Honey has been used both as food and a medicine for centuries. A plethora of therapeutic properties have been reported, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, wound healing, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, and antiarrhythmic properties [6].

- Antibacterial. The world's oldest medical texts have reported the medicinal use of honey, and since the ancient times it has been known to have antibacterial properties. Its inhibitory effect on the growth of a broad range of bacterial species has been tested, including pathogenic bacteria, oral bacteria as well as food spoilage bacteria. Honey contains the enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, glucose oxidase, which is known for its inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, honey possesses hygroscopic properties, which means that it can absorb moisture (water) out of the environment, thus causing the dehydration of the pathogen microbial agent [7]. 

- Anticancer. Several in vivo studies have explored the effect of different honey types on cancer 8. The results have suggested a protective role that comes from the daily honey consumption by molecular mechanisms that still remain to be elucidated but have as a result the inhibition of tumor promotion. In a study testing the bioactive compounds of the three most widely consumed honeys of Greece (thyme, pine and fir honey), results showed that a thyme honey-enriched diet may prevent cancer-related processes in breast, prostate and endometrial cancer cells 9. More studies have suggested that honey have substances that may have a protective role in lung cancer, melanoma, renal carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer and leukemias 6.

- Cardio-protective. One of the most significant diseases for which natural honey is utilised for both preventive and therapeutic reasons is cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant, anti-ischemic, anti-thrombotic, and vasorelaxant properties of the phenolic chemicals found in honey are protective against coronary heart disease (CHD) [6]. The following three key mechanisms appear to be the main ways that flavonoids lower the risk of CHD: Improving the dilation of the coronary arteries, reducing the clotting of blood platelets and preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. Honey can also reduce blood pressure, which can consequently reduce the preload on the heart and congestion of the venous system. Researchers have shown the protective effects of natural honey as a preconditioning agent on ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and infarct size in isolated rat hearts. In addition, the results of another study showed that chronic oral intake of natural honey (45 days) has effective antiarrhythmic and anti-infarct effects in rats [10].

- Wound-healing. The impact of honey on wound healing has been thoroughly studied. According to bibliography, honey has wound healing properties that stimulate tissue growth, improve epithelialization, and reduce the formation of scar tissue. These outcomes are attributed to the acidity, hydrogen peroxide production, osmotic action, nutritional and antioxidant contents, immune system stimulation, and undiscovered components in honey. Nitric oxide and prostaglandins are important players in the inflammation, germ killing, and healing processes. It was discovered that honey increases nitric oxide end products and decreases prostaglandin levels 11.  Several data indicate that honey has positive effects on dressing of wounds, burns, skin ulcers and inflammations; Τhe antibacterial properties of honey speed up the growth of new tissue to heal the wound 5,7,12

- Anti-inflamatory. Inflammation  has a key role in developing chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases which possess a huge challenge for treatment.  Recent years an intensive interest has been developed in studying honey’s biological and clinical actions against inflammation-mediated chronic diseases

- Neuroprotective. Honey has neuroprotective properties and may be helpful in neurological diseases because it exerts antidepressant, anxiolytic, antinociceptive, and anticonvulsant effects. It also modifies the oxidative content in the central nervous system 1.

- Oral health. Due to its strong antimicrobial properties, honey, is protective agaisnt oral diseases, such as periodontal disease, stomatitis, and halitosis. In addition, it has also been applied for the prevention of dental plaque, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and periodontitis. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can stimulate the growth of granulation tissue, leading to the repair of damaged cells 13.