South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology

Honey possesses antibacterial properties associated with its high sugar concentration, acidic pH, hydrogen peroxide production and bioactive phytochemicals. This study examined the growth-inhibitory activity of honey against selected bacterial isolates. Microorganisms were isolated from sewage water (Escherichia coli), human skin (Staphylococcus aureus) and  soil (Bacillus species). The methodology involved preparation of selective media, serial dilution, cultivation by the pour-plate method and identification based on cultural characteristics and biochemical analysis. Antibacterial responses were presented  as zones of inhibition. The figure depicting the experimental observations reported inhibition zones of 20 mm for E. coli, 12 mm   for S. aureus and 8 mm for Bacillus. Thus, E. coli showed the largest inhibition zone among the three organisms under the reported conditions. The observed responses are consistent with the antibacterial potential of honey, although the contributions  of its individual chemical and physical properties were not separately established in this study. Inhibition-zone measurements indicate growth inhibition under the assay conditions but do not independently demonstrate bactericidal activity or clinical efficacy. Moreover, inhibition of Bacillus growth should not be interpreted as evidence of endospore destruction. The findings provide preliminary laboratory evidence of variability in bacterial responses to honey. Additional controlled investigation  would be necessary to establish the reproducibility of the observations and assess their relevance to potential antimicrobial applications.