Antifungal Activity Exerted by Greek Honeys and Bacteria Isolated from Them

A plethora of studies provide evidence on honey biological properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, antifungal activity exerted by honey is rather under investigated. Due to widespread antimicrobial resistance, the emergence of novel antifungal agents, as well as the identification of alternative therapies, is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity exerted by heather and chestnut honeys, harvested across Greece, as well as the antifungal activity of bacteria isolated from them, against Penicillium commune, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans M10/20 and Candida albicans M 351/19. Fungistatic activity against all tested fungi and fungicidal activity against C. albicans strains was exerted by most Greek honeys. Exerted antifungal activity was comparable to Manuka honey. Furthermore, most of the identified bacterial isolates inhibited the growth of fungal strains, in antagonistic assays. This study for the first time demonstrated the significant antifungal activity exerted by heather and chestnut honeys produced in Greece, as well as the important role of their microbiome in observed antifungal activity. Nevertheless, our results warrant further research in order to develop novel antifungal agents and alternative therapies.