Researchers have learned about the antibacterial properties of honey from Australian flowers

A study by scientists from the University of Adelaide has shown that honey from Australian plants can be an effective tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, one of the main health problems. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on March 3.

The researchers analyzed 56 honey samples collected from 35 apiaries in New South Wales, including regions affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires. The main sources of honey are eucalyptus, leptospermum and melaleuca. Studies have shown that honey effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli.

According to the publication, more than 75% of honey samples inhibited bacterial growth even when diluted to 10%. This, it is claimed, puts the honey of the Australian flora among the most powerful antibacterial honeys in the world. Honey obtained from mixed floral sources demonstrated the most pronounced properties.

Although honey is not a substitute for antibiotics for serious infections, it can be used for external applications, including for chronic wounds or burns. It affects bacteria through several mechanisms simultaneously, which significantly reduces the likelihood of developing resistance.

The results of the study highlight the importance of plant diversity for producing more potent honey. This creates a more effective antibacterial mixture. The protection and restoration of such ecosystems is vital for the health of bees, the sustainability of the industry, and the expansion of the natural antimicrobial arsenal.

Sticky spot: is Russia facing a shortage of honey

Weather conditions may affect collection volumes.

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Curator of Chemistry and Biology, Evening School of Natural Sciences (HSE) Ksenia Lebedeva-Georgievskaya and Yaroslav Lebedev, senior lecturer at the Department of Environmental Management at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology, warned in an interview with Izvestia on February 5 about the danger of the ash-leaved maple to humans. According to them, its pollen is a strong allergen and can cause severe manifestations of seasonal allergies, including hay fever.

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