 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, phenyl-acetaldehyde, 2-furanmethanol and maltol, which are known to contribute antioxidant properties. (21)
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GC-MS study of Tualang Honey for volatile compounds yielded 35 volatile compounds, with hydrocarbons constituting 58.5% of the composition of TH. Other compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). (12)
Properties
- Sap may cause skin irritation and rash in some individuals. (3)
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Studies have suggest natural antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, anticancer, antileukemic , anti-inflammatory, antiproliferation, apoptotic, erectile function, anti-osteoporosis, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, wound granulating, anti-amoebic, neuroprotective, photochemopreventive properties.
Parts used
Bark, roots, honey.
Uses
Edibility
- Mature seeds are edible; eaten raw with a bean-like flavor.
Folkloric
- No reported folkloric medicinal use in the Philippines.
- The Malays use the bark for medicinal bath against fever.
- In Malaysia, a solution of herbal mix of roots of Agelaea macrophylla boiled with roots of Koompassia excelsa and Eusideroxylong zwageri drunk to treat weakness in infants. (37)
Others
- Aviculture: The host tree for the Giant Asian honey bee, Apis dorsata, which hangs its large parabolic combs from the tree's horizontal branches. (3)
- Wood: Not a traditional commercial hardwood; the high silica content renders it hard and difficult to cut, brittle and easily splinters when sawn. Used for tool handles, railway sleepers and flooring. (3)
- Fuel: Wood used for fuel and making charcoal.
- Superstition: Malays and Orang Asli believe that the trees are haunted. (3) Berawan people believe that any bilik (individual units of longhouse) made of Tanying wood should be constantly be put into use or else spirits wound descend and inhabit the bilik. Once inhabited, it would be difficult to turn the spirits away. The Berawans also believe the presence of bee hives in the tree is an indication of the presence of spirits, and because of the spirit-inhabited hives, it is forbidden to disturb the hive, lest death or grave illness will befall the individual or his family. (40)
- Rituals / Myths: In Malaysia, a ritual honey harvest is celebrated, with mixed Islamic and Hindu symbolism. Singers chant ancient prayers to cajole, charm, and calm the bees. A Hindu myth on the honey harvest tells of Hitam Maris, a handmaiden who fell in love with the reigning Sultan's son. . . (4) Harvests of wild honey is associated with various myths and religious rituals. Malays and Orang Asli believe the trees to be haunted. (3)
- Totem: For the Dayak Desa people of Kampong Nek Gambang, tapang madu (Koompassia excelsa) is considered a totem rather than just a bee tree, with religious, social, and psychological significance. Alas, even though considered sacred, the tapang nadu totem is collapsing as a totem. (15)
- Betel substitute: In Malaysia the bark is chewed as a substitute for betel nut.
Studies
• Antibacterial / Wound Healing and Enteric Organisms / Tualang Honey: the antmicrobial properties of honey have been attributed to both the hydrogen peroxide and non-peroxide components. The antimicrobial activities of Malaysian tualang honey have been established against an extensive spectrum of microorganisms. Study of evaluated various fractions of tualang honey for antimicrobial activity against common and multidrug resistant wound and enteric bacteria. Results showed fractionated honey exhibited remarkable bactericidal activities for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The bactericidal activities of tualang honey were largely enhanced in the acidic fractions of the honey. Further studies should focus on acidic fractions to explore the main constituents that contribute to the effects. (6) Tualang honey exhibited activities against different microorganisms, but within the same range for manuka honey. Results suggest potential as alternative therapeutic agent against organisms like A. baumannii and S. maltophilia. (8)
• Subacute Toxicity Effects of Aged Tualang Honey: ATH (aged tualang honey) is tualang honey store for more than 12 months. The general public is unaware of recommended consumption period for honey, since most marketed honeys have no determined or specified expiry dates. Study determined the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content in 4-year stored ATH. Study evaluated the effects of ATH with repeated dose in a 28-day oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats using 200, 1,000, 2,000 mg/kg/day. The HMF concentration s were significantly high, greater than 80 mg/kg, the international maximum limit set for tropical honey. Female rats exhibited significant increase in creatinine and oestradiol levels at 1,000 mg/k/day ATH. Histologically, there were reductions in Bowman's space and poorly defined glomerular boundary in female rats treated with 1,000 mg/kg ATH. The kidney changes from higher HMF concentrations were not seen in male rats, suggesting sex-based variation. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was 2,000 mg/kg for male rats, and less than 2,000 mg/kg/day for female rats. (7)
