Stimulation of TNF-alpha release in monocytes by honey

Although evidence exists for the antibacterial effects of honey there is li mited objective evidence for direct promotion of healing, We investigated t he effect of manuka, pasture and an artificial honey on macrophage function . Reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production was assessed by luminol enh anced chemoluminescence and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-1 alpha) rele ase was determined by immunoassay, ROI production was significantly (P<0.00 1) decreased by pasture honey and manuka honey. TNF-<alpha> release was sig nificantly enhanced (P<0.001) in unprimed MM6 cells by manuka and pasture h oney but was not altered in primed cells. These results could explain the s uggested therapeutic properties of honey in promoting wound healing. (C) 20 01 Academic Press.