Antibacterial Effect of Heather Honey (Calluna vulgaris) against Different Microorganisms of Clinical Importance

Abstract

Heather ( Calluna vulgaris ) honey is a special type of honey, highly valued for its characteristic strong taste, unusual texture and health properties. Antibacterial activity of honey is due to the low acidity, high osmolarity, content of hydrogen peroxide and other components such as polyphenolic compounds. In this paper we proposed assessment of in vitro antibacterial effect of heather honey on some important clinically bacterial species. Heather honey collected from Cluj Region, was chemically characterized and then subjected to antimicrobial activity determination. Disc difusion method and dilution susceptibility test was used for antibacterial activity on different Gram pozitive and Gram negative bacteria were used. Due to the fact that heather honey is tixotrophic, different solutions in ultrapure water were made and 80% dilution was suitable for the experiment. The diameters of inhibition obtained were between 9-12 mm at bacterial strains tested. Heather honey has a high antibacterial activity, comparable to honey types that are worldwide used in the treatment of different bacterial infections. Further and detailed studies must be made for giving the right position to this valuable type of honey. Â