Natural antibacterial characteristics of honey

Abstract

Honey was used as a medicine in traditional medicine of the Ancient Times ever since the age of Hippocrates. Scientifically based investigations of the medicinal qualities of honey date back to the 19th century. There have been constant polemics, about the medicinal characteristics of honey and parameters that cause them, among scientists and apiculture experts. In this paper, we processed much data from literature, which indicate the antibacterial characteristics of honey through the experimental results that have been presented. The factors which lead to honey possessing these characteristics are: somotic effect, acidity, effect of hydrogen peroxide and others. The priority in today’s investigations is to prove the effects and safety of using honey as an alternative to conventional forms of treatment of skin diseases, gastro-intestinal infections in the area of medicine, and the treatment of mastitis and wounds in the area of veterinary medicine.

Keywords

• honey
• antibacterial characteristics
• microorganisms
• osmolarity
• hydrogen peroxide
• acidity