Antifungal Properties of Algerian Monofloral Honey Against Candida Species Isolated from Neonatal Oral Thrush Patients

Introduction: Honey is widely known for its health benefits and is used as a remedy for many ailments and diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify phenolic compounds in two types of Algerian honey and to evaluate how these compounds affect the growth of three clinical strains of Candida species isolated from a child suffering from oral candidiasis. Methods: Identification of elements associated with antifungal effects, including the total amounts of phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the phenolic profile of honey samples, was performed using Reversed-Phase High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography equipped with a Photodiode Array Detector (RP-HPLC-PDA) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) methods. Sugar levels were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the effects of honey samples from Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Sidr, also known as jujube tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), on the growth of clinical Candida species isolated from a child were demonstrated for the first time in vitro using agar diffusion. The minimum fungicidal concentrations were also determined. Results: RP-HPLC-PDA analysis allowed the identification of seven polyphenols. The main phenolic component in Tiaret honey was m-OH benzoic acid (4.596 mg/g honey), while the main component in Bechar honey was chrysin (4.896 mg/g honey). Both types of Algerian honey showed strong antifungal activity, with a Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 2.5 mg/mL against the major clinical Candida species tested, with the Eucalyptus honey from Tiaret exhibiting the highest antifungal activity. Discussion: Variations in the amounts of phenolic compounds are influenced by the floral sources from which bees collect nectar and by the geographic origin of the honey. These compounds are recognized as key contributors to both pharmacological and antimicrobial properties. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Algerian honey is a valuable source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, containing more than 144 GAE mg/100 g and 26 CE mg/100 g of honey, respectively, which may be beneficial in preventing and treating thrush in newborns.