Natural deep eutectic characteristics of honey improve the bioactivity and safety of traditional medicines

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Honey, an important additive with natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) characteristics, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

Aim of the study: We investigated the quality-improving effects of honey on Astragali Radix (Mikvetch Root) (RA) as an example.

Materials and methods: Decoctions of raw RA, fried RA, honey-fried RA, and a man-made- honey-fried RA were prepared and compared in cell-based bioactivity tests, chemical composition tests, as well as a bioavailability test with calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside.

Results: The addition of honey increased the concentrations of active compounds and their oral bioavailability, provided protection against acetylation, and consequently increased their bioactivity. These changes were also observed when a pure NADES-mimicking honey was used.

Conclusion: Our findings provide a potential explanation as to why honey has long been used as traditional medicine additives and rationalize the application of honey and honey-like substance in producing pharmaceuticals.

Keywords: Astragali radix; Biological activity; Honey; Natural deep eutectic solvent; Solvent effect; Traditional medicine.