The Use of Honey for Cicatrization and Pain Control of Obstetric Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Published in: Nutrients 2024-01, Vol.16 (2), p.185
• Main Authors: Ferraz Barbosa, Bárbara, de Moraes, Francisco Cezar Aquino, Araujo Alves da Silva, Bruno, Bordignon Barbosa, Camila, Pereira da Silva, Izael, da Silva, Emanuele Rocha, Barros, Jamile Cristine Marques, Rebouças, Laissa Wane Cavalcante, Dos Santos, Ney Pereira Carneiro, Fernandes, Marianne Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analgesics; Analysis; Approximation; Care and treatment; Cesarean section; Cicatrix; Clinical outcomes; Collaboration; Edema; Episiotomy; Female; Honey; Humans; Meta-analysis; Obstetrics; Pain; Pain - etiology; Pain Management; Patient satisfaction; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Statistical analysis; Systematic review; Wound healing; Wounds and injuries
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16020185

Several studies point to antibacterial properties and beneficial effects of honey on scar tissue formation, which is a low-cost and easy-to-use option. This study aimed to compare honey versus a placebo for cicatrization and pain control of obstetric wounds, and determine if one is superior to the other, in terms of efficacy, through a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Two independent investigators identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing honey and a placebo for obstetric wounds. The primary outcomes were wound healing and pain control. Five randomized controlled trials and 353 patients were included, of whom, 177 (50.1%) were treated with honey. Differences were not found in the final wound healing between the honey and placebo groups (MD -0.34; 95% CI -1.13, 0.44; = 0.39); however, there was a decrease in pain levels in the middle of the treatment (SMD -0.54; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.25, = 0.03), reduction in the use of pain medication (ORR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08, 0.86; = 0.03), increase in personal satisfaction in women who underwent the intervention (ORR 0.81; 95% CI 0.65, 0.98), and reduction in complications. According to the study results, honey treatments showed greater efficiency and provided benefits to the patients by accelerating wound healing and decreasing reported pain.