Abstract

Eman Halawani* and Mohamed Shohayeb

The antibacterial activities of 52 samples of 24 types of honey, either locally produced or imported were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Manuka honey was included in the study for the sake of comparison. The antibacterial activity (estimated as phenol %) of 91.7% of the tested honeys ranged between 5.5 and 7.9%. There was no relationship between the potency of antibacterial activity and the color of honey. Locally produced Shaoka and Taify Sidr and the imported honeys, Yemeni Sidr, Black Seed, Clover and Orange Blossom, were more potent than Manuka honey. On the other hand, both Kashmiri and German acacia honeys were as potent as Manuka honey. Taking into consideration, the peroxide activity found in these honeys, which ranged between 4.8 and 15.6%, Taify, Shaoka, Black Seed, Yemeni Sidr, Orange blossom and Clover honeys had comparative antibacterial activities to Manuka honey. It was concluded that several honeys available in the Saudi market especially the locally produced Shaoka, and Taify Sidr, in addition to imported Yemeni Sidr, black seed, Clover and Orange blossom are as potent as Manuka honey. Therefore we recommend these honeys for use in the treatment of bacterial infections.