Honey Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

An alternative to the increasing multiple antimicrobial resistances is honey whose activities can be effective against a broad spectrum of bacterial species especially those of medical interest. Remarkable antimicrobial properties of honey are mainly attributed to hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid. There is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys, which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar. Thus, for honey to be used as an antimicrobial alternative it has to be first tested in laboratory to determine its antimicrobial spectrum. Indeed, identification and characterization of new active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys. This article focuses on the antibacterial effect of honey and examines variations in its activity against bacteria.