Malaysian Study Shows Effectiveness of Honey on Wound Healing

The Efficacy of Honey Dressing on Wound Healing: A Clinical Observation Study
Kamaruddin Mohd Yusoff, Anwar Suhaimi, Zainabe Syed Akka and Mohd.Yassim Mohd Yusof
Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
[The results of this study will be presented at Apimondia 2009 in France.]

Honey dressings were performed on 102 patients with wounds and ulcers that had failed to heal with conventional treatment. The conventional treatments include oral antibiotic (tablets or intravenous), cleaning the wounds with saline and dressing with povidine-iodine. Wounds were defined as having failed to heal after being exposed to conventional treatment for up to one month.

All 102 cases showed recovery at remarkable pace. All wounds were infected before honey treatment starts. Wound sterility was achieved by the third week of treatment. Honey promoted wound healing by causing rapid debridement, clearance of sloughs and absorption of oedema. Honey also promoted rapid production of granulation tissue.

Honey dressing is highly recommended for wounds and ulcers that are difficult to heal. The healing time is much reduced and some patients were saved from amputations. It is high time for this natural remedy be given due recognition by conventional medicine.