Efficacy of Honeydew Honey and Blossom Honey on Full-thickness Wound Healing in Mice

The wound healing properties of honey, including blossom honey, are well known; however, the effects of honeydew honey during the wound healing process have not yet been investigated and thus remain unclear. This study compares the effects of honeydew honey with those of blossom honey. A total of 140 mice were divided into 2 control groups, which received either a hydrocolloid dressing (HCD; n = 22) or gauze (n = 22), and 4 experimental groups: honeydew honey (n = 23), Acacia honey (n = 23), Manuka honey (n = 22), and Japanese Pharmacopoeia honey (n = 28). Two circular full-thickness wounds were made and measured for 14 days. Each wound in the experimental groups was treated with 0.1 mL of honey and covered with gauze. Dressings in the control and experimental groups were changed daily. The wounds in all of the honey groups and the HCD group were moist by day 14, while those in the gauze group were dry. The ratio of wound area to initial wound area and the number of inflammatory cells decreased during the inflammatory phase in all honey groups. However, the honey groups exhibited reepithelialization rates of < 40%, numerous neutrophils, weak wound contraction, and impaired collagen deposition in wounds after day 11. These results suggest honeydew honey and blossom honey both exert anti-inflammatory effects during the inflammatory phase. However, all of the honeys examined were less effective at promoting full-thickness wound healing than the controls. Further studies are warranted.