Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey

Arch Med Res. 2014 Jul;45(5):359-65. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2014.05.006. Epub 2014 May 29.

Abstract

Background and aims: Influenza viruses are a serious threat to human health and cause thousands of deaths annually. Thus, there is an urgent requirement for the development of novel anti-influenza virus drugs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-influenza viral activity of honey from various sources.

Methods: Antiviral activities of honey samples were evaluated using MDCK cells. To elucidate the possible mechanism of action of honey, plaque inhibition assays were used. Synergistic effects of honey with known anti-influenza virus drugs such as zanamivir or oseltamivir were tested.

Results: Manuka honey efficiently inhibited influenza virus replication (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1.2 mg/mL; CC50 = 82.3 ± 2.2 mg/mL; selective index = 22.9), which is related to its virucidal effects. In the presence of 3.13 mg/mL manuka honey, the IC50 of zanamivir or oseltamivir was reduced to nearly 1/1000th of their single use.

Conclusions: Our results showed that honey, in general, and particularly manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against the influenza virus, demonstrating a potential medicinal value.

Keywords: Anti-viral drug; Influenza virus; Manuka honey; Synergistic effect; Virucidal activity.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Dogs
  • Drug Synergism
  • Honey*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / growth & development*
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology*
  • Viral Plaque Assay
  • Virus Replication* / drug effects
  • Zanamivir / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Oseltamivir
  • Zanamivir