Antibacterial Activities of Honey Against Staphylococcus Aureus,escherichia Coli.

Student: Venessa Chinye Ogwude (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State


Abstract

Honey, renowned for its medicinal properties, has gained attention for its potential antibacterial effects. This study explores the antibacterial activity of honey against two prevalent bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These bacteria are commonly associated with wound infections, making their effective management critical in clinical settings. The project involved assessing the inhibitory effects of honey on S. aureus and E. coli using standardized microbiological techniques. Through agar diffusion assays and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing, we evaluated the effectiveness of various honey samples in inhibiting bacterial growth. Results demonstrated that honey exhibits significant antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, with varying levels of effectiveness depending on the honey type and concentration. Our findings underscore the potential of honey as an alternative or complementary therapeutic agent for treating bacterial infections. The study highlights honey’s broadspectrum antibacterial properties and suggests its application in wound care management. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of honey’s action, optimize its clinical use, and standardize its preparation for therapeutic purposes. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting honey’s role in modern medicine, offering insights into its practical applications and potential benefits in combating bacterial infections.

Keywords
honey antibacterial activity Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli natural antibiotics antimicrobial properties medicinal honey bacterial inhibition microbiology organic therapy