Bees collect nectar (a weak natural sugar solution) and pollen from flowers in their locality, and in their hives it is ultimately transformed into honey. As a consequence of the processing in the hive, sucrose in the honey is converted into fructose and glucose and the enzyme glucose oxidase converts glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
HONEY THERAPY
Bees collect nectar (a weak natural
sugar solution) and pollen from flowers in their locality, and in their hives
it is ultimately transformed into honey. As a consequence of the processing in
the hive, sucrose in the honey is converted into fructose and glucose and the
enzyme glucose oxidase converts glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen
peroxide. As water evaporates from the honey the sugar concentration increases
until it is of the order of 79% w/v. These features act to preserve the honey
from microbial degradation. Other components of the honey are dependent on the
geographical source of the nectar, and much interest has focused recently on
honey collected in the vicinity of the Australian tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia) mentioned above, and the New
Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). The honey
collected from these areas has been studied widely because of its reported
antibacterial and wound-healing properties. These have been attributed to a
number of factors, including the following.
• pH.
This ranges from 3.2 to 4.5, which is below the minimum pH values
required for the growth of many common bacteria.
• Osmotic pressure and water
activity.
Honey is a supersaturated sugar
solution with a water content of between 15 and 21% w/w. The water availability
(Aw) ranges from 0.56 to 0.62, which again is below
thatrequired for the growth of most common bacteria.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
This is an effective antibacterial agent
and, although it is rapidly neutralized, the presence of glucose oxidase
ensures a constant replenishment.
• Non-peroxide antibacterial
activity.
Many workers have shown that the
antimicrobial activity of honey persists even when the hydrogen peroxide has
been removed.
The nature of the substance responsible for the non-peroxide activity has
been elusive, but recent studies suggest that it may be methylglyoxal, found in
some highly active forms of manuka honey. However, many other candidate
materials are under investigation.
Results from animal studies, some clinical trials and much anecdotal
evidence over centuries suggests that honey may have a role to play in the
management of infected wounds due to its antibacterial and wound-healing
properties. However, a recent Cochrane review examined 19 published clinical
trials in which honey was evaluated in the treatment of acute or chronic
wounds. The conclusion reached was that although honey may improve healing
times in mild to moderate wounds there was insufficient evidence to support its
use in other areas.
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