Background:In-vitro work showed that bee honey (BH) and royal jelly (RJ) had "improvement effect" on the mechanical performance of fetal membranes. Propolisis is known for its anti-infection properties. Consequently, we tested the possible prophylactic effect of these products against preterm labor (PL). Methods: Fifty-nine gravidas with history of recurrent PL were quasi-randomly assigned into 2 groups: group I (30 women) received daily ingestion of 20 ml of cotton-trifolium BH, 400 mg propolis and 2 grams of RJ from the 15th gestation week until the onset of labor or completion of 38 weeks' gestation; group II (29 women) served as controls. Primary outcomes assessed were: 1) incidence of PL, and, 2) gestation age at birth. Secondary outcomes were: 1) ultrasonic evidence of cervical changes of threatening PL, and, 2) total leukocyte count and C-reactive protein.Results: Twenty-two pregnancies of group I went to term as compared to 13 of controls (75.9 %, 44.8%; P< 0.01). Average gestation weeks at birth were 36.3 and 31.1 (P<0.01 %). Cervical ultrasonographic signs of PL threat were elicited in 11 and 19 cases of groups I and II respectively (36.7, 65.5%; P<0.01). High leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein were found in 10 and 15 women of cases and controls respectively (33.3, 51.7%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bee honey, royal jelly and propolis may be effective for reducing the risk of PL. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible mechanisms and the best application route.

Aim: to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of topical honey as wound dressing in cases of perennial infections following gynecologic surgeries and episiotomies. Methods: Sixty-one patients with either post-perennial repair or post-episiotomy severe wound infections were recruited, and allocated into two groups. Group I (31) received crude Egyptian bee honey applications, and Group II (30) had local antiseptics. Both groups have systemic antibiotics. The honey amount was applied under these conditions: depended on amount of exudate; in general 10 cc for a 5-cm dressing, twice daily as beginning; if sticky: more, if gapped: filled with honey before applying the dressing pad, peri-wound inflamed area: included in the dressing, occlusive secondary dressing applied to prevent ooze. Results: Infection data included: 1) same general (fever and malaise) and local (pain, tenderness, hotness and discharge) symptoms in the 2 groups , 2) onset of infection: 3-days in group I and 2-99 days in group II., 3) bacterial isolates: stash., strept, Pseudomonas spp, E. coli, bacteroides and clostridia in the 2 groups, 4) antimicrobial used: the same for the 2 groups: Gentamycin, flucloxacillin, metronidazole, tobramycin and clindamycin. Cure responses of the 2 groups: Group I has shown: a) faster wound healing (11.8 days vs. 24.7; P<.001; b) shorter hospital stay (6.5 vs. 12, 2 days, P<.01); c) less need for secondary intervention (3 secondary stitches vs. 8, P <.001); d) faster bacteriologic cure (6.5 DAYS VS. 17.7; P<.001). Conclusion: Honey is a very effective and inexpensive treatment for severe perennial wound sepsis.