Antimicrobial activity of Malaysian honeys against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis / Muhammad Affiq Muhammad

• Main Author: Muhammad, Muhammad Affiq
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Antibacterial agents
• Online Access: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/66694/1/66694.pdf; https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/66694/

The antibacterial activity of honey against pathogens of the gastrointestinal system has been widely studied. However, not many reports considered the efficacy of the Malaysian honey against enteropathogenic species. Thus, this study is designed to understand the potential impact of the antibacterial activity of selected Malaysian honey in comparison with Manuka honey on the pathogens of the digestive system. Five honey samples (Gelam, Tualang, Nenas, Acacia and Manuka) with 8 different concentrations (3 - 45 %) (v/v) were tested against E. coli and B. subtilis using broth dilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of honey was determined by visual inspection after incubated for 24 hour. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) also was determined by culturing on agar plates and incubated for 24 hour. The results showed that the MIC of Manuka honey is 9 %, Gelam and Acacia (21 %) while Nenas and Tualang (27 %) against E. coli. The MIC of Manuka honey is 15 %, Gelam and Tualang (21 %) while Nenas and Acacia (27 %) against B. subtilis. Selected Malaysian honeys exhibited variable antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis species with Gelam honey demonstrated good antibacterial activity against both bacteria. However, selected Malaysian honeys have less efficacy as compare to the proprietary Manuka honey in modulating E. coli and B. subtilis species. Although our local honey may not be as good as Manuka honey, further research is required to assess the true potential of these honeys.