In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Streptococcus Mutans Potential of Honey

Background: Honey is one of the traditional medicines used for treatment and prevention of various illnesses. This study aims to assess the in vitro antimicrobial effect of honey on Streptococcus mutans. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration/MIC effect of a type of commercial honey on S. mutans isolates was investigated by Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays. For comparison a carbohydrate solution with sugar content similar to that of natural honey was used as a control. Results: The MIC values of honey for 88.3% of tested strains were 75% v/v that were significantly different of the MIC values of the carbohydrate solution (p<0.001) and the average inhibition zone of undiluted honey on the S. mutans isolates was 13 mm. No inhibition zone was observed for undiluted carbohydrate solution in any isolates (p<0.001). Conclusion: Honey (Apis mellifera) has bacteriostatic activity when tested in vitro. However, pharmacological standardization and clinical evaluation of this effect are essential before using honey as a preventive measure for dental caries.