The Use of Honey for Cicatrization and Pain Control of Obstetric Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective: Several studies point to antibacterial properties and beneficial effects of honey on scar tissue formation, which is a low-cost and easy-to-use option. This study aimed to compare honey versus a placebo for cicatrization and pain control of obstetric wounds, and determine if one is superior to the other, in terms of efficacy, through a meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Two independent investigators identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing honey and a placebo for obstetric wounds. The primary outcomes were wound healing and pain control. Results: Five randomized controlled trials and 353 patients were included, of whom, 177 (50.1%) were treated with honey. Differences were not found in the final wound healing between the honey and placebo groups (MD −0.34; 95% CI −1.13, 0.44; p = 0.39); however, there was a decrease in pain levels in the middle of the treatment (SMD −0.54; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.25, p = 0.03), reduction in the use of pain medication (ORR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08, 0.86; p = 0.03), increase in personal satisfaction in women who underwent the intervention (ORR 0.81; 95% CI 0.65, 0.98), and reduction in complications. Conclusion: According to the study results, honey treatments showed greater efficiency and provided benefits to the patients by accelerating wound healing and decreasing reported pain.