Anti-influenza Viral Effects of Honey In Vitro: Potent High
Activity of Manuka Honey
Available online 28 May 2014
Background and Aims
Influenza viruses are a serious threat to human health and
cause thousands of deaths annually. Thus, there is an urgent requirement for
the development of novel anti-influenza virus drugs. Therefore, the aim of this
study was to evaluate the anti-influenza viral activity of honey from various
sources.
Methods
Antiviral activities of honey samples were evaluated using
MDCK cells. To elucidate the possible mechanism of action of honey, plaque
inhibition assays were used. Synergistic effects of honey with known
anti-influenza virus drugs such as zanamivir or oseltamivir were tested.
Results
Manuka honey efficiently inhibited influenza virus
replication (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1.2 mg/mL; CC50 = 82.3 ± 2.2 mg/mL; selective index =
22.9), which is related to its virucidal effects. In the presence of 3.13 mg/mL
manuka honey, the IC50 of zanamivir or oseltamivir was reduced to nearly
1/1000th of their single use.
Conclusions
Our results showed that honey, in general, and particularly
manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against the influenza virus,
demonstrating a potential medicinal value.
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