Honey and Beehive Products in Oncology: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Bee-derived products are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Interest is growing in their potential role as adjuncts in supportive nutritional oncology, particularly for preventing and managing treatment-related toxicity symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Methods: A systematic search of human and preclinical studies was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 to December 2025. Search terms combined bee-related product keywords with oncology-related keywords. Eligible studies included in vitro and in vivo preclinical models as well as clinical studies assessing biological properties, clinical outcomes, safety, and issues of product standardization. Results: Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that beehive products reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, exhibit antimicrobial activity against wound pathogens, and promote tissue repair. Results are most consistent for oral mucositis and for symptom management in head and neck cancer, where some studies report reduced pain, improved mucosal healing, and better nutritional status. Conclusions: This literature review identifies honey and beehive products as promising functional foods for improving oncological patient care. Further large studies are needed, as the evidence is heterogeneous across sample size, product composition, outcome measures, and therapeutic preparations.