Medicinal Honey Research in Texas

In 2020, Dunsmore Honey submitted a sample of their summer harvest to Dr. Ferhat Ozturk at UTSA. Dr. Ozturk conducted experiments to observe the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Texas honeys. Below is unpublished data from his research on the antimicrobial activity of our honey compared to other commercial brands of medical-grade honey (New Zealand and Australia), propolis tincture, and raw honey from local grocery stores. A well diffusion assay was performed to compare the antibacterial strength of different honeys.

An illustration of a well diffusion assay — The well diffusion assay explained by illustration. Note the Zone of Inhibition (“ZOI”) where bacteria cannot grow.

photo of the results of a well diffusion assay — Well diffusion assay explained by photo by Dr. Ferhat Ozturk.

bar graph displaying results of well diffusion assay showing that Dunsmore honey has very strong antibacterial properties — Results from a well diffusion assay: Dunsmore Honey has “very strong” antibacterial activity (19 ZOI mm).

Note that Dunsmore honey had the highest “ZOI mm” compared to these samples. ZOI mm is the distance (in millimeters) of the “Zone of Inhibition” on a bacterial petri dish. The larger the ZOI measurement, the stronger the antibacterial activity. Below 11 ZOI mm is considered weak antibacterial activity.

This research is just the tip of the iceberg for studying the powerful medicinal properties of Texas honey. It is exciting to see what future research comes from Dr. Ozturk’s lab.