Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Latvian Honey against Causative Agents of Wound Infections

Abstract

Honey is widely used in traditional medicine and modern wound healing biomaterial research as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. The study’s objectives were to evaluate the antibacterial activity and polyphenolic profiles of 40 monofloral honey samples collected from beekeepers in the territory of Latvia. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity of Latvian honey samples were compared with commercial Manuka honey and the honey analogue sugar solutions–carbohydrate mixture and tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, clinical isolates Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases produced Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with the well-diffusion method (80% honey solution w/v) and microdilution method. The honey samples with the highest antimicrobial potential were tested to prevent biofilm development and activity against a preformed biofilm. The principal component analysis of the antimicrobial properties of honey samples vs. polyphenolic profile was performed. Eleven honey samples exhibited antibacterial activity to all investigated bacteria. The antibacterial effect of the samples was most significant on the Gram-positive bacteria compared to the studied Gram-negative bacteria. Latvian honey presents promising potential for use in wound healing biomaterials, opening the possibility of achieving long-term antibacterial effects.

Bio-functional properties and phytochemical composition of selected Apis mellifera honey from Africa

“…The Chogoria honey from the Eastern region of Kenya displayed the least antimicrobial activity ( Table S3 , Table 1 ). The studied African honey types and the Manuka 5+ honey displayed greater effectiveness against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria ( Table 1 ), suggesting differences in bactericidal activity as reported previously [ [8] , [31] ].…”

“…Taken together, these results suggest that the bioactive Rift Valley honeys could also be used as natural therapeutic agents against infections caused by B. subtilis , S. aureus , and P. aeruginosa . Of note, the MIC values of these bioactive Rift Valley honeys against S. aureus , E. coli , and P. aeruginosa (3.125–6.25% w/v) were lower than those reported in previous studies (MIC (5–25% w/v)), but their MBC values against these pathogens (6.25–12.5% w/v) were within the range reported in previous works (6.25–50% w/v) [ 21 , 31 ]. On the other hand, the MIC (6.25–12.5% w/v) and MBC (12.5–18.75% w/v) values of the Bangoulap honey against the four studied bacteria were higher than those of the Manuka 5+ honey (MIC (3.125–6.25% w/v) and MBC (6.25–12.5% w/v) values) ( Table S3 ).…”

Chestnut Honey Is Effective against Mixed Biofilms at Different Stages of Maturity

“…In terms of the biofilm inhibitory effect, buckwheat honey was followed by chestnut honey when 4 and 24 h of incubation were used, thus ahead of linden, manuka, and thyme honey samples. However, after 48 h of incubation, the efficiency of chestnut honey decreased significantly [ 33 ]. Overall, the antibacterial and antifungal effects of chestnut honey should also be highlighted based on previous studies.…”

Multi-Element Profile Characterization of Monofloral and Polyfloral Honey from Latvia

“…Honey is a natural sweetener, which is well regarded for its taste [1] and for its health-promoting [2] and antibacterial properties [3]. Floral origins play a major role in its organoleptic properties such as taste [4,5], as well as its health benefits [6,7].…”