Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Honey: Topical Application of Pure Natural Honey in Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis

Abstract

Background: Oral mucositis is a frequent problem after high-dose chemotherapy which could impair patient’s quality of life, higher rates of infections, and delay in subsequent chemotherapy. Objectives: The present study was performed to assess the effect of topical application of pure natural honey in prevention of chemotherapy induced mucositis in patients with cancer. Patients and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial 48 patients with acute leukemia requiring chemotherapy were assigned to three equal groups. During induction or reinduction period of chemotherapy, first group received honey plus normal saline; the second one received just normal saline and third, (in control group) did not receive any prophylaxis. Patients were evaluated weekly for progression of mucositis according to the WHO mucositis scale. Data were analyzed with the Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher Exact test, by fifteen edition of SPSS software. Results: In group of ‘honey plus normal saline’ no patients developed mucositis, while in normal saline group 4 patients and in control group 12 patients developed mucositis. The rate of mucositis was significantly lower in both intervention groups compared to control (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that using either honey or normal saline can reduce the rate and severity of chemotherapy induced mucositis.