UIN Jakarta Professor: Honey Inhibits Growth of Laryngeal and Lung Cancer Cells

Auditorium Harun Nasution, UIN News Online – Honey is not only nature’s sweet gift but also a powerful natural agent for enhancing human health. A study by a UIN Jakarta professor reveals that honey can be a potent weapon against two types of cancer: laryngeal and lung cancer.

This was conveyed by Prof. Dr. La Ode Sumarlin, M.Si during his inaugural scientific oration titled “The Sweet One: Nature’s Gift for Human Health.” The oration was delivered at his inauguration as Professor of Biochemistry at the open senate session of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on Wednesday (May 7, 2025).

In his address, Prof. La Ode emphasized honey’s potential as a natural compound capable of inhibiting cancer cell growth. His research not only affirms the religious value of honey, as mentioned in Surah An-Nahl (verses 68–69), but also validates it through rigorous laboratory-based scientific methods.

“From the bellies of bees comes a drink of varying colors, in which there is healing for humankind,” he quoted from the Qur’an, highlighting that the integration of revelation and science forms the foundation of his research.

Over the past decade, Prof. Sumarlin and his team have explored the properties of Indonesian local honeys, such as longan honey and Trigona honey. Furthermore, they combined honey with natural ingredients like katuk leaves, citrus extracts, namnam leaves, and tea dregs to enhance its antioxidant and anticancer efficacy.

The results showed that honey effectively inhibits the growth of two cancer cell lines: HEp-2 (laryngeal cancer) and A549 (lung cancer). The study also delved into the biological mechanisms underlying this inhibition, demonstrating that the bioactive compounds in honey work synergistically with other natural ingredients.

Going beyond academia, Prof. Sumarlin introduced prototypes of packaged honey-based products from his first and second generation research. These products are targeted for market release in 2026, bridging the gap between research and public health application.

“Science is not meant to sit on a bookshelf, but to reach the people’s dining table,” he stated. Reflecting this commitment, he has also authored several books on honey and its medical applications for both academics and practitioners.

This scientific oration was not just an academic celebration, but a reflection of the need for science that is grounded and benefits society. Honey, long known as a natural sweetener, now holds a new role as part of evidence-based alternative cancer treatment strategies.

Through his biochemistry approach, Prof. Sumarlin not only revealed the secrets of nature’s "sweet one" but also paved the way for leveraging local resources to address global health challenges, particularly degenerative diseases like cancer.

Prof. Dr. La Ode Sumarlin, M.Si is a biochemist and academic widely known in higher education and scientific communities. He earned his doctoral degree in Biochemistry and actively develops molecular research on natural compounds. His dedication to integrating science with Islamic values makes him a central figure in advancing integrative science at UIN Jakarta.

(Rizkiyah Gustiana N. / Fauziah M. / Noeni Indah S. / Photo: M. Yahya)