Topical Application of Honey for Treatment of Skin Wound in Mice

Background: Honey has been shown to accelerate wound healing, which is especially important in the management of patients with full-thickness wounds of skin in dermatologic surgeries. Objective: To evaluate the effects of honey in accelerating healing of full-thickness skin wounds in mice. Methods: Two groups of male NMRI mice (n=12) were subjected to full-thickness skin wounds under general anesthesia. They were then randomly allocated to receive either single daily applications of placebo or honey (n=6 for each group). On each of the 4th, 7th and 10th days after operation, 2 mice from each group were sacrificed using an overdose of anesthetic. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of wounds were studied pathologically, histologically, and for resilience, ultimate tensile strength and toughness. Results: Honey increased the formation of granulation tissue, density and activation of fibroblasts, keratinization in surface of wound, thickness of basement membrane and epidermis, and thickness of collagen fiber. It also decreased infection, inflammation, edema and dehiscence, and increased resilience, ultimate tensile strength and toughness of wound. Conclusion: Honey accelerates healing of full-thickness skin wounds in mice.