Italian study finds multifloral honey may shield skin cells from UV damage

Researchers at the University of Sassari in Italy say multifloral honey can help protect human skin cells from ultraviolet radiation and support cell regeneration, according to a newly published laboratory study. The team cultivated three types of human skin cells — skin stem cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes — in a system that mimics their natural environment. Before exposing the cells to ultraviolet light, the researchers treated part of them with 1 percent multifloral honey for 48 hours. The treated cells showed markedly higher resilience to UV-induced stress, particularly among skin stem cells and fibroblasts. The study also found reduced activity of genes linked to cellular aging and increased activity of genes responsible for cell protection and renewal. Dr. Vicky Folla of the university said the honey appeared to restore the cells' natural balance without triggering an excessive repair response. The researchers stressed that the findings remain limited to the laboratory and should not be taken as a replacement for sunscreen.