• Antileukemic Effect / Apoptosis Inducing / Acute and Chronic Leukemia Cell Lines / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the antileukemic effect of Tualang Honey on acute and chronic leukemia cell lines (K562 and MV4-11). Cells were incubated and grown in RPM1 1640 culture medium. The morphological changes in leukemia cells consisted of presence of cytoplasmic blebs followed by apoptotic bodies and round shape of cells. Tualang Honey showed 53.9% and 50.6% apoptosis activity on K562 and MV4-11, respectively, and 37.4% on human mononuclear cell. Results showed Tualang Honey has apoptosis-inducing ability for acute and chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines. (9)
• Antibacterial Activity of Diluted Tualang Honey Against E. coli: Study evaluated the antibacterial activity of diluted Tualang honey towards E. coli, using concentrations of 20, 30, and 40%. The 40% diluted honey was most effective in inhibiting the growth of E. coli, followed by 20 and 30%. The activity was attributed to the production of hydrogen peroxide. (10)
• Antibacterial Activity of Diluted Tualang Honey Against E. coli: Study evaluated the effects of TH on hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) elicited vascular hyperpermeability in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and Balb/c mice. TH concentrations from 0.01% to 1.00% showed no cytotoxic effect to HUVECs, Induction with 0.5 mM H2O2 increased HUVEC permeability, an effect significantly reversed attenuated by TH (p<0.05), of which permeability with highest inhibition peaked at 0.1%. Study suggested TH could inhibit H2O2-induced vascular hyperpermeability invitro and invivo by suppression of adherence junction protein redistribution via calcium and cAMP. Results suggest therapeutic potential for diseases related to increase of both oxidant and vascular permeability. (11)
• Enhanced Hippocampal Pyramidal Count / Spatial Memory Performance Improvement from TH Consumption: Study investigated the effect of Tualang honey on the cell count of memory formation related hippocampal pyramidal neuron and on spatial memory performance (SMP) of Sprague Dawley rats using the radial arm maze (RAM). Two-way ANOVA analysis showed positively significant differences between treatment and control groups. Results suggest that behaviorally and neurohisto- logically Tualang honey could improve memory and deter hippocampal morphological impairments, possibly through its high antioxidant properties. (13)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Wound Healing / Tualang Honey / Review: The review collates the various studies on anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of TH. For ages, TH has been used as natural remedy for inflammation and wounds. Studies have suggested TH may ameliorate ultraviolet-induced inflammation of the skin, chemical-induced inflammation of the eyes, and oxidative stress on the eyes. Data suggest that TH may be a therapeutic agent for the management of inflammation and wound healing. (14)
• Effects on Bone Metabolism of Postmenopausal Women / Tualang Honey: Postmenopausal women are prone to osteoporosis due to reduction in estrogen which may lead to elevation of oxidative stress and lipid accumulation which can promote osteoblast apoptosis. The main treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), which while effective, can cause many adverse effects. Tualang honey is one of the alternative options as treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with minimal side effects, containing antioxidants while exerting anti-inflammatory effects, free radical scavenging, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine, which can result in survival of osteoblasts, reduced osteoclastogenic activity, and reduced bone loss. (16)
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant / Alkali Injury on Eyes / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory (clinical and histopathological) and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey versus conventional treatment in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits. Tualang honey exhibited almost equal effects when compared to conventional treatment in alkali injury on rabbit's eye. (17)
