Institute of Molecular Biology SAS identified new geographical and botanical resources for medical honey
The development of new antibiotics and their direct use in clinical medicine are limited due to the rapid emergence of bacterial resistance to newly used antibiotics. Therefore, in 2023, the Institute of Molecular Biology SAS focused on research into the reuse of natural antibacterial products for local use, the mechanism of action of which is based on the synergistic effects of several components. One of these products is medical honey, which has already found application in dermatology and surgery.
However, it is essential to look for new sources for medical honey, especially from locations with high botanical species diversity and high endemicity, in order to identify honey samples with high antibacterial efficiency and potentially with different mechanisms of antibacterial effects. In the study, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS focused on the analysis of honey samples from New Caledonia and their antibacterial potential. A type of honey from the Myrtaceae family was identified, which has significant antibacterial effects and represents a suitable source for a new medical honey.
Based on the signed memorandum of mutual cooperation with the Italian organization for natural beekeeping in 2023, a similar study will be conducted on honey samples from Italy in order to identify the most effective antibacterial honey.
Prepared by Andrea Nozdrovická
Source and photo: Romain Gueyte and Institute of Molecular Biology SAS