Comparison of topical honey and povidone iodine-based dressings for wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #anti-bacterial-agents #bandages #honey #humans

Comparison of topical honey and povidone iodine-based dressings for wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhang et al., 2021 | J Wound Care | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhang Fujie, Chen Zongnan, ... Zhang Taijuan. Comparison of topical honey and povidone iodine-based dressings for wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Wound Care. 2021-Apr-01;30(Sup4):S28-S36. doi:10.12968/jowc.2021.30.Sup4.S28

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In this review and meta-analysis, we analyse the evidence to compare the efficacy of honey and povidone iodine-based dressings on the outcome of wound healing. METHOD: A systematic literature search was performed using PRISMA guidelines in academic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and CENTRAL. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the effect of honey and povidone iodine-based dressings on mean healing duration, mean hospital stay duration and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain. RESULTS: From the search, 12 manuscripts with a total of 1236 participants (mean age: 40.7±11.7 years) were included. The honey-based dressings demonstrated a medium-to-large effect in reduction of mean healing duration (Hedge's g: -0.81), length of hospital stay (-3.1) and VAS score (-1.2) as compared with the povidone iodine-based dressings. We present evidence (level 1b) in favour of using honey for improvement of wound recovery as compared with povidone iodine. CONCLUSION: This review and meta-analysis demonstrate beneficial effects of honey-based dressings over povidone iodine-based dressings for wound recovery.

Key Findings

From the search, 12 manuscripts with a total of 1236 participants (mean age: 40.7±11.7 years) were included. The honey-based dressings demonstrated a medium-to-large effect in reduction of mean healing duration (Hedge's g: -0.81), length of hospital stay (-3.1) and VAS score (-1.2) as compared with the povidone iodine-based dressings. We present evidence (level 1b) in favour of using honey for improvement of wound recovery as compared with povidone iodine.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1236
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bandages
  • Honey
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Povidone-Iodine
  • Wound Healing

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09