Effect of honey, as a natural deep eutectic solvent, on the phytochemical stability and anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Honey isn't just a sweetener—it's a natural solvent that can unlock the hidden power of a traditional herbal remedy. But does this ancient pairing boost or blunt its healing properties?

For centuries, traditional healers in Southeast Asia have mixed Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL), known as Pasak Bumi, with honey to treat fevers and boost vitality. Yet science has only now begun to ask: what does honey actually do to the plant's active compounds? A new study dives into this sweet mystery, treating EL with honey and simulated honey-NADES to track the stability of three key bioactive molecules: eurycomanone, 9-hydroxycanthine-6-one, and 9-methoxycanthine-6-one. The results were surprising—honey significantly increased the yields of eurycomanone and 9-hydroxycanthine-6-one, while decreasing 9-methoxycanthine-6-one. This suggests honey acts as a natural deep eutectic solvent, enhancing extraction and stabilization of some compounds but not others. When it came to anti-inflammatory power, the team measured nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. After a 90-day infusion, honey-treated EL showed 9.19–68.73% NO inhibition, slightly lower than untreated EL (10.34–77.93%). Even the non-sugar components of honey alone exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, hinting at a complex synergy. The takeaway? Honey preserves EL's anti-inflammatory activity, making it a viable natural treatment for inflammation—and a reminder that traditional wisdom often holds hidden scientific depth.

Key Points

• Honey boosts EU and 9HCO yields but reduces 9MCO.
• Honey-treated EL shows slightly lower NO inhibition than untreated.
• Honey preserves anti-inflammatory activity, a natural NADES.