Honey as an Antimicrobial Agent

Abstract

That honey has antibacterial properties has been known for more than a century1. Although it has been used as a medicine since ancient times in many cultures2,3, in its ancient usage there was no recognition of its antibacterial properties — it was just known to be an effective remedy. This is not surprising considering that it is only since the latter part of the last century that it has become known that many ailments are the result of infection by microorganisms. Now it can be seen that the effectiveness of honey in many of its medical uses is probably due to its antibacterial activity.