Does Honey Raise Testosterone in Men? A Scientific Breakdown

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Historically, honey has been utilized in folk medicine for its purported health benefits, including enhanced fertility and virility. While compelling animal studies suggest honey can raise testosterone in men by influencing hormone production and reducing oxidative stress, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Quick Summary

Scientific studies, primarily on animals, indicate that honey may increase testosterone levels by boosting luteinizing hormone and reducing oxidative damage. The effect in humans is not yet definitively proven.

Key Points

Animal Studies Show Promise: Research in animals, mainly rats, suggests honey can increase testosterone levels by influencing key hormonal pathways.
Supports Leydig Cell Function: Honey may enhance the viability and activity of Leydig cells in the testes, which are responsible for testosterone production.
Acts as an Antioxidant: The high antioxidant content in honey protects testicular tissue from damage caused by oxidative stress, maintaining a healthy environment for hormone synthesis.
Contains Aromatase Inhibitors: Compounds like chrysin in honey can inhibit the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen.
Human Evidence is Lacking: While animal studies are compelling, robust human clinical trials are still needed to confirm honey's effectiveness in raising testosterone in men.
Beware of Unregulated Products: "Honey packs" and other sexual enhancement products can be tainted with hidden, dangerous prescription drugs and should be avoided.

Unpacking the Science: How Honey Might Affect Testosterone

For centuries, honey has been a staple in traditional medicine, valued for everything from wound healing to boosting vitality. Its potential effect on male hormones, particularly testosterone, has garnered recent scientific interest. The research, though promising, is largely based on animal studies, with human clinical trials still limited. These studies point to several key mechanisms through which honey could potentially influence testosterone production.

The Role of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Leydig Cells

One of the most significant proposed mechanisms is honey's ability to enhance the production of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH, produced in the pituitary gland, stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Animal studies have shown that honey supplementation can lead to higher levels of LH and improve the viability and function of Leydig cells. In one study on rats, the oral administration of honey resulted in increased serum testosterone levels, partly attributed to this stimulatory effect on LH.

Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress Reduction

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, can damage testicular tissue and impair testosterone production. Honey is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help neutralize these free radicals. By reducing oxidative damage to Leydig cells and other testicular tissues, honey helps to maintain a healthier environment for testosterone synthesis. Tualang honey, for example, has been shown to protect rat testes from the damaging effects of oxidative stress induced by toxins.

Aromatase Inhibition by Chrysin

Honey and its related products, like propolis, contain a flavonoid called chrysin. Chrysin is recognized as a potent aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. By inhibiting this conversion, chrysin may promote higher levels of testosterone. It is important to note that while laboratory studies show this effect, the concentration of chrysin in honey is generally low. The doses used in some studies to achieve this effect are significantly higher than what is found in normal dietary honey consumption.

Key Nutrients for Male Hormonal Health

Honey contains several micronutrients crucial for hormonal balance. Some of these include:

Boron: This trace mineral is linked to testosterone production and is found in honey. Studies suggest boron can help the body utilize testosterone more effectively, potentially increasing free testosterone levels.
Vitamins and Minerals: Honey provides a small amount of vitamins like B-complex vitamins, and minerals including zinc, magnesium, and iron, all of which play roles in overall male health and hormone production. Zinc is particularly known for its impact on testosterone levels, especially in zinc-deficient individuals.

What Type of Honey Works Best?

The specific composition of honey varies significantly based on its floral source and geographic origin. Different types of honey have been investigated for their effects on male reproductive health. Here is a comparison of some popular varieties:


Honey Type	Potential Benefits	Study Findings (Mostly Animal)
Manuka Honey	High antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Linked to improved testosterone and sperm quality.	Studies indicate it can enhance testosterone levels, sperm count, and motility. Contains high levels of phenols and flavonoids.
Tualang Honey	Shown to protect against testicular damage and restore reproductive parameters.	Animal studies show it increases sperm count and motility while protecting against oxidative stress.
Kaliandra Honey	Studied for improving testosterone levels in malnourished rats.	Found to significantly improve testosterone levels and testicular parameters in malnourished male rats.
Sidr Honey	Known for high nutritional value and antioxidant content.	In a human study on aging men, oral administration of Sidr honey increased testosterone levels over 30 days.
Royal Honey (Caution)	Often sold as a male enhancement product, but can be dangerous.	Unregulated versions often contain hidden prescription drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil, posing serious health risks. Use extreme caution.

The Critical Lack of Human Data

While animal studies provide a compelling mechanistic basis for how honey might influence testosterone, it is crucial to recognize the significant limitations. The doses, duration, and effects observed in rats do not directly translate to humans. Very few clinical trials have been conducted on humans to confirm these testosterone-boosting effects. The results from these limited human studies are not conclusive enough to recommend honey as a primary treatment for low testosterone. The use of unregulated honey-based supplements, especially those promising sexual enhancement, is particularly risky due to the potential for hidden, dangerous ingredients.

Conclusion: A Natural Boost, Not a Miracle Cure

In conclusion, existing scientific literature, heavily reliant on animal models, suggests that honey has several mechanisms that could potentially contribute to increased testosterone levels in men. These include enhancing Luteinizing Hormone production, reducing oxidative stress through antioxidants, and inhibiting aromatase with compounds like chrysin. However, the evidence from human clinical trials is sparse and more research is needed to validate these findings in human males. While adding moderate amounts of high-quality, pure honey to a balanced diet may provide general health benefits, including those supporting male reproductive health, it should not be considered a reliable cure for low testosterone. Individuals with hormonal concerns should consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more information on the mechanisms through which honey may affect testosterone, see this review on the National Institutes of Health website: Mechanisms of honey on testosterone levels

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey cannot cure low testosterone. While animal studies show promising effects, there is not enough reliable human evidence to recommend honey as a cure or primary treatment for low testosterone.

Honey contains several compounds that may influence testosterone, including the flavonoid chrysin, which acts as an aromatase inhibitor, and the trace mineral boron, which is linked to testosterone production.

Some studies suggest that varieties like Manuka, Tualang, and Sidr honey, known for their high antioxidant content, may have beneficial effects on male reproductive health based on animal research. However, no single type has been definitively proven to be superior for raising testosterone in humans.

There is no recommended dosage of honey for the purpose of boosting testosterone, as human studies are limited. Excessive honey consumption, like any other sugar, can lead to negative health effects.

No, 'honey packs' are not considered safe. Many of these unregulated supplements have been found to contain hidden and dangerous prescription drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra), which can cause serious side effects.

Instead of relying on honey alone, comprehensive natural approaches include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, and consuming a balanced diet rich in micronutrients like zinc and magnesium.

Yes, some animal studies suggest honey can improve aspects of male fertility, such as sperm count and motility, likely due to its antioxidant properties and supportive nutrients. However, these findings primarily come from animal models.