• Promotion of Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer Cell Line: Study evaluated the effects of TH when used in combination with tamoxifen (TAM) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. TH promoted the anticancer activity in both estrogen receptor (ER)-responsive and ER-nonresponsive human breast cancer cell lines. There was accelerated apoptosis especially in MDA-MB-231 cells with involvement of caspase03/7, -8, and -9 activation. Depolarization of mitochondrial membrane was increased with The TAM combination. Results suggest TH may be a potential adjuvant with TAM for reducing the dose of TAM and TAM-induced adverse effects. (18)
• Antiproliferative on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Osteosarcoma Cell Lines/ Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the antiproliferative activity of local tualang honey on OSCC and HOS cell lines. Results showed morphological apoptotic cellular changes and apoptotic nuclear changes on the cell lines. Cell viability assay showed time and dose-dependent inhibitory effect of honey on both cell lines. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) for OSCC and HOS cell lines were 4% and 3.5% respectively. Maximum inhibition of cell growth of ≥80% was 15% for both cell lines. Flow cytometry showed percentage of early apoptotic cells increased in dose and time dependent manner. Results showed antiproliferative effects on both cells lines via induction of early apoptosis. (19)
• TH Hydrogel in Treatment of Split-Skin Graft Donor Sites / Pilot Study: Prospective single-are study evaluated the effect of tualang honey added to a hydrogel dressing and its effect of healing of split skin graft donor sites in measures of wound healing and pain during healing. Added honey component provided a lasting, pleasant over. Dressing were non-adherent and dressing changes caused minimal discomfort. Wounds exposed to Honey Hydrogel were moist and hydrated, preventing evaporative water loss and wound dehydration. Results showed honey hydrogel may be effective in the treatment of split-skin graft donor sites. (20)
• Role in Learning and Memory / Tualang Honey / Review: The composition and physicochemical properties of honey are variable depending on its floral source and are often named according to geographical location. Review focuses on the effects of honey, particularly Tualang honey, on learning and memory in human and animal models. Studies have shown Tualang honey improves morphology of memory-related brain areas, reduces brain oxidative stress, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations, and reduces acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain homogenates. It is hypothesized improvement in leaning and memory following Tualang Honey supplementation is due to significant improvement in brain morphology and enhancement of brain cholinergic system secondary to reduction in brain oxidative damage an d/or upregulation of BDNF concentration. Further studies are needed to elucidate molecular mechanisms of actions. (22)
• Effect of Honey on Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts (HPDLFs): Study evaluated the effect of Tualang honey on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) proliferation and alkaline phosphatase level (ALP) and role of honey as a natural product to promote healing and regeneration of periodontium. Results showed Tualang honey stimulated HPDLF proliferation at low concentrations and has an inhibitory effect at high concentrations. Its role in osteoblastic differentiation requires further investigation. (23)
• Use in Partial Thickness Burn Wounds / Pilot Study: Randomized, non-blinded prospective study compared the healing properties of honey in partial thickness burn wounds to those using hydrofiber or silver dressings. Results suggested honey was superior to silver-based dressings in time needed for wounds to fully epithelize, along with lower mean number of dressing changes and total length of hospital stay. Results was attributed to capability of honey to enhance the rate of histological reparative ability. Prior research has shown honey can inhibit the replication of major wound-infecting species of bacteria. The antibacterial effect has been attributed to hydrogen peroxide generated by action of an enzyme bees add to the nectar. Also, the honey's high osmolarity binds the water molecules tightly to sugar molecules resulting in insufficient water supply to the bacteria to support their growth. Use of tualang honey as dressing material for burn patients showed superior result compared to hydrofiber silver in measure of rate of wound healing. High osmolarity and high-nutrient content may accelerate the cleansing and desloughing of dirty wounds and promoted epithelization and angiogenesis. As a natural product, honey provides a cheaper and readily available alternative to modern materials. (24)
• Antiproliferative on Human Keloid Fibroblasts / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the anti-proliferative effect of methanolic extract of Tualang honey on primary human keloid fibroblasts. Normal and keloid fibroblasts were treated with extracted honey. Methanol extract showed a positive and anti-proliferative effect on keloid fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Presence of fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and octadecanoic acid may contribute to the anti-
