The antibiotic properties of manuka honey

With an average price of more than 70 euros per kilo, manuka honey is a real luxury. The fact that it comes from New Zealand and that it is produced from the flower of a rare tree, the Leptospermum scoparium. But what makes it truly valuable are its amazing properties.

The active ingredients concentrated in manuka honey

All honeys have some antibacterial effect and support the function of the immune system. But the antibacterial and antiseptic effect of manuka honey is much more powerful than that of other types of honey. According to studies at the Technical University of Dresden (Germany), this is due to the high content of methylglyoxal.

While other types of honey contain around one to two milligrams of methylglyoxal per pound, amounts of 300 to 700 milligrams per kilo in manuka honey.

Methylglyoxal has therapeutic properties proven:

It is useful for fight different types of bacteria such as staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to virtually all antibiotics. It is also effective against the bacteria responsible for most stomach and duodenal ulcers, the Helicobacter pylori.It is useful for treating heartburn.It is used in the prevention of cavities, canker sores and sore throats.Topically, it has a positive effect on the wound healing, burns and insect bites.

Studies on the effects of manuka honey

Several studies that have examined the potential of honey:

Initial studies such as those of the University of Ottawa (Canada) indicate that New Zealand honey Helps against pathogens that cause sinus infections.Other studies from New Zealand and the United States examined the antibacterial effects of manuka honey to treat gastrointestinal diseases caused by bacteria E. coli.There is also evidence that honey can help with respiratory tract infections (including lyrical) and otitis media.

​Authentic manuka honey only comes from New Zealand

Manuka honey is obtained from the nectar of (Leptospermum scoparium), a scrub-type tree native to New Zealand. In the Maori language, it is called “manuka”. Besides honey, the Maori also used leaves and flowers as traditional remedies.

Only honey sourced in New Zealand has the aforementioned high methylglyoxal content, which is responsible for its effect. beekeepers they take it a few weeks after the flowering season of the tree to prevent it from mixing with other pollen. However, since it cannot be ruled out that bees pollinate other flowers as well, the methylglyoxal content may vary.

Certified beekeepers indicate on their packaging the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO), sometimes also in the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) unit. If there is no indication of methylglyoxal in MGO or UMF on the honey jar, the manuka honey is likely not from New Zealand. However, the indication alone does not guarantee that it is real manuka honey.

The current high demand for manuka honey, especially from Europe, exceeds the capacity of New Zealand, which is limited by natural resources. In the samples they analyzed in Dresden they