Researchers from Ethiopia’s University of Gondar College of Medicine have recently found that the use of mixtures of honey and ginger extract can treat drug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. They note that further clinical evaluation and pharmacological standardization of the mixtures are needed before they can be used therapeutically.

The scientists conducted laboratory testing with clinical isolations of five separate superbugs: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus (non-MRSA), two strains of Escherichia coli plus Klebsiella pneumoniae. The inhibition of all five types of bacteria by three common antibiotics—methicillin, amoxicillin and penicillin—were compared with the antibacterial effects of ginger extract, honey and a combination of the two.

The ginger extract and honey combination was found to have the greatest inhibiting effect on the bacteria; however, even the two applied separately were more effective against the bacteria than the antibiotics.

Although in vivo studies are needed, the researchers believe that the honey and ginger extract combination is a promising source for treatment of resistant bacterial strains.