Objective: Regeneration of maxillofacial bone defects is clinically challenging. It is believed that Manuka honey can enhance wound healing and decrease inflammation. This study sought to assess the efficacy of Manuka honey for the regeneration of critical size calvarial bone defects in rats.

Methods: This study was conducted on 36 adult male Wistar rats in two groups of 18. Bone defects measuring 8mm in diameter were created in the parietal bone at the sagittal suture. In the test group, defects were filled with Manuka honey while defects remained empty in the control group. Six animals were sacrificed in each group at four, eight, and 12 weeks post-operation for histological and histomorphometric analyses of tissues. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA (P< 0.05).

Results: No significant difference was noted in bone formation between the test and control groups at four weeks (P=0.53) but the amount of newly formed bone in the test group was higher than that in the control group at eight (P=0.004) and 12 (P< 0.001) weeks. The amount of newly formed bone in the control group was not significantly different at four, eight, and 12 weeks (P=0.54) while the corresponding values were significantly different in the test group (P< 0.001). No inflammation was noted in any group.

Conclusion: Local application of Manuka honey may enhance the regeneration of critical size calvarial bone defects in rats.