Biological and Therapeutic Properties of Honey in Wound Healing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.75.75890Keywords
honey, medical-grade honey, wound healing, chronic wounds, antimicrobial activity, tissue regeneration, wound managementAbstract
Background. Chronic and infected wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to impaired tissue regeneration, persistent inflammation, bacterial biofilms, and antimicrobial resistance.
Aim. This review aimed to assess the biological and therapeutic properties of honey in wound healing, with emphasis on its mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and emerging therapeutic approaches.
Material and methods. A narrative review of scientific literature on honey in wound management was conducted, focusing on its biological properties, mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, and modern formulations.
Results. Honey acts through high osmolarity, acidic pH, hydrogen peroxide, and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, antimicrobial peptides, and methylglyoxal. Medical-grade honey exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative effects. It may inhibit multidrug-resistant bacteria, disrupt biofilms, promote autolytic debridement, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Clinical benefits have been reported in diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, and postoperative wounds. Honey-based hydrogels, nanofibres, films, and biomaterial dressings may further improve therapeutic effectiveness.
Conclusions. Medical-grade honey is a valuable adjunct in wound management due to its ability to control infection and support tissue regeneration. Further clinical studies and product standardisation are required to optimise treatment protocols and confirm its effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Jastrzębska, Łukasz Kogut, Katarzyna Gunia, Yana Nyankovska, Rafał Kołodziej, Anna Teneta, Ignacy Hatala, Szymon Lulek, Jan Źrebiec, Jakub Konieczny
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