Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Application of Honey on Healing of Chemically Induced Gingival Ulcer (Experimental Study on Rabbits)

Background: Wound healing is a complex process, which is influenced by several factors. The use of natural products as an alternative treatment has been on the rise in the last few decades. Honey is a natural product that has been recently introduced in new medical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical honey dressing on healing of chemically induced oral gingival ulcer by histological analysis. Materials and methods: Twenty-six New Zealand rabbits were used and divided into control and treated groups, wound was created on the rabbit oral mucosa by applying a piece of filter paper ( φ 5 mm) soaked with 50% acetic acid for 2 minutes to the mandibular gingival mucosa and then experimental groups treated by daily application of natural honey on the ulcer site for 4 days then the sites of the ulcer were examined histologically . Results: Honey showed marked active anti-inflammatory effect as a natural agent on a chemically induced oral ulcer in treated animals, histological examination of biopsies from ulcers after four days of treatment showed marked difference in the rate of healing process and epithelialization of ulcers site between the two groups. Conclusions: honey has a clear effect on the healing process of oral gingival ulcer.