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Microbes & Immunity Hyphaene thebaica honey as a multitarget therapeutic product

wells in triplicate. Images were taken immediately after demand for diverse natural products that demonstrate
the scratches were made and subsequently every 24 h for antibacterial properties and function through mechanisms
a total of 48 h. that are different from traditional drugs. Honey is one
such product that has attracted considerable interest. 38,39
2.6. Determination of nitric oxide (NO) production Honey has long been valued in traditional medicine for its
The efficacy of DH samples in inhibiting the formation wound-healing abilities and as a complementary therapy
of NO radicals in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated for cancer and other health conditions. Across the globe,
macrophages derived from THP-1 cell line was ascertained many cultures have relied on honey for its medicinal and
utilizing the Griess reagent, in accordance with a previously nutritional properties. It has been used to address a wide
outlined methodology. 33 range of ailments, such as eye disorders, bronchial asthma,
tuberculosis, hepatitis, throat infections, hemorrhoids,
2.7. Quantitative high-performance liquid eczema, wounds, and ulcers, while also serving as a
chromatography (HPLC) determination of phenolic beneficial dietary supplement. Honey is recognized for
40
compounds in DH its diverse beneficial properties, including antioxidant,
The presence of polyphenols in DH was analyzed by means antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative,
of quantitative HPLC, as previously described. 31 anticancer, and antimetastatic effects. Research has
highlighted its potential in managing various conditions,
2.8. Determination of total antioxidant capacity such as wounds, diabetes, cancer, and disorders affecting
The total antioxidant activity (TAC) was quantified by the cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal
5-8
utilizing the phosphomolybdenum technique, as delineated systems. Its antibacterial properties, in particular, have
by Prieto et al. The experimental procedure was executed been extensively studied, with findings confirming that
34
in triplicate, with the resultant values expressed as ascorbic natural honey exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial
acid equivalents, measured in milligrams per gram of dry activity, even against drug-resistant pathogens. 41,42 Hence,
weight. honey is recognized as a potential bioactive natural
substance demonstrating promising efficacy against
2.9. Determination of total polyphenols content pathogenic bacteria in the treatment of various bacterial
(TPC) and total flavonoids content infections. Given that diverse types of honey exhibit a
TPC and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined as broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, this activity seems
previously described. 32 to be unrelated to antibiotic susceptibility or resistance,
and it appears improbable that pathogenic bacteria would
2.10. Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity develop resistance to honey. 43,44
The free radical scavenging activity was determined using The antibacterial efficacy of honey is attributed to a
the microdilution 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) multitude of factors. Its substantial viscosity, which is
assay, with slight modifications, as previously described. 35,36 primarily a result of its high sugar concentration and

2.11. Statistical analysis minimal water content, establishes a protective shield that
aids in thwarting infections. In addition, its mild acidity
The error limits mentioned and depicted error bars coupled with the presence of hydrogen peroxide bolsters
indicate basic standard deviations of the average. Typically, its antimicrobial prowess. 45,46 Numerous scientific studies
numerical outcomes are provided with precision only up have explored the effects of honey on various bacterial
to the least significant digit. In comparing various samples, species, revealing that its antibacterial effectiveness can
results were deemed statistically significant when P < 0.05 vary widely. Different microorganisms show varying
(using Student’s t-test for unpaired samples). levels of sensitivity to specific types and concentrations
of honey. Comprehensive reviews have examined honey’s
3. Results and discussion antibacterial properties, tracking the growth patterns of
3.1. Antibacterial properties different bacteria under exposure to varying concentrations

Due to the intensifying global challenge of antimicrobial of honey. 47,48
resistance, there exists an exigency to explore alternative This study assessed the antibacterial effects of DH
methods and substances to supplant antibiotics. This employing the MIC and MBC techniques. Tetracycline
immediate need is especially critical considering the scarce and kanamycin against antimicrobial resistance in both
availability of effective antibiotics to tackle multidrug- Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were taken as
resistant bacteria, leading to a notable increase in the positive controls (Table 1).
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Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 81 doi: 10.36922/mi.4994