Biochemical Study on The Efficacy of Malaysian Honey on Inflicted Wounds: An Animal Model

The efficacy of Malaysian honey on the healing of wounds in Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated on the basis of biophysical and biochemical changes. Equidimensiona full-thickness excision wounds were created on the back of each animal and treated either by topical application or by a combination of topical and oral administration of honey. Control animals received only saline. Development of wound healing was evaluated by measuring the rates of wound contraction and epithelialization. Quantitative assays were performed to determine the amounts of uronic acid, hexosamine, DNA, and collagen content of the granulating tissues. The serum albumin level was also measured. The results obtained showed that honey accelerates wound healing by influencing cell division and proliferation, collagen synthesis and maturation, wound contraction and epithelialization. All the parameters measured showed remarkable consistency with the wound healing property of honey. Honey also improved the nutritional state of the animal when given orally.