Targeting Gut Microbiome and the Recovery of Muscle Loss Associated with Cancer (Cachexia): An Overview of the Possible Effect of Bee Products

Current research emphasizes the contribution of gut microbiome to numerous health conditions includingcancer and skeletomuscular disorders. Cachexia is a debilitating condition of progressive loss of bodytissues. It occurs in up to 80% of patients with tumors, and it impairs their functioning and quality of life andincreases morbidity and premature death. Several randomized trials indicate that interventions, which targetgut microbiome can correct and revert tissue loss in aged people. However, less is known about the effectof such strategies in cachectic muscle loss. This report briefly sheds the light on the role of gut-muscle axisin cachexia and demonstrates few examples on interventions addressing gut microbiome and their effect oncachectic muscle. It also speculates the literature for the skeletal muscle-promoting activity of bee products,particularly bee honey and propolis (which are quite handy), within the context of cachexia. Implications forfuture studies are discussed.