Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin

Abstract

Problems with conventional treatments for a range of dermatological disorders have led scientists to search for new compounds of therapeutic value. Efforts have included the evaluation of natural products such as honey. Manuka honey, for example, has been scientifically recognised for its anti-microbial and wound healing properties and is now used clinically as a topical treatment for wound infections. In this review, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of honey in the treatment of wounds and other skin conditions is evaluated. A plethora of in vitro studies have revealed that honeys from all over the world have potent antimicrobial activity against skin relevant microbes. Moreover, a number of in vitro studies suggest that honey is able to modulate the skin immune system. Clinical research has shown honey to be efficacious in promoting the healing of partial thickness burn wounds while its effectiveness in the treatment of non-burn acute wounds and chronic wounds is conflicted. Published research investigating the efficacy of honey in the treatment of other types of skin disorders is limited. Nevertheless, positive effects have been reported, for example, kanuka honey from New Zealand was shown to have therapeutic value in the treatment of rosacea. Anti-carcinogenic effects of honey have also been observed in vitro and in a murine model of melanoma. It can be concluded that honey is a biologically active and clinically interesting substance but more research is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of its medicinal value in dermatology.

Chemical composition and biological properties of aromatic compounds in honey: An overview

“…Different community used honey in distinct purpose (Pearce, ). Researchers around the world have reported the antibacterial, antifungal, cytostatic, wound healing, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory properties of honeybee products (Afroz, Tanvir, Zheng, & Little, ; Devasvaran & Yong, ; Elnakady et al, ; Khorasani, Jarrahi, & Jarrahi, ; Mcloone, Oluwadun, Warnock, & Fyfe, ; Meo, Al‐Asiri, Mahesar, & Ansari, ; Pasupuleti, Sammugam, Ramesh, & Hua, ; Takzaree, Hadjiakhondi, Hassanzadeh, Rouini, & Manayi, ). The ancient Assyrians and Chinese used honey for wounds, skin diseases, and cataract.…”

Home remedies in different pediatric dermatoses: An observational study

“…Apart from inhibition of microbes responsible for wound infections, honey has been shown to inhibit the growth of dermatophyte, Candida albicans and Propionibacterium acnes. 11,12 Turmeric, a commonly used Indian condiment, has been found to contain Curcumin which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-viral, wound healing, chemopreventive, chemosensitising, and radiosensitising properties and is commonly used for skin lightening and wound healing in traditional Indian medicine. 13,14 Fuller's earth (Mul- Even though the traditional home remedies are useful, but many products can have various adverse effects also.…”

“…Honey is another product which is commonly used and has been found to possess skin healing properties which have been attributed to its antimicrobial properties, its ability to modulate the skin's immune system and promote tissue repair. Apart from inhibition of microbes responsible for wound infections, honey has been shown to inhibit the growth of dermatophyte, Candida albicans and Propionibacterium acnes 11,12 . Turmeric, a commonly used Indian condiment, has been found to contain Curcumin which has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐viral, wound healing, chemopreventive, chemosensitising, and radiosensitising properties and is commonly used for skin lightening and wound healing in traditional Indian medicine 13,14 .…”

Comparison of Manuka Honey (Manuka Nd, G) and Etacridine Lactate (Rivanol) Applications in the Treatment of Infected Wounds in Cats

“…It is used in wound dressings or in tube form for wound treatments [7,8]. Manuka honey is scientifically recognized for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties and is now used in topical treatment of wound infections in clinics [17]. Manuka honey adsorbed pad form and pomade form were applied in our cases (Manuka G 15 g Gel Kruuse and Manuka ND 5*5 cm non-adherent dressing Kruuse®)2.…”

“…Manuka honey has been found to be effective in the treatment of rosacea (rose disease) in humans. It has been concluded that honey is a biologically active and clinically interesting substance, but more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the medical value in dermatology [17]. Honey was found safe and effective.…”