From the Guidelines
Manuka honey should not be used for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers due to low certainty of benefit and potential risks, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The use of manuka honey for wound healing has been studied in various contexts, including diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and skin infections. However, the evidence for its effectiveness is limited and often of low quality.
- The most recent guidelines on interventions to enhance healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes recommend against the use of honey or bee-related products for wound healing due to low certainty of benefit and potential risks 1.
- A systematic review of interventions to enhance healing of chronic foot ulcers in diabetes found insufficient data to support the use of honey dressings, despite some studies reporting positive results 1.
- Other studies have investigated the use of honey for postoperative pain management and wound healing in different contexts, but the evidence is generally of low quality and inconsistent 1.
- The potential benefits of manuka honey, including its antimicrobial properties and ability to create a moist healing environment, are outweighed by the lack of high-quality evidence supporting its use for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers.
- Therefore, the use of manuka honey for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers is not recommended, and other evidence-based treatments should be prioritized to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life 1.
From the Research
Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Manuka Honey
- Manuka honey is a monofloral honey derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) and has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities 2.
- The chemical composition of manuka honey includes polyphenolic composition and other bioactive compounds, such as glyoxal and methylglyoxal 2.
- Manuka honey has been found to have various biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative capacities 3.
Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration
- Manuka honey has been used in wound treatment due to its soothing effect and ability to promote wound healing 2, 4.
- The non-peroxide bacteriostatic properties of manuka honey are associated with the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO) 3.
- Glyoxal (GO) and MGO from manuka honey can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration by their immunomodulatory property 3.
Clinical Outcomes and Research
- Research has shown that manuka honey is effective in wound care, with studies demonstrating its ability to inhibit bacterial growth and promote tissue regeneration 5, 4, 6.
- Manuka honey has been found to be especially effective in wound management, with its unique properties making it a valuable tool in the treatment of wounds 4.
- Further studies are needed to provide detailed information about the active components of manuka honey and their potential efficacy in different diseases 3.