Effect of two different delivery systems of honey on the healing of oral ulcer in an animal model.

Honey had several healing properties which includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different systems of honey on the healing of experimentally created traumatic oral ulcers in rats. Traumatic ulcers were created on the lower labial mucosa on male rats using 50% acetic acid. The rats were subsequently divided into three groups; in group one and two, the ulcers were treated with honey gel and honey adhesive respectively, whereas the third group received no treatment. The ulcers were macroscopically and microscopically studied. A statistical significant difference was observed in macroscopic investigation among the three groups in the 3rd and 7th day (< 0.05). However, there were no statistical significant findings by the 15th day although a complete clinical healing was virtually observed in most of the cases. Histological examination shows a statistical significant difference within each of the three groups over time (< 0.05). On the other hand, the mean rank values for the honey gel group were significantly higher in comparison to the other groups over time (< 0.05). The therapeutic value of honey gel appears to be more effective than the mucoadhesive form in shortening the duration of wound healing.