Honey Against Sore Throat

Medipol University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Honey; Sore Throat

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Honey

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06715800

10840098-604.01.01-E.29934

Details and patient eligibility

About

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the symptomatic efficacy of oral use of different functional honeys in patients complaining of sore throat.

Materials and Methods: In the preclinical phase of the study, a total of 1000 samples of honey were examined, and the honeys were subjected to physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Based on their functional properties, five different groups of honey were determined. These are thyme honey with high antioxidant capacity, Yüksekova with high antimicrobial activity, chestnut honey with high organic acid amount, linden honey with high enzymatic and pine honey with high anti-microbial, antioxidant and phenolic compounds and enzymes. In the clinical phase of the study, patients receiving conventional treatment were randomly assigned to receive either one of five different types of honey or a honey-like food product in addition to their treatment. They were instructed to use 15 grams twice daily for 10 days. Patients were assessed on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 10th days for symptoms and complaints such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sensation of throat swelling, weakness, and fatigue.

Enrollment: 282 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria: Adults presenting with sore throat symptoms due to an upper respiratory infection (URI) within the last four days were included in the study. A total of 300 patients over 18 years of age, who were prescribed necessary medication and exhibited signs and symptoms of sore throat, were enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria included a history of diabetes, pollen or bee allergies, and aversion to honey. Participants were required not to use any additional products outside of those provided by the researchers during the study period. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, who were then randomly assigned to either the study or control group.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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282 participants in 6 patient groups, including a placebo group

H1 Thyme honey group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given thyme honey in addition to drug treatment.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey

H2 Yuksekova honey group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given Yuksekova honey in addition to drug treatment.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey

H3 Chestnut honey group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given chestnut honey in addition to drug treatment..

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey

H4 Linden honey group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given linden honey in addition to drug treatment.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey

H5 Pine honey group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given pine honey in addition to drug treatment.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey

H6 Plasebo group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The group who applied with the complaint of sore throat was cultured and given plasebo in addition to drug treatment.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Honey