Exploration of the Angiogenic Potential of Honey

Aims: The present study was conducted to confirm the angiogenic potential of honey using Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM), an in ovo model and to study its effect on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in the CAM tissue. Attempts were also made to identify the probable active constituents present in honey that contributed to its angiogenic potential.
Methodology: Honey was evaluated over concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 25% v/v and the extent of angiogenesis was quantified using stereomicroscopy. VEGF expression at transcript level was determined by RT-PCR. Erythropoietin and Heparin were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Four known constituents of honey viz., Glucose, Proline, Vitamin C and Hydrogen peroxide were tested by biochemical methods.

Results: New blood formation was seen at all the concentrations tested, however the pro-angiogenic effect was greater at lower concentrations. These results were significantly greater than that seen with erythropoietin, the positive control. VEGF mRNA expression in CAM tissue also demonstrated similar findings. Among the constituents tested, Vitamin C and Hydrogen peroxide were observed to be associated with the angiogenic effect of honey.
Conclusion: The study thus confirms the pro-angiogenic potential of honey at low concentrations. This effect is probably due to the presence of Hydrogen peroxide and Vitamin C and is mediated via alteration in VEGF expression.