Evidence supporting the use of: Honey Bee
For the health condition: Eye Infections

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Honey, produced by the honey bee (Apis mellifera), has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, including applications for eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Historical records from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Ayurveda mention honey as a topical remedy for eye ailments, likely due to its observed soothing effects and natural preservative qualities. The primary rationale for its use is honey’s inherent antimicrobial properties, attributed to its high osmolarity, hydrogen peroxide content, and presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids.

In contemporary times, a limited number of in vitro studies and small clinical trials (mainly involving medical-grade honey, such as Manuka honey) have suggested antibacterial activity against pathogens responsible for some eye infections. However, robust scientific validation in the form of large, well-controlled clinical studies is lacking. Most of the available evidence remains anecdotal or based on small-scale exploratory research. Furthermore, the use of unprocessed or non-sterile honey on the eyes is not recommended due to potential contamination and risk of introducing additional pathogens.

In summary, while honey bee products have a longstanding traditional use for treating eye infections, modern scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive. The use of honey for this indication should be approached with caution, and only sterile, medical-grade preparations should be considered if used at all.

More about Honey Bee
More about Eye Infections

Products containing Honey Bee

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.