PRINCETON, N.J., July 27 A recent paper published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiological Infectious Diseases details how a certain kind of honey can be an effective agent in topical wound care, particularly where antibiotic resistance is an issue.
Advertisement
Entitled, "The unusual antibacterial activity of medical-grade Leptospermum honey: antibacterial spectrum, resistance and transcriptome analysis," the report describes the palliative effects of Leptospermum honey. Indigenous to New Zealand and Australia, Leptospermum honey possesses unique plant derived components that make it an ideal wound dressing, including novel antimicrobial and immunomodulatory compounds. Among the honey's properties are low pH levels, the ability to help remove non-vital tissue from the wound area, stimulate new tissue growth, and reported reduction in scarring and pain levels.
Advertisement
The paper also describes how medical-grade honey might be a strong combatant against antibiotic resistant pathogens such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant strains (VRS) and that its use at sub-lethal levels (levels too low to kill bacteria) does not induce resistance. The activity that this particular species of honey demonstrates against typically resistant virulent pathogens, makes medical-grade active Leptospermum honey a compelling option for clinicians in their management of surgical site infections and diabetic foot infections. Equally important is that all these benefits exist without any toxicity to healthy tissue.
MEDIHONEY dressings, a unique line of products containing active Leptospermum honey, provide a moist, occlusive environment conducive to optimal wound healing, enabling them to work effectively in the presence of wound fluid, blood, and tissue, promoting an optimal healing environment. Available in dressings and gel form, MEDIHONEY products, leading brand of New Jersey, USA-based Derma Sciences Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI.OB), are indicated for the management of lightly to heavily exuding wounds such as: diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis leg ulcers, arterial leg ulcers, leg ulcers of mixed etiology, pressure ulcers (I-IV), first and second degree burns, donor sites, traumatic and surgical wounds.
"The data presented here argue for a greater use of medicinal-grade honey in wound care, particularly where antibiotic resistance is an issue," the European Journal of Clinical Microbiological Infectious Diseases paper concludes.
Derma Sciences has strong IP around dressing configurations that include honey, exclusive rights for MEDIHONEY in the Americas, and a partnership with New Zealand-based Comvita, which controls 75% of the Leptospermum honey harvested. Click here to read the complete story.
Contact: Susan Morgenbesser/ IRG/ 212-825-3210/ [email protected]
SOURCE Derma Sciences
