The Effects of Tualang Honey on Bone Metabolism of Postmenopausal Women

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, Epub 2012 Aug 29
Osteoporosis which is characterized by low bone mass andmicroarchitectural deterioration with a consequent increase in bone fragilitycan be associated with various stimuli such as oxidative stress andinflammation. Postmenopausal women are more prone to osteoporosis due toreduction in estrogen which may further lead to elevation of oxidative stressand lipid accumulation which will promote osteoblasts apoptosis.Proinflammatory cytokines are elevated following estrogen deficiency. Thesecytokines are important determinants of osteoclasts differentiation and itsbone resorption activity. The main treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis isestrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Despite its effectiveness, ERT, however,can cause many adverse effects. Therefore, alternative treatment that is richin antioxidant and can exert an anti-inflammatory effect can be given toreplace the conventional ERT. Tualang honey is one of the best optionsavailable as it contains antioxidant as well as exerting anti-inflammatoryeffect which can act as a free radical scavenger, reducing the oxidative stresslevel as well as inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine. This will result insurvival of osteoblasts, reduced osteoclastogenic activity, and consequently,reduce bone loss. Hence, Tualang honey can be used as an alternative treatmentof postmenopausal osteoporosis with minimal side effects.