Honey May Help Prevent Atherosclerosis

Honey has also been found to prolong human tissue used for transplants...


Effect of Natural Honey on Human Platelets and Blood Coagulation Proteins
Pakistan Journal Pharm Sci, 2011 Jul;24(3):389-97

Present study was conducted to determine the effects of honey on blood hemostasis, in-vitro effect of honey was observed on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation employing, activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen levels in blood.

Honey samples showed moderate inhibition of platelet aggregation with IC(50) 5-7.5%. The coagulation assays showed that at higher concentrations (>15%) honey samples increased whole blood clotting time. When assayed in platelet poor plasma (PPP), honey samples significantly (P>0.005) prolonged aPTT, PT, and TT. The honey samples (at 3.75% and 7.5% concentrations) cause mean increment of aPTT = 19±10% and 62±10%; PT 6±5% and 40±5%; TT 35±15% and 112±30% respectively. Moreover, PPP isolated from whole blood pre-incubated with honey samples (9.0% for 10 minutes) showed mean prolongation of aPTT, PT and TT of 45±21%, 26±9% and 105±24% respectively.

Interestingly, incubation of honey at 6.25% and 11.75% concentrations in PPP considerably (P≥0.005) reduced fibrinogen levels i.e. 13±4% and 86±30% respectively.

The present study outlines the inhibitory effect of natural honey on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. These observations provide first line data for modulatory role(s) of honey on process of hemostasis…

On the basis of present and previous results, it can assumed that honey might interfere at several steps in the formation of atherosclerotic disease this effect finally translates into the prevention of vascular disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders.