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Lardenoije CMJG, van Riel SJJM, Peters LJF, Wassen MMLH, Cremers NAJ. Medical-Grade Honey as a Potential New Therapy for Bacterial Vaginosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:368. [PMID: 38667044 PMCID: PMC11047503 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women of reproductive age is 29%. BV arises from a vaginal imbalance marked by reduced levels of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an overgrowth of pathogenic anaerobes. The multifactorial nature of BV's pathogenesis complicates its treatment. Current antibiotic therapy exhibits a recurrence rate of about 60% within a year. Recurrence can be caused by antibiotic treatment failure (e.g., due to antimicrobial resistance), the persistence of residual infections (e.g., due to biofilm formation), and re-infection. Because of the high recurrence rates, alternative therapies are required. Medical-grade honey (MGH), known for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties in wound care, emerges as a potential novel therapy for BV. MGH exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, employing multiple mechanisms to eliminate the risk of resistance. For example, the low pH of MGH and the production of hydrogen peroxide benefit the microbiota and helps restore the natural vaginal balance. This is supported by in vitro studies demonstrating that MGH has an antibacterial effect on several pathogenic bacteria involved in the pathophysiology of BV, while lactobacilli and the vaginal microenvironment can be positively affected. In contrast to antibiotics, MGH exerts anti-biofilm activity, affects the microbiome as pre- and probiotic, and modulates the vaginal microenvironment through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, physicochemical, and immunomodulatory properties. More clinical research is required to confirm the positive effect of MGH on BV and to investigate the long-term cure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline M. J. G. Lardenoije
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.G.L.); (S.J.J.M.v.R.)
| | - Senna J. J. M. van Riel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.G.L.); (S.J.J.M.v.R.)
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Henri Dunantstraat 5, 6419 PC Heerlen, The Netherlands;
- VieCuri Medical Centre, Tegelseweg 210, 5912 BL Venlo, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine M. L. H. Wassen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Henri Dunantstraat 5, 6419 PC Heerlen, The Netherlands;
| | - Niels A. J. Cremers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.G.L.); (S.J.J.M.v.R.)
- Triticum Exploitatie BV, Sleperweg 44, 6222 NK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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Jodidio M, Schwartz RA. Honey therapies for dermatological disorders: more than just a sweet elixir. Int J Dermatol 2024; 63:422-430. [PMID: 38013499 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Honey possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties that benefit wound healing and tissue regeneration. For centuries, honey has been utilized in traditional medicine as a binder or vehicle for creams and lotions and also for therapeutic purposes. The overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents leading to drug resistance has emphasized the resurgence of honey's application in wound care. For many dermatological disorders, there is an interest in developing therapeutics with fewer side effects than traditional therapies and enhanced wound healing abilities to expedite tissue regeneration. This paper reviews the properties and components of honey that contribute to its wound-healing-based applications, the types of honey employed in medicine, and its dermatological applications. Based on the evidence from case reports, clinical trials, and in vitro studies, honey has been characterized as a safe, cost-effective, and readily available treatment option for many skin conditions, including microbial infections, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, necrotizing fasciitis, ulcers, as well as thermal and other types of wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jodidio
- Dermatology, Pediatrics and Pathology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Robert A Schwartz
- Dermatology, Pediatrics and Pathology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Chatzimisios K, Tsioli V, Brellou GD, Apostolopoulou EP, Angelou V, Pratsinakis ED, Cremers NAJ, Papazoglou LG. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Medical-Grade Honey and Hypericum Perforatum Ointment on Second-Intention Healing of Full-Thickness Skin Wounds in Cats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:36. [PMID: 38200767 PMCID: PMC10778018 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of two topical treatments on second-intention wound healing in cats. Eight 2 × 2 cm full-thickness wounds were created, four on each side of the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, to receive either medical-grade honey ointment (MGH) and its control (HC), or Hypericum-based ointment (HP) and its control (HPC). MGH or HP ointment was applied to four wounds on the same side, while the remaining four were used as controls, chosen at random. Planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, daily physical examinations, and histologic examinations on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 were used to assess the healing of wounds. Tissue perfusion was better in the MGH-treated (2.14 ± 0.18 mm/s) and HP-treated wounds (2.02 ± 0.13 mm/s) than in the untreated controls HC (1.59 ± 0.11 mm/s) and HPC (1.60 ± 0.05 mm/s), respectively (p = 0.001). Histopathology revealed that the median edema score was lower in the MGH-treated (2; range 1-4) compared to the HC-treated wounds (3; range 2-4) on day 7 (p < 0.05). The median angiogenesis score was higher on day 7 in the MGH-treated (2; range 1-3) compared to the HP-treated wounds (2; range 1-2) (p = 0.046). The fibroblast concentration was increased in the MGH-treated wounds (3.5; range 3-4) compared to the HP-treated wounds (3; range 2-4) on day 25 (p = 0.046). MGH and HP increased tissue perfusion compared to the untreated controls. The MGH-treated wounds had histologic parameters superior to the HP-treated wounds regarding angiogenesis and fibroblast concentration in cutaneous wound healing in cats. Topical application of MGH and HP did not accelerate the healing process of feline cutaneous wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Chatzimisios
- Unit of Surgery and Obstetrics, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of HealthSciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.)
| | - Vassiliki Tsioli
- Clinic of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Street, Box Office 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Georgia D. Brellou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.D.B.); (E.P.A.)
| | - Emmanouela P. Apostolopoulou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.D.B.); (E.P.A.)
| | - Vasileia Angelou
- Unit of Surgery and Obstetrics, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of HealthSciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.)
| | - Emmanouil D. Pratsinakis
- Laboratory of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Niels A. J. Cremers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Triticum Exploitatie BV/Theomanufacturing BV, Sleperweg 44, 6222 NK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lysimachos G. Papazoglou
- Unit of Surgery and Obstetrics, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of HealthSciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.)
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Medical-Grade Honey Enhances the Healing of Caesarean Section Wounds and Is Similarly Effective to Antibiotics Combined with Povidone-Iodine in the Prevention of Infections-A Prospective Cohort Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010092. [PMID: 36671293 PMCID: PMC9855001 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caesarean sections (CS) are becoming increasingly popular. The antibiotic resistance crisis and relentless risk of infections, especially in developing countries, demand alternative treatment options. Medical-grade honey (MGH) exerts antimicrobial and healing properties. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MGH treatment on CS wound healing and postoperative complications when compared to conventional treatment (antibiotics in combination with povidone-iodine). In this prospective cohort study, 766 CS patients were included and evenly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 383) received an MGH-based formulation (L-Mesitran Soft) and the control group (n = 383) received antibiotics (Amoxicillin) combined with povidone-iodine. The wound healing time and complication rate were determined for both groups, and subsequently, predisposing factors for complications among the baseline characteristics and non-patient-related parameters were determined. The baseline characteristics were similar for both study groups, supporting a homogenous distribution. Postoperative complications were experienced by 19.3% of the patients in the control group and 18.8% in the treatment (MGH) group. The treatment group experienced significantly more superficial pus discharge than the control group, while the latter experienced significantly more deeper pus discharge. BMI, age, duration of hospitalization, anesthesia, and duration of CS could affect the complication risk. MGH significantly enhanced wound healing until day 42. On average, the healing time with MGH was 19.12 ± 7.760 days versus 24.54 ± 8.168 days in the control group. MGH is a potent alternative treatment to antibiotics and povidone-iodine because while the complication risk is similar, MGH has additional benefits. MGH promotes wound healing and does not bear the risk of resistance.
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Revolutionizing non-conventional wound healing using honey by simultaneously targeting multiple molecular mechanisms. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 62:100834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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