Antimicrobial Efficacy of Honey’s Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: Implications for Wound Healing and Pharmaceutical Development

Abstract

The antimicrobial nature of honey has been appreciated for thousands of years; however, the molecular mechanism through which its function is only now being unraveled. This article discusses the importance of flavonoids and phenolic acids in terms of their contribution to the anti-microbial nature of honey. Various flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, chrysin, and galangin, along with phenolic acids like caffeic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid, use a combination of various modes of actions in order to act upon pathogenic microorganisms. Their mode of action includes disruption of bacterial cell membrane, interference with nucleic acid synthesis, protein denaturation, inhibition of quorum sensing, elimination of established biofilm and induction of oxidative stress. The antimicrobial activity extends to various species of both Gram-positive pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans. Additionally, phenolic acids are capable of modulating inflammatory response and have proangiogenic effects as well as stimulate collagen deposition, enhancing the process of tissue repair. The rise of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has once again led to a resurgence in research on honey as a possible source of new medicines. There is clinical proof that honey-based treatments work well for burns, diabetic ulcers, and post-operative infections. However, there are many hurdles, such as the inconsistent composition of honey, lack of standardization, poor bioavailability, and legal concerns that are now impeding the development of drugs. Possible areas of exploration in the future could be extraction of bioactive ingredients, chemical modification to increase potency, use of nanoparticles for delivery, and inclusion in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.