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Interaction between properties of commercial Australian honey and saliva: in vitro exploratory study of a potential mechanism in the treatment of oral mucositis
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Interaction between properties of commercial Australian honey and saliva: in vitro exploratory study of a potential mechanism in the treatment of oral mucositis

Maddison Hunter, Andrew McKune, Kellie Toohey and Nenad Naumovski
Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, Vol.19(2), pp.269-277
06/2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2021-0280
PMID: 34587663

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Abstract

antioxidant honey human saliva oral mucositis management pH
Objectives Oral mucositis is a debilitating oncology treatment side effect, with honey identified as a viable management option due to established wound-healing abilities. However, effects of saliva on properties attributed to honey’s wound-healing abilities is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify interactions between saliva, and antioxidant characteristics and pH of honey. Methods Saliva was collected from 15 healthy participants (Females n=9; mean age=34.1 ± 11.2 years). Centrifuged salivary supernatant, whole saliva, and water were independently used to dilute commercial Australian honeys (n=42). Antioxidant characteristics (DPPH and FRAP) and pH of diluted honeys were analysed, and differences between dilution conditions were determined. Results Honey and saliva dilutions increased antioxidant characteristics compared to water, and addition of honey to saliva reduced pH compared with saliva alone. There were significant differences between dilutions for FRAP and pH, and water and salivary conditions for DPPH (p<0.001). No difference was observed between salivary conditions for DPPH (p=0.931), suggesting smaller cells remaining in the supernatant possess antioxidant abilities. However, differences observed for FRAP suggest precipitable molecules, including epithelial and food debris, could provide additional antioxidant power. Conclusions The addition of saliva to honey may support properties attributed to honey’s wound-healing abilities and should be considered in the context of oral mucositis management.

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