Honey--a nutrient with medicinal property in reflux.

Sir,

We read with interest the article by Singh and colleagues1 which showed that Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) ameliorated experimentally induced reflux oesophagitis (RE) in rats in a dose dependent manner. This study shows that the Ginseng offers protection against experimentally induced RE in rats by subsiding the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Honey has been used as a nutrient and a medicine since ages23, and has cytoprotective function and is also used for wound healing. This is likely to be due to its anti-inflammatory activity and stimulation of local wound responses4. Honey has phenolic compounds and flavonoids5, and has been used in chronic sinusitis6. Antimicrobial activity of honey is due to its osmotic effect7. Honey leads to fast healing in patients with oral mucositis8 and is used in treating otorhinolaryngeal infections9.

Oxygen derived free radicals are likely to be mediators in generation of RE10. Honey has antioxidant and radical scavenging activity; it reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and restores intracellular glutathione11. Honey may reduce inflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production12. Honey has high density, high viscosity, and low surface tension, and therefore, can stay longer in the oesophagus as a coating on the mucus membrane131415. Honey is useful in treatment of RE because of non peroxide antibacterial activity16. Honey can be used in treating reflux oesophagitis along with conventional therapy.