Antibacterial Activity and Elemental Profiling of Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi), Samar (Acacia tortilis), and Multifloral Jazan Honeys Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a major global health challenge, especially among multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Natural products, including honey, are increasingly investigated as alternative antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of selected Saudi honeys and characterized their trace element composition.

Materials and Methods

Three honey types-Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi), Samar (Acacia tortilis), and Maraee (multifloral origin)-were collected from apisaries in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia (n=3 each). Antibacterial activity against MRSA was assessed using agar well diffusion at 100%, 75%, and 50% (w/v). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by broth microdilution. Trace elements were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), followed by heatmap and principal component analysis.

Results

All honey samples inhibited MRSA, producing inhibition zones of 19-34 mm. Sidr and Samar showed the strongest activity, with MIC values of 3.125% (v/v) and MBC values of 6.25% (v/v), while Maraee showed lower activity. ICP-MS revealed distinct elemental profiles among honey types, with all detected elements within international safety limits.

Conclusion

Jazan honeys, particularly Sidr and Samar, demonstrate strong anti-MRSA activity and safe, distinct elemental profiles, supporting their potential as natural antimicrobial agents against resistant pathogens.