ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Globally, cancer ranks among the most common causes of death. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have investigated anticancer effects of honey with promising results. This study focused on potential background mechanisms of this effect. METHODS: The current literature was reviewed for potential anticancer pathways which are suggested for honey and its ingredients. RESULTS: Flavonoids (kaempferol, catechin, and quercetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid and gallic acid) are the most important ingredients of honey with known anti-cancer activity. The main suggested mechanisms for anti-cancer activity of honey and its ingredients are antioxidant, apoptotic, tumor necrosis factor inhibiting, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic effects. CONCLUSION: This review collates the current scientific understanding on the mechanism of anti-cancer activity of honey.