Antimicrobial activity of two South African honeys produced from indigenous Leucospermum cordifolium and Erica species on selected micro-organisms
2008

Antimicrobial Activity of South African Honeys

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Basson Nicolaas J, Grobler Sias R

Primary Institution: University of the Western Cape

Hypothesis

Do honeys produced from indigenous South African plants have significant antibacterial properties?

Conclusion

The honeys produced from indigenous wild flowers from South Africa had no exceptionally high activity that could afford medical grade status.

Supporting Evidence

  • The honeys produced some inhibitory effect on the growth of the micro-organisms.
  • The carbohydrate concentration plays a key role in the antimicrobial activity of the honeys above 25%.
  • The yeast C. albicans was more resistant to the honeys than the bacteria.

Takeaway

The study tested different South African honeys to see if they could fight germs, but they didn't work as well as hoped.

Methodology

The honeys were tested for their antimicrobial properties using a broth dilution method.

Limitations

The honeys did not show exceptionally high antimicrobial activity compared to other honeys.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6882-8-41

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