Protective Roles of Honey in Reproductive Health: A Review Original paper

What was reviewed?

This comprehensive review synthesized current evidence regarding the protective roles of honey in reproductive health, focusing on both male and female fertility, menopause-related symptoms, reproductive toxicity, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. The review explored honey’s biochemical composition, rich in antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and antimicrobial components, and its traditional and emerging therapeutic applications. Emphasis was placed on honey’s impact on reproductive organ health, hormonal balance, microbial modulation (particularly vaginal microbiota), antioxidant defenses, and its utility as a natural alternative or adjunct to conventional therapies.

Who was reviewed?

The review encompassed a broad range of studies involving both animal models (primarily rats) and humans. Included were in vivo and in vitro experiments, randomized clinical trials, and epidemiological data. The populations reviewed spanned healthy and diseased states: men and women of reproductive age, postmenopausal women, pregnant women, and individuals with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Both traditional and modern clinical contexts were considered, making the findings broadly applicable to diverse patient groups.

Most important findings

Honey demonstrates multifaceted benefits in reproductive health through several mechanisms, many of which intersect with microbiome dynamics. Notably, honey’s antioxidant-rich composition (including flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol) confers protection against oxidative stress in reproductive tissues, an effect substantiated in animal models exposed to toxins such as bisphenol A and cigarette smoke. Honey has shown efficacy in improving sperm quality, motility, and testosterone levels, and serves as a natural cryoprotectant in semen preservation across multiple species. In females, honey supplementation (notably Tualang and Manuka varieties) mitigates menopausal atrophy of the vagina and uterus, likely due to its phytoestrogenic and prebiotic properties, which help maintain mucosal integrity and possibly support beneficial Lactobacillus populations.

A particularly significant microbiome-related detail is honey’s selective antimicrobial action: it inhibits Candida albicans (the main cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis) without suppressing commensal Lactobacillus, thus preserving or restoring a healthy vaginal microbiota. Clinical trials comparing honey (alone or combined with yogurt) to conventional azole antifungals found similar or superior symptom resolution with honey, and no significant adverse effects. Furthermore, honey’s acidity and osmolarity create an environment unfavorable for pathogenic microbes while supporting microbial homeostasis.

Key implications

For clinicians, this review highlights honey as a promising natural adjunct or alternative for managing reproductive health conditions. Its antioxidant and estrogenic activities suggest utility in mitigating toxin-induced reproductive damage, supporting fertility, and managing menopause-related vaginal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Notably, honey’s selective antimicrobial properties make it an attractive candidate for treating recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially amid growing antifungal resistance. Incorporating honey into clinical practice could support microbial health (especially in the vaginal ecosystem), reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, and offer patients a well-tolerated, cost-effective therapeutic option. Further research is warranted to establish standardized dosing, identify optimal honey varieties, and elucidate detailed mechanisms of microbiome modulation.