Efficacy of Talh Honey, Whey Protein, and Collagen Based Novel Formulation Against Wound-Associated Skin Microbiota

Abstract

Diabetes, immunosuppressive treatments, and obesity could severely impair the complicated wound-healing process. The skin serves as a dynamic and complex ecosystem for fungi, archaea, viruses, and bacteria, which collectively represent the skin microbiota. These microbes infect the underlying tissues through the injured skin. Delayed wound healing could make the injured site more prone to microbial infection. Several cultures have utilized honey as a traditional medicine for centuries. It was primarily used to treat wounds (infected and chronic) even before the discovery of bacteria. Honey is known for its antimicrobial properties. Whey protein is rich in growth factors, which promote cell proliferation and differentiation. They also facilitate tissue repair and can effectively stimulate the wound-healing process. Therefore, this study evaluates a novel wound-healing formulation consisting of honey, whey protein, and collagen against the skin microbiota associated with delayed wound healing. A rat excisional model was followed to test the formulation through pathogen contraction rate on different days after the onset of wounds. The tested formulation effectively promoted the wound-healing process in rats.