Honey has antibiotic properties and also helps to prevent ageing, according to a study by an Italian genetics expert.

Roberto Barale, professor of genetics at the University of Pisa, will present the study in Montalcino, during a conference of domestic beekeeping associations next week.

According to Barale, those with the most effective antibacterial and the greatest antibiotic properties are chestnut, eucalyptus and pine tree honeys.

The geneticist said his research proved that home spun remedies which rely on honey to heal a sore threat or mouth infections have scientific ground.

Research into honey's pharmacological properties are currently under way in the US, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey and New Zealand. Researchers are particularly interested in delving into honey's ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent to combat ageing's degenerative processes.