Topical Application of Manuka Honey for the Treatment of Non-Healing Venous Leg Ulcers

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Issues related to the chronic venous leg ulcer (VLU) treatment and prevention of recurrences remain the subject of research, but so too do common clinical problems in daily medical practice. Due to its medicinal properties, Manuka honey is increasingly used in the treatment of wounds of various origins. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Manuka honey for the topical treatment of non-healing, chronic, venous leg ulcers. Methods: Eighty patients with chronic VLU participated in the study and were randomized into two equinumerous groups. In group 1, patients were treated with topical Manuka honey application and short stretch bandage compression, whereas, in group 2, antimicrobial calcium alginate wound dressing + Ag was used instead of Manuka honey. The efficacy of both treatment methods was compared. Results: The ulcerations in patients from group 1 have healed completely after up to seven weeks of therapy in all cases. In contrast, in all patients from group 2, the healing process was longer but completed successfully after up to 14 weeks of the therapy. The process of wound cleaning from microorganisms was also faster in group 1, as well as the reduction in ulcer area during treatment. Conclusions: It was found that the topical administration of Manuka honey may be a promising alternative to traditional methods of non-healing VLU treatment.

Keywords: Manuka honey; microorganisms; venous leg ulcer; wound healing.

Figure 1

Changes in ulceration area in subsequent weeks of treatment. Group 1—Manuka honey; group 2—standard treatment.

Figure 2

The rate of wound area reduction depending on the treatment time. Group 1—Manuka honey; group 2—standard treatment.

Figure 3

Most important molecular changes in wound area after honey dressing Actilite application [21,22,24].