Antibacterial, Anti-biofilm, and Antioxidant Activities of Some Iranian Honeys with Different Floral Origins

Background and Aim: Honey is a natural substance with potential applications as an alternative to preservatives and antibiotics due to its diverse biological activities.This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities of some Iranian honey samples. Materials and Methods:Eight Iranian honey samples with different floral origins were selected and their physicochemical characteristics were determined.Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay.Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Bacillus (B.) cereus, Escherichia (E.) coli, and Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa using agar well diffusion and microdilution methods.Anti-biofilm activity was determined by the crystal violet staining method. Results & Conclusion:The honey samples showed different physicochemical characteristics, most of which complied with international standards.The antioxidant activity of samples at 500 mg/ml concentration was in the range of 48-64%.All honey samples showed antibacterial activity.The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of honeys ranged from 3.125 to >50% (w/v).The highest antibacterial activity was observed for the Fraxinus excelsior and Astragalus-Euphorbia honeys, and Glycyrrhiza glabra honey showed the lowest activity.The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) against P. aeruginosa was 25% (w/v) for the F. excelsior and Astragalus-Euphorbia honeys and 50% (w/v) for other honeys.However, no honey sample completely inhibited biofilm formation by S. aureus.This study highlights the promising biological activities of Iranian honey samples and further research may reveal their potential application in medicine, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.