proliferative effect in keloid fibroblasts. The antiproliferative effect may involve cell signaling pathway. (25)
• Effect and Safety on Sperm Parameters, Erectile Function, and Hormonal Profiles of Oligospermic Males / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the effect of Tualang honey on sperm parameters, erectile function and hormonal and safety profiles. A randomized control trial was done using Tualang honey (20 grams) and Tribestan (750 mg) over a period of 12 weeks. There was a significant increment of mean sperm concentration (p<0.001), motility (p=0.007) and morphology (p=0.009).Tualang honey effect among oligospermic males was comparable with Tribestan in improving sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Use of Tualang honey was safe with not reported adverse events. (26)
• Antiproliferative and Apoptotic / Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the anti-proliferative and apoptosis effect of TH on human lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) cells. MTT assay indicated TH inhibited proliferation of ADC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treated ADC cells showed typical apoptotic features such as membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and fragmented nucleus. Cell cycle analysis showed accumulation of TH treated ADC cells in sub-G1 and G2/M phases. Annexin V-FITC assay provided evidence of apoptosis induction by TH. Results suggest TH as a potential anti-cancer agent, with capacity to promote growth inhibition and apoptosis of ADC cells via apoptosis signaling pathways. (27)
• Antihypertensive Effect Via Amelioration of Renal Oxidative Stress / Honey Supplementation: Study evaluated the effect of honey on elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Honey supplementation significantly reduced SBP and MDA levels in SHR, and significantly reduced activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT), and moderately but insignificantly upregulated Nrf2 mRNA expression level in the kidney of SHR. Results suggest Nrf2 expression is impaired in the kidney of SHR. Honey supplementation considerable reduced elevated SBP via amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR. (28)
• Modulation of Breast Cancer Progression: Study evaluated the antitumoral therapeutic effects of Malaysian Tualang honey (TH) and Australian/New Zealand Manuka honey (MH) against breast cancer in thirty syngeneic virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats. Cancer masses in TH and MH treated groups showed lower median tumor size, weight, and multiplicity compared to control (p<0.05). Treatment also showed dramatic slower growth rate (up to 70.82%). The antitumoral effect was mediated through modulation of tumor growth, tumor grading, estrogenic activity, and hematological parameters. Systemic administration of TH and MH increases the susceptibility of expression of proapoptotic proteins (Apaf-1, Caspase-9, IFN-γ, IFNGR1, and p53) and decreases the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (TNF-α, COX-2, and Bcl-xL 1) in its mechanism of action. Results highlight a potential novel role for TH and MH in alleviating breast cancer. (29)
• Silver Nanoparticles / Amelioration of Seizures, Locomotor Activity and Memory Function / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Tualang honey (THSN) on seizure activity and locomotor and memory functions in male Sprague-Dawley rats after kainic acid (KA) induction. THSN pre-treatment of KA-induced status epilepticus groups demonstrated an increment in latencies in onset of first generalized seizures and number of line crossings in OFT (open field test), with higher recognition index of NORT (novel object recognition test) compared to untreated KA-induced status epilepticus group. Results suggest neuroprotective effects in ameliorating seizures, locomotor activity and memory function after KA-induced status epilepticus in male rats. (30)
• Wound Granulation of Post Debridement Diabetic Foot Wounds / Comparative Study on Tualang Honey and Manuka Honey / Clinical Trial: Double-blinded randomized controlled study evaluated the wound healing property and granulation tissue promoting effect of honey, comparing local Malaysian tualang honey with the well-established manuka honey in the management of 34 patients with Wagner stage II or III diabetic foot ulcers, measuring primary outcome of area of new granulation tissue. Results showed tualang honey induced granulation and exhibited beneficial action in promoting wound healing, which was comparable to the more established manuka honey. Results suggest TH can be used as alternative therapeutic agent for diabetic foot wounds with similar beneficial effects as those expected for manuka honey. (32)
