Article
Infectious Diseases
Jakkrawut Maitip, Wannapha Mookhploy, Supharerk Khorndork, Panuwan Chantawannakul
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of bee venom and synthetic melittin derived from four different honey bee species in Thailand. Results showed stronger antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, with A. cerana venom extract exhibiting the highest activity.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ayushi Chhawchharia, Robbie R. Haines, Kathryn J. Green, Timothy C. Barnett, Asha C. Bowen, Katherine A. Hammer
Summary: Impetigo is a contagious skin disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Antibiotic resistance has led to the search for alternative treatments. This study found that certain monofloral honeys were highly effective at inhibiting the growth of the bacteria causing impetigo, suggesting that honey may be a potential therapeutic agent for the routine treatment of mild impetigo.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ayushi Chhawchharia, Robbie R. Haines, Kathryn J. Green, Timothy C. Barnett, Asha C. Bowen, Katherine A. Hammer
Summary: The study found that jarrah, marri, red bell, banksia, and manuka honeys have strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS, but are less effective against Streptococcus pyogenes. Honey may be a potential therapeutic agent for the routine treatment of mild impetigo.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Theun de Groot, Tom Janssen, Dirk Faro, Niels A. J. Cremers, Anuradha Chowdhary, Jacques F. Meis
Summary: The study found that the medical-grade honey formulation has strong antifungal activity against Candida auris and other Candida species, but is slightly less effective than unprocessed local honey. Candida auris' susceptibility to the medical-grade honey formulation was not dependent on geographic origin or resistance profile, although multiresistant isolates tended to be more susceptible.
Article
Polymer Science
Jakub Staniczek, Zaneta Jastrzebska-Stojko, Rafal Stojko
Summary: The study evaluated the pharmacological efficacy of ointments containing 1% propolis and nanosilver in treating burn wounds. Results showed that 1% propolis ointment has broad-spectrum antibacterial action, accelerates wound healing, improves scar appearance, and has no side effects; 1% nanosilver ointment reduces free radicals, but there is no synergism between propolis and nanosilver.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maryam Ramezani, Emily Elizabeth Labour, Jingjing Ji, Anand Utpal Vakil, Changling Du, Thalma Kabeyi Orado, Shikha Nangia, Mary Beth Browning Monroe
Summary: In this study, a library of antimicrobial polymers based on shape memory polyurethanes with honey-based phenolic acids was developed. The polymers demonstrated high transition temperatures and tunable mechanical and shape memory properties. They inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as biofilm formation. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the interactions between the polymers and bacterial cell membranes. The antimicrobial properties of the polymers were retained even after long-term storage.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mihaela Laura Vica, Mirel Glevitzky, Delia Mirela Tit, Tapan Behl, Ramona Cristina Heghedus-Mindru, Dana Carmen Zaha, Francesca Ursu, Maria Popa, Ioana Glevitzky, Simona Bungau
Summary: The study showed that both honey and propolis have antimicrobial activity against certain microorganisms, with a stronger effect observed when the two are combined. Different types of honey and propolis exhibited varying levels of sensitivity against different microorganisms, and the strain type as well as the type of honey used influenced the diameter of the inhibition zone.
Review
Plant Sciences
Marina Pereira Rocha, Juliana Mendes Amorim, William Gustavo Lima, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer
Summary: Honey and propolis have been found to be more effective than acyclovir in treating cold sores and genital herpes.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Adela Ramona Moise, Stefan Dezsi, Bianca Dana Marc, Stefan Stangaciu, Daniel Severus Dezmirean
Summary: The nutritional and therapeutic aspects of honey have been extensively studied to prove its ability to enhance health status. Honey has a long history of use in healing and preventing diseases, known as apitherapy. Despite its numerous health benefits, there are limitations in using honey for medical purposes that need to be addressed.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evita Straumite, Madara Bartule, Anda Valdovska, Zanda Kruma, Ruta Galoburda
Summary: This study assessed the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of bee-collected pollen, focusing on the antimicrobial resistance of isolated microorganisms. The study found a correlation between the color of bee pollen and its antioxidant activity. Rapeseed bee pollen showed a high total phenol content, indicating a potential link to strong antioxidant activity. Moisture content of bee pollen was moderately correlated with the presence of Enterobacteriaceae and total bacterial count. Bacillus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent bacteria isolated from pollen. The study also identified antimicrobial resistance in the isolated microorganisms, particularly to ampicillin and penicillin.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nunziatina Russo, Ambra Rita Di Rosa, Alessandra Pino, Gaetana Mazzeo, Luigi Liotta, Cinzia Caggia, Cinzia Lucia Randazzo
Summary: This study evaluated the sensory profile and antimicrobial potential of honey samples from different floral sources in Sicilian areas. Artificial senses were used to assess the specific sensory fingerprint, and the antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi was evaluated. The results suggested that climate factors and genetic features have an impact on honey composition and antimicrobial activity.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jesus M. Ramon-Sierra, Marco A. Villanueva, Alejandro Yam-Puc, Martha Rodriguez-Mendiola, Carlos Arias-Castro, Elizabeth Ortiz-Vazquez
Summary: Proteins from Melipona beecheii honey exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial and antioxidant activity. They have strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium, E. coli, and moderate activity against P. aeruginosa, with MIC values of 1.4 +/- 0.2, 15 +/- 1, 39 +/- 2, 1 +/- 0.1, and 75 +/- 2 mu g/mL, respectively. The proteins also demonstrate high antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.4 +/- 0.4 mu g/mL) and reducing power of Fe(III) (IC50 = 1.8 +/- 0.2 mu g/mL), possibly due to their reducing agent and free radical scavenging properties.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew Z. Dong, Nural Cokcetin, Dee A. Carter, Kenya E. Fernandes
Summary: This study investigates the antimicrobial activity and chemical properties of honey produced by the Australian honeypot ant. Results show that the honeypot ant honey has strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus but not other bacteria, and strong non-peroxide activity against Cryptococcus and Aspergillus sp. The antimicrobial activity and chemical properties of honeypot ant honey differ significantly from jarrah and manuka honey produced by honey bees. The bacterial microbiome of honeypot ants is dominated by Candidatus Blochmannia, while the fungal microbiome is dominated by the plant-associated genus Neocelosporium.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
