Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activities of Natural Honey

Cancer is a dreadful disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of cells in tissues or organs. It is one of the main reasons of death and kills thousands of people every year. Currently several treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are available but still there is no cure when it is detected at late stages. Chemotherapy involves the use of anticancer drugs to eradicate the cancer cells by apoptosis. It is defined as programmed cell death, a mechanism used by body to maintain homeostasis or to kill cancer cells. Current research suggests a putative role of dietary agents in taming apoptosis of cancer cells. Honey, one of the victuals from natural treasure is a rich source of antioxidants and has greater implications in cancer prevention and treatment. Research done globally has proved the anticancerous and proapoptotic mettle of honey under various experimental set ups ranging from cancer cell lines to animal models. This chapter will provide insights about the role of honey in regulating antiproliferative and proapoptotic mechanisms in human cancers and also endorse honey as a promising candidate against cancer.