• Attenuation of Noise Stress-Induced Memory Deficits / Tualang Honey: Ageing and stress exposure may lead to memory impairment and oxidative stress is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms involved. TH supplementation was given orally at 200 mg/kbw for 28 days. Rats exposed to noise stress exhibited significantly lower memory performance and higher oxidative stress evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and reduction of antioxidant enzymes compared to non-stressed rats. Results showed TH protects against memory decline due to stress exposure and/or ageing via enhancement of mPFC (medial prefrontal cortex) and hippocampal morphology possibly secondary to reduction in brain oxidative stress and/or upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) concentration and cholinergic system. (33)
• Anti-Amoebic / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the in-vitro activity of Tualang honey on the growth of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, using broth dilution method with metronidazole as reference. Tualang honey was found to have considerable activity against the chosen strain of E. histolytica trophozoites, with MICs in all replicates ranging from 12.5% to 15.0% (w/v). Results highlighted the potential of honey as an anti-amoebicidal agent. (34)
• Uterine-Protective Against BPA-Induced Toxicity / Tualang Honey: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical that can disrupt normal functions in the endocrine system. Study evaluated the protective effects of Tualang honey against BPA (Bisphenol A)-induced uterine toxicity in pubertal rats. BPA was administered with BPA by oral gavage over a period of 6 weeks. Concurrent treatment of rats with BPA and Tualang honey significantly improved uterine morphological abnormalities, reduced lipid peroxidation, and normalized ERα, ERß, and C3 expressions and distribution. Results suggest a potential protective role against BPA-induced uterine toxicity. (41)
• Anti-Angiogenic Activity / Tualang Honey: Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) has been used as an anti-angiogenic agent in cancer treatment. Study evaluated Malaysian Tualang honey (MTH) for anti-angiogenic effects. Effects of MTH on VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) angiogenesis was determined by proliferation, migration, and tube-formation assays. Suramin, an angio-suppressive agent was used as positive control. MTH significantly suppressed HUVEC proliferation (from 155% to 54% proliferation rate), migration (~ 50% inhibition rate) and tube-formation (69% reduction) induced by VEGF. MTH also significantly (p<0.05) reduced VEGF secretion (19% reduction compared to control in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Results suggest the anti-angiogenic effects of MTH via suppression of MMP-2 secretion by endothelial cells. (42)
• Neuroprotective Effect of Apis dorsata Honey against Morphine Tolerance / In-Vivo Study: Study evaluated the effects of Apis dorsata honey on the development of morphine tolerance and oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats. Biochemical assessment showed A. dorsata honey significantly prevented morphine tolerance to analgesic in the hotplate test on day 14 (p<0.05) A. dorsata honey significantly reduced MDA formation in the brain regions. Elevation of iNOS caused by chronic morphine intake was reduced in A. dorsata honey co-treatment. Results suggest a therapeutic role of A. dorsata honey in the prevention of morphine tolerance via inhibition of oxidative stress. (43)
• Protection of Keratinocytes from UVB Radiation / Photochemopreventive / Tualang Honey: Study evaluated the effect of tualang honey on early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis employing PAM212 mouse keratinoctye cell line. Keratinocytes were treated with tualang honey (1.0% v/v) before single UVB (150 mj cm-2) irradiation. Treatment with TH inhibited UVB-induced DNA damage, and enhance repair of UVB-mediated formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine. TH also inhibited UVB-induced inflammatory cytokines and iNOS protein expression, and inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Results suggest TH affords substantial protection from adverse effects of UVB radiation via modulation in early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis. (44)
• Safety of Tualang Honey in Postmenopausal Women: Study evaluated the safety profile of Tualang honey use among 40 postmenopausal women given 20 g/daily and followed up for 4 months. Results showed daily intake of tualang honey was safe in terms of renal, liver, and hematological profile. However, levels of cholesterol and fasting blood sugar was increased at four months of the study. (45)
Availability
- Wild-crafted.
- Seeds and seedlings, honey products in the cybermarket.
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