Insights & Discussion
Honey showed a significant antimicrobial activity against all targeted periopathogen and could be effective in the treatment of periodontal disease.
A total of 1448 publications were found as search results in the screened databases. Sixteen eligible papers were included based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Retained studies included 5 RCTs and 11 in vitro controlled trials. Manuka and multifloral honeys were the most studied varieties. The tested honeys showed a significant antimicrobial action, with different MICs, against eight periopathogens. Four of the five RCTs showed a high RoB, while 4 of the 11 retained in vitro studies showed a medium RoB.
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Fresh raw wildflower honey, particularly at concentrations of 10–30%, exhibit comparable efficacy to manuka honey in inhibiting antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" implicated in wound infections, offering a potentially cost-effective alternative for wound care in the United States.
2022 Antibiotics Both Manuka and Non-Manuka Honey Types Inhibit Antibiotic Resistant Wound-Infecting Bacteria Hewett SR, Crabtrey SD, Dodson EE, Rieth CA, Tarkka RM, Naylor K
Network Pharmacology Antibacterial Antimicrobial Honey
Postoperative infections, a significant concern in US hospitals, often involve drug-resistant wound-infecting bacteria, contributing to life-threatening complications. Manuka honey, FDA-approved for wound treatment, has demonstrated antibacterial efficacy. This study sought alternative honey types for wound infections. Using a honey-plate method, it identified fresh raw Arkansas wildflower honeys as effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, mirroring manuka honey's inhibition. Concentrations of 10–30% honey proved effective against critical "superbugs," indicating potential cost-effective alternatives for wound care in the US, where manuka honey accessibility and antibiotic resistance are challenges.
The study presents a promising revelation: fresh raw Arkansas wildflower honeys, akin to manuka honey, exhibit substantial efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria implicated in wound infections. The demonstrated effectiveness at concentrations of 10–30% suggests a feasible and cost-effective alternative for wound care in the US, addressing challenges associated with manuka honey availability and antibiotic resistance. These findings have the potential to reshape wound treatment practices, providing accessible and efficient solutions to combat infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Honey is more effective than usual care alternatives for improving upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, particularly cough frequency and cough severity.
2020 BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J
Systematic Review Antimicrobial Antimicrobial Resistance Cough
We identified 1345 unique records, and 14 studies were included. Overall risk of bias was moderate. Compared with usual care, honey improved combined symptom score, cough frequency. We combined two studies comparing honey with placebo for relieving combined symptoms.
Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It provides a widely available and cheap alternative to antibiotics. Honey could help efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but further high quality, placebo controlled trials are needed.
Honey can be used as an alternative to antibiotics by clinicians who wish to offer treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, which may help to combat antimicrobial resistance.
2020 BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J
Systematic Review Antimicrobial Antimicrobial Resistance Cough
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most frequent reason for antibiotic prescription. Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate. However, a lack of effective alternatives, as well as a desire to preserve the patient–doctor relationship, both contribute to antibiotic over prescription. Antibiotic overuse is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance, rated by the UK government as one of the top 10 risks facing Britain. Furthermore, drug resistant infections are associated with worse patient outcomes than antibiotic susceptible infections, underlining the impact of antimicrobial resistance on individual patients.