Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Brazilian organic honey against oral microorganisms

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Brazilian honeys against oral microorganisms. Design: Organic honeys (OH-1 to OH-8) were diluted (%-w/v) and sterilized by filtration. Antimicrobial activity was defined by determining MIC and CBM against oral Streptococcus. The component responsible for the antimicrobial action was defined by a catalase assay. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated against the monospecies biofilm of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 700610). Results: OHs showed antimicrobial activity principally OH-1, OH-2, OH-3, and OH-7 with MIC values ​​ranging between 10 and 25%. The mechanism of action occurs mainly by hydrogen peroxide produced by honey enzymes. OH-1, OH-2, and OH-7 showed total biofilm destruction at low concentrations. Conclusion: Brazilian honeys have promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity with the potential to control oral microbiota.