Honey is not only nutritious and delicious but also displays biochemical and
pharmacological activities and medicinal and therapeutic properties. It contains a variety
of nutritional contents, 82.0% carbohydrates, 0.3% protein, 17.0% water, and 0.7%
minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, etc. The taste, texture, color, and aroma of
honey vary with location, weather, humidity, nectar source, the species of plants,
and handling during harvesting, packing, and storage (Anupama et al., 2003). Four types
of honey have been mentioned in the texts of Charaka Samhita i.e. Makshika,
Bhramara, Kashudra, and Pauttika (Ch.Su.27/243pp.445; Su.Su.45/133pp.232-233).
Pauttika honey is produced by the Puttika bee and its physical characteristics are
similar to ghee in color and consistency (Ch. Su.27/244pp.446). The honey is
classified as monofloral or multi-floral based on the source of nectar. The common
species of honey bees are Apis dorsata, Apis melifera, Apis florae, Apis laborisa, Apis
andreniformis, etc.
As per the description of Ayurveda, new honey called Nava Madhu nourishes the
body and does not reduce the Kapha, however one-year-old honey named Purana
Madhu is highly significant, aggravated Vata Dosha produces dryness, reduces Kapha
and fat and obesity.
Orlistat is an FDA-approved antiobesity drug act locally within the gastrointestinal
tract and inhibits pancreatic and gastric lipase enzymes. It is indicated in the
management of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and excess visceral
fat.
