An investigation into the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of an Irish Ivy Honey.

Abstract

A resurgence of interest into the medicinal uses of honey has occurred over recent years, with many investigations focusing on the healing properties of different monofloral honeys Amongst the most well known and well studied medicinal honey is Manuka and numerous publications have documented antimicrobial activity and healing effects on superficial/partial thickness burns and lacerations, with greatly reduced recovery times being observed Methylglyoxal is an active compound which has been identified in Manuka and much of the antimicrobial activity has been attributed to this compound Many other monofloral honeys are currently being produced in Ireland, for example Ivy and Heather honeys Anecdotal medicinal effects have long been ascribed to these honeys but they are largely understudied for antimicrobial and anti inflammatory activity Linking of scientifically observed antimicrobial and healing benefits of such honeys with chemical compounds would undoubtedly add value for honey producers, in terms of the pricing and product recognition Additionally it would be one step on the road to a advance the development of label claims the labeling system. With this in mind a small scale, preliminary study into the medicinal properties pertaining to potential of Ivy honey as a wound healing agent was undertaken in May 2017 as part of a taught Masters research project?? Both the antimicrobial and anti inflammatory activity of non heat treated Irish Ivy honey was evaluated and compared with Manuka honey conc of Methylglyoxal??) and an off the shelf supermarket brand honey A range of bacteria associated with wound infections, some containing antimicrobial resistance genes, were included in the study to determine Minimum Inhibition Concentrations ( Changes in expression of genetic inflammatory markers (NF kB COX 2 in challenged monocyte cells exposed to the honeys was also investigated Preliminary results were encouraging indicate some with evidence of antimicrobial activity of Ivy honey against a range of bacteria, including those with resistance to third generation cephalosporin antibiotics Gene expression analysis indicated reduced expression of the NF kB inflammatory marker in challenged monocytes exposed to Irish Ivy honey Thin Layer Chromatography was also carried out to separate and compare compounds within the honeys Although results are preliminary, Overall initial indications show are that Irish Ivy honey has the potential value as a wound healing agent Future studies that aim to broaden and advance this research into the therapeutic efficacy of Irish Ivy honey and other indigenous monoflora honeys are warranted and would be of considerable benefit to the industry both from a knowledge and economic perspective We are hoping to build on and broaden the scope of this research to further evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Irish Ivy honey and other indigenous monoflora honeys in future studies.