UNVEILING THE HEALING NECTAR: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF ASAL (HONEY) IN UNANI TRADITION AND MODERN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Honey (Asal) holds a distinguished position in Unani medicine as a tonic, digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory agent, and general revitalizer due to its hot and dry temperament. Historically used for wound healing, respiratory ailments, cardiac health, and enhancing vitality, its traditional claims align with modern scientific evidence demonstrating antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. Aim of the Review: This review aims to evaluate the ethnomedicinal relevance, phytochemical profile, pharmacological actions, and therapeutic potential of Honey (Asal) by integrating Unani concepts with current biomedical findings. Materials and Methods: A dual-approach literature review was conducted using classical Unani texts to document temperament, properties, and formulations of Asal, and electronic databases to collect modern scientific studies. Unani terminology and botanical information were standardized according to WHO–CCRUM guidelines. Results: Honey, mainly from Apis mellifera, contains ~95% sugars, organic acids, and more than 181 minor constituents including phenolics, flavonoids, enzymes, and proteins. It exhibits strong wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Clinical studies support its efficacy in burns, diabetic foot ulcers, cardiovascular risk reduction, and cognitive improvement. Variability due to floral source highlights the need for standardization. Conclusion: Honey bridges classical Unani knowledge with contemporary pharmacology. Future studies should focus on standardized honey types, therapeutic dosage optimization, and long-term safety to support its integration into evidence-based medical practice.