Substance May Contribute to Pain-Relieving, Wound-Healing Effect of Honey

Kynurenic Acid in Honey from Arboreal Plants: MS and NMR Evidence
Planta Medica, 2007 Nov 12

KYNA, a Trp metabolite, shows neuroprotective activity against excitotoxic amino acids by antagonizing the NMDA receptor (glycine, glutamate). Here we report the identification of KYNA by a combination of ESI-MS/MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses in honey varieties of arboreal origin.

KYNA are absent in single-flower honeys from herbal flowers. These different distribution patterns might possibly involve an indirect plant defence mechanism against fungal pathogens and herbivorous parasites, ever-present on wild trees.

The presence of KYNA in honey may explain its pain-relieving effects reported in the literature. The substance, acting in concert with honey flavonoids (COX-2 inhibitors), by antagonizing the NMDA receptor may contribute to the antinociceptive effect of honey.

Moreover, kynureninates, owing to their antimicrobial properties, can favour the successful outcome of wounds and burns.