Research supports Mānuka honey wound healing properties
11 Jul, 2008
Source: Comvita, June 2008
A trial of Mānuka honey wound dressings found that they were better than other dressings at getting rid of superbug infections and stimulating healing.
The randomised trial compared the bacteriological effects of Mānuka honey with hydrogel dressings. After four weeks the superbug, MRSA, was eradicated from 70 percent of the honey treated wounds, but from only 16 percent of the hydrogel treated wounds.
Researchers also found using Mānuka honey significantly reduced wound pain after one week.
Another recently published study found using Mānuka honey alginate dressings was associated with a reduction in wound size, which scientists think may be linked to a significant reduction in overall wound pH.
“Chronic non-healing wounds have an elevated alkaline environment,” the study authors say. “Lowering wound pH can potentially reduce protease activity, increase fibroblast activity and increase oxygen release, consequently aiding wound healing.”
Progress of 20 non-healing ulcers was monitored over two weeks, following the use of Comvita supplied Mānuka honey dressings. At the end of two weeks the researchers said the use of Mānuka honey dressings was associated with a statistically significant decrease in wound pH and a reduction in wound size.
“It’s exciting to see leading international clinical research building the evidence for Medihoney products,” Anthony Moloney of Comvita says.
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- 11 July 2008
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