By Dr. Bidemi Ojeleye
Wound healing is a complex process involving many interdependent pathophysiological and immunological mediators to restore the integrity of damaged tissue cells.
Skin wound healing is a regenerative response to various pathologies caused by trauma, surgery, and burns, leading to the repair and functioning of damaged cells.
Since most wounds are susceptible to microbial infection and difficult to treat, various methods have been used to treat acute and chronic wounds, such as antibiotic therapy.
However, many antibacterial agents have become ineffective in wound healing due to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, and the ineffectiveness of current wound treatments is widely reported.
For this reason, alternative treatments are being sought, such as the use of honey as a wound-healing agent.
The use of honey has recently gained clinical importance due to its potential applications in wound healing and regenerative medicinal activities.
Some chemicals in honey have been reported medically to kill certain bacteria and fungi.
When applied to the skin, honey can act as a moisture barrier and prevent skin from sticking to the pad. It can also provide nutrients and chemicals that promote wound healing.
In addition, the immunomodulatory effects of honey enhance wound healing, and various ingredients in honey contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Moreover, the high concentration of nutrients promotes epithelialization and angiogenesis.
The therapeutic use of honey has been reported by many authors and is considered an antibacterial agent for the treatment of wounds and superficial infections occurring in wounds.
The antibacterial activity of honey can be partly explained by the osmotic or dehydrating action of honey on sugar molecules.
Concentrated sugar draws water out of harmful cells and prevents them from multiplying. Another effect is caused by the glucose oxidase system, which releases hydrogen peroxide, a bacterial toxin.
In the long term, applying honey to wounds or burns is more effective as it prevents the formation of scar tissue or keloids.
Data showed that honey induces rapid epithelialization and wound contraction in wound healing, reduces pain, swelling, and wound debridement, controls infection, shortens wound healing time, and is cost-effective.
- Dr. Bidemi Ojeleye is the Founder/Coordinating Director of the Centre for Bee Research & Development (CEBRAD), and the Chief Servant of Tropicalbee Honey, Ile Ife, Osun State.
