In vitro Effect of Honey on Aspergillus Species Isolated from Different Clinical Infections

Honey is the natural sweet substance produced by honeybees. In India more than 300 varieties of honey are available but very little data regarding their antifungal properties and activity is known. Hence, in vitro antifungal activity of Agmark standard Indian Jambhul honey was tested to check its sensitivity against clinical isolates of Aspergillus species by using Agar well diffusion method and Agar dilution method. It was further compared with in vitro sensitivity of conventional antifungal agents. In vitro antifungal susceptibility test revealed MIC for various Aspergillus species in the range of >32-2.17 mu g/ml, >32-13.07 mu g/ml and 0.5 mu g/ml for AmphotericinB, Itraconazole and Voriconazole respectively. In vitro activity of Jambhul honey towards all Aspergillus species was in the range of 30-40% (v/v). Jambhul honey was found to be effective even against Amphotericin B & Itraconazole resistant Aspergillus species. Study suggests, honey is one of the inexpensive, easily available natural products with no side effects. It is effective even against resistant Aspergillus species.