Antibacterial activity of honey in north-west Pakistan against select human pathogens

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of commercially available honey and raw honey samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, against pathogenic bacterial strains. METHODS: Well diffusion assays were performed to screen pure and diluted honey samples for antibacterial activity against six Gram-negative and six Gram-positive bacterial strains. Zones of inhibition were measured and compared with 10 mg Gentamycin. RESULTS: When honey samples were diluted to 20%-70%, the honey samples showed no activity to mild antibacterial activity. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded when 90% and pure undiluted honey samples were tested and compared with a control Gentamycin disc (10 mg). CONCLUSION: Commercially processed honey and raw honey samples from north-west of Pakistan possess good antimicrobial potential.