We’re all familiar with that sweet fragrance in spring and summer, and that drop of nectar from the honeysuckle flower. Perhaps we’ve even had the fortune to taste honeysuckle jelly. But did you know that honeysuckle benefits are more than sweet fragrance and nectar?
The common honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), is a plant that is native to East Asia but has been introduced to many other parts of the world. It is a well-known plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Modern research confirms many traditional uses of the honeysuckle plant. The L. japonica has a super complex chemical composition with more than 140 compounds (!!!) identified with possible anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities.[1]https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/lonicera-japonica-flower-extract[2]http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lonicera-japonica=japanese-honeysuckle.php
So we dug into the research on this pervasive vine and were delighted in the discovery of many scientifically proven medicinal benefits of honeysuckle.
Types of Honeysuckle With Medicinal Benefits
There are over 180 species of honeysuckle, but the two most common types used for medicinal purposes are Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum).
European honeysuckle (L. periclymenum), has similar medicinal properties to Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica). Both varieties are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to support the immune, respiratory and digestive ecosystems.
It’s worth noting that not all species of honeysuckle have the same medicinal benefits. While the various species may share similar properties, some may be stronger in different areas. So It’s important to research the specific species of honeysuckle you are interested in using to understand its properties and potential health benefits.
In general, Japanese and European honeysuckle have many similar medicinal properties and are the most commonly used types of honeysuckle for medicinal purposes, in the west. However, if you are interested in using honeysuckle for a specific condition, you may wish to also research the specific species of honeysuckle that may be most effective for that condition.
One of the more common medicinal honeysuckle species in the east used in Asian countries for millennia is Lonicera japonica Thunb. var. sempervillosa Hayata.[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32288271/
Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle Leaves are Heterophyllous
Heterophyllous leaves means more than one leaf shape on the same plant, and it can be at the same time, different times or both.
11 Proven Medicinal Benefits of Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
- Allergies: Lab studies show that honeysuckle extract relieve allergy symptoms by decreasing allergic rhinitis inflammation and autoimmunity.[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663992/
- Analgesic: Effective in pain reduction.[5]https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article/74/10/2022/5949628
- Antibacterial: Extracts, fractions, and compounds from L. japonica leaves possessed considerable antibacterial activities against tested bacterial strains.[6]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265495/
- Anti-inflammatory: Honeysuckle contains several compounds, including chlorogenic acid and rutin, that have anti-inflammatory properties. [7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127524/[8]https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article/74/10/2022/5949628
- Anti-microbial: [9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381474/
- Antioxidant: Honeysuckle is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals and contribute to anti-aging.[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127524/
- Antiviral: [11]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990830/
- Digestive health: Honeysuckle has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues such as indigestion and diarrhea. It contains several compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and may be beneficial for these conditions. This applies to humans and animals.[12]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381474/
- Osteoarthritis: Honeysuckle contains properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and may be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and allergies.[13]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792201/</