Tualang honey (TH) is a multifloral jungle honey native to Malaysia. Rock bees collect honey from Tualang Trees, which can be abundantly found in north-west Peninsular Malaysia. It also known as Semerak honey or Koompassia excelsa.
Compared to the monofloral Manuka honey from New Zealand, medical studies on Tualang honey are quite limited. In addition, it is also less known compared to Manuka honey.
Both honeys may have similar properties and health benefits, however, some comparative studies found that Tualang has more health benefits compared to Manuka honey. Here are some of them:
1. Wound Healing
Compared to hydro fiber silver, Tualang honey is more effective in reducing burn wound size by up to 32.26%. In burns, patients prefer dressings with Tualang honey than those with hydrofiber silver because it is more pleasant smelling, more soothing and lesser pain is experienced. In general, honey stimulates the growth of epithelial cells, minimizes edema, decreases inflammation and hastens exudation.
2. Anti-bacterial
Tualang honey is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids and bio-chemical compounds. It is effective in treating bacterial infections caused by gram positive strains of S.pyogenes, Coagulase negative staphylococci, MRSA, S.agalactiae, Staph. Aureus and CONS. It is also effective in treating infections caused by gram negative strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella enterica Serovar typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella flexneri, E.coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumonia.
3. Anti-oxidant
Tualang honey contains higher levels of anti-oxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. It is also rich in amino acids, enzymes and proteins. It can effectively fight off free radicals compared to other types of commercial honeys.
4. Anti-cancer / anti-tumor
Honey, in general, has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been known to increase the risk of cancer. Tualang honey has been found to inhibit breast cancer growth and proliferation rats in a preliminary study.
5. Proliferates bone growth
Based on a study conducted by a hospital and medical facility in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Tualang honey is more effective in increasing the growth of trabecular bone among post-menopausal women than calcium supplements. In post-menopausal women, Tualang honey has also been found to improve their bone density, minimize bone loss and consequently preventing osteoporosis.
6. Anti-diabetic
Honey is thought to be bad for diabetes. However, if consumed moderately, it can actually help regulate blood sugar levels. Tualang honey is moderately high in fructose. It also has a moderate glycemic index. Studies in rats showed that metformin combined with Tualang honey is more effective in increasing insulin levels and lowering blood sugar levels.
7. Possible alternative for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products, Tualang honey exhibited similar effects on the cholinergic system and mPFC morphology as estradiol treatment. Although further study is needed to determine the exact mechanism of Tualang honey to the nervous system, it shows promising results as an all-natural alternative to hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).
Aside from these health benefits Tualang honey is also effective in reducing cardiovascular risks and improving reproductive functions in both male and female.
Photo credit: SuppVersity