May Bin-Jumah, Sadaf Jamal Gilani, Mohammed Asadullah Jahangir, Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Sultan Alshehri, Mohd Yasir, Chandra Kala, Mohamad Taleuzzaman, Syed Sarim Imam
Summary: The study involved the preparation and optimization of clarithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles to demonstrate efficacy against microorganisms. The optimized formulation showed desirable characteristics for ocular delivery, with sustained drug release and increased corneal permeation compared to conventional drug solution. The findings suggest that CTM-CHNPs have potential for effectively managing bacterial conjunctivitis by enhancing precorneal residence time.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Miroslava Kacaniova, Petra Borotova, Lucia Galovicova, Simona Kunova, Jana Stefanikova, Przemyslaw Lukasz Kowalczewski, Peter Sedik
Summary: Honey contains compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast. Honey samples from Slovakian beekeepers and the commercial market showed varying inhibitory effects on microorganisms, with a 50% honey concentration being the most effective. Buckwheat honey exhibited the best antioxidant activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Lozada Lawag, Md Khairul Islam, Tomislav Sostaric, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study examined the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds in different honeys from Western Australia. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in Calothamnus spp. honey. Various phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the honeys using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HTPLC). The identified compounds were found to contribute to the honeys' antioxidant activity, except for certain compounds like t-cinnamic acid and lumichrome.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study reports on the release profile of MGO from five commercial products containing Manuka honey using Franz diffusion cell and HPLC analysis. The results showed that the release rate of MGO from an artificial honey matrix and NZ Manuka honey reached 99.49% and 98.05% respectively over a 12-hour period, while a time-dependent % MGO release between 85% and 97.18% was observed in the investigated formulations over the same period.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan Lozada Lawag, Elisa S. Nolden, Arthur A. M. Schaper, Lee Yong Lim, Cornelia Locher
Summary: The Folin-Ciocalteu assay is commonly used for measuring total phenolic content (TPC) in honey, but it can be influenced by the presence of reducing sugars, resulting in overestimation of TPC. This study investigates the effect of pH on the assay and proposes a modified TPC method using appropriate pH conditions (pH 7.9) achieved with a 0.75% Na2CO3 solution to minimize interference from reducing sugars. The findings demonstrate the importance of pH control for accurate analysis of TPC in honey and validate the modified method according to ICH guidelines.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study presents the design, preparation, and physicochemical characterization of three types of alginate-based topical formulations incorporating honey. The developed manufacturing techniques yielded topical formulations with high honey content while preserving the integrity of the honey constituents, regardless of the honey type utilized. A storage stability study demonstrated that the monitored honey constituents retained their integrity after 6 months of storage.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariana Mello dos Santos, Christina Jacobs, Md Khairul Islam, Lee Yong Lim, Cornelia Locher
Summary: A novel HPTLC method using silica gel 60 F-254 plates with 1-butanol-2-propanol-aqueous boric acid solution as the mobile phase was developed for quantification of trehalulose in stingless bee honey. The method exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 100-800 ng per band with a coefficient of correlation of 0.9996. The method was validated for various parameters and successfully applied for determination of trehalulose in stingless bee honey.
JPC-JOURNAL OF PLANAR CHROMATOGRAPHY-MODERN TLC
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study presents data on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of honey-based topical formulations incorporating four Western Australian (WA) honeys along with New Zealand Manuka honey as a comparator honey. The study found that the antioxidant activity was retained in all formulation types irrespective of the honey that was utilized. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of honey-loaded formulations was recorded to be comparable to that of their respective pure honeys.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Okhee Yoo, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This review paper discusses the use of human taste panels and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in taste-masking paediatric drug formulations. Young adults (18-40) can serve as suitable substitutes for children due to their similar taste sensitivity. Taste panellists need not be experts in sensory evaluation, but should be screened for bitterness taste detection thresholds. ANNs can model complex relationships and enable predictions in taste-masking optimization. Continuous refinement of machine learning algorithms can enhance paediatric formulation development and overcome taste-masking challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Okhee Yoo, Sam Salman, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This study utilized the D-optimal mixture experimental design to determine the optimal component ratio of flucloxacillin, Eudragit EPO, and palmitic acid to prepare taste-masked microparticles. The interactions between the excipients and the drug influenced the stability and release of flucloxacillin. Storage temperature and humidity also affected the chemical stability of the microparticles, with over 90% of the drug load retained after 12 months under preferred storage conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Okhee Yoo, Sam Salman, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This paper presents a new taste-masked flucloxacillin ternary microparticle (FTM) formulation for children, which overcomes the challenges of bitter taste, quick dissolution, and large doses. A robust and reproducible fabrication method is developed, with potential scalability.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Md Lokman Hossain, Minh Nguyen, Leah Benington, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the release profile of components in five different honeys and their corresponding honey-loaded gel formulations using a custom-designed diffusion cell in combination with High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The newly developed approach coupled with HPTLC is conducive to monitor the release profile of minor honey constituents from pure honeys and honey-loaded semisolid formulations.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)