Honey-Based Gel Composition

Abstract

A honey based composition is described. The composition includes a mixture of honey, a short chain fatty alcohol and a fatty ester or wax. The composition has applications for use in wound dressings and in one embodiment may be a gel. The composition has a higher than expected storage stability, remaining stable for many weeks when held at elevated temperatures and retains all of the other desirable characteristics including anti-microbial activity.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from NZ584463 dated 7 Apr. 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present application relates to a gel composition. More specifically, the application relates to a storage stable and natural based composition containing honey that has a gel structure and, on application to a wound, forms a skin over the wound.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Honey used in wound dressings has been extensively discussed and taught in the art.[0004]One of the difficulties of honey for use in wound dressing applications is that honey is a naturally sticky substance that if applied to a wound can be difficult to apply and runny. Solutions have is been proposed in the art to overcome this drawback of honey and yet still maintain the honey efficacy in wound treatment.[0005]One example is the use of alginate gums mixed with the honey to form gels. Another alternative is that described in U.S. Published Applicati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a honey-based composition that can be used as a gel to treat wounds. It prevents debris from entering the wound and helps to fight infection. The honey content is kept high to maintain its efficacy. The composition can be irradiated without losing its effectiveness and stability, which is important for sterilizing it for use in wound healing. Overall, this composition has improved properties and is easier to apply compared to pure honey.

Problems solved by technology

One of the difficulties of honey for use in wound dressing applications is that honey is a naturally sticky substance that if applied to a wound can be difficult to apply and runny.

A drawback of the composition as described in U.S. Published Application No. 2010 / 0233283 is that the composition when stored in the container over time can separate, particularly at temperatures over 3000.

This is undesirable as separation reduces efficacy and aesthetic characteristics of the gel.

A further drawback of the composition described in U.S. Published Application No. 2010 / 0233283 is that it uses a non-natural ingredient being an ethoxylated oil or PEG60.

Conversely, the other ingredients used avoid other difficulties associated with using honey such as being difficult to apply due to it's stickiness and the fact that body temperature causes the honey to run or flow from the wound.