Role of Honey as Potential Anti-Neurodegenerative Agent

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke, have become increasingly prevalent and pose a significant burden on public health. NDDs are a group of disorders that are characterized by the progressive degeneration or loss of structure and function of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. Honey, a natural product with various medicinal properties, has gained attention as a potential anti-neurodegenerative agent. Honey contains several bioactive compounds. These compounds have been shown to protect neurons against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote neuronal survival and regeneration. These properties can further delay the onset or progression of neurodegeneration in NDDs. Several studies have investigated the potential of honey to improve cognitive function and reduce the pathological features associated with NDDs. These findings suggest that honey could be a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, although further research will be needed to determine the optimal dosing and formulations for human use. Overall, this chapter discusses honey as a potential anti-neurodegenerative agent for the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases and as a source of information for neuroprotective drug discovery and development.