A Systematic Review of Honey’s Benefits for Burn Wound Treatment

Abstract

Burn wound management has traditionally relied on established treatments, yet emerging evidence underscores honey as a potent and versatile therapeutic agent. This systematic review evaluates the scientific evidence supporting honey’s use in treating burn wounds, highlighting its efficacy and benefits compared to conventional therapies. The review encompasses both clinical trials and animal studies published between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2024. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect databases was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 38 eligible studies. The analysis focuses on randomized controlled trials and full-text research articles that investigated honey’s role in burn wound care. Key attributes of honey, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration properties, are examined. The review discusses various types of honey, their composition, and their specific impacts on wound healing, including faster recovery times, reduced infection rates, and improved scar formation outcomes. Additionally, this review highlights the synergy between honey and other adjunctive treatments, such as ascorbic acid. The findings affirm that honey offers significant advantages in burn wound management, supporting its continued use and integration into modern wound care protocols. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of honey’s role in enhancing burn wound healing, reinforcing its value as both a traditional remedy and a scientifically validated treatment option.