Manuka honey found to be effective against UTIs, study finds

Research conducted by the University of Southhampton has found that diluted Manuka honey and water could prove useful in protecting against urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, found that diluted honey stops some common bacteria from forming sticky, hard-to-remove layers on surfaces such as plastic.

The findings are significant as it means the substance could be used to prevent catheters fitted to patients from becoming infected. While more trials are needed to check if the solution is safe to use in humans, in theory the honey could be used to flush urinary catheters and keep them clean while they remain in the bladder.

Whilst honey has been used for centuries as a natural antiseptic, it is now increasingly common as a ‘medical grade’ form used to treat burns and wounds.

In the study, the researchers looked at two common bacteria that can cause urine and bladder infections - E. coli and Proteus mirabilis. Even at a low concentration, the honey solution appeared to stop the bacteria from clustering together and creating layers of known biofilm.

Prof Dame Nicky Cullum, an expert in wound care, commented: “This work from Southampton is at a very early stage so we shouldn't get too excited. But it is an interesting avenue that is worth pursuing.

"Obviously, we'd need more studies to check that it wouldn't irritate the bladder or cause any other problems.