Synergism between manuka honey and penicillin antibiotics against Escherichia coli

Previous studies have suggested synergistic effects between manuka honey and different antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study we have tested in vitro the antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli of manuka honey with or without ampicillin and penicillin using the disc diffusion method. Similar synergistic effects of manuka honey with ampicillin and penicillin were observed, particularly in early phases of treatment. Overall, these results support the potential use of natural antimicrobials such as manuka honey either alone or in combination with synthetic agents to lower their therapeutic dose and prevent antibiotic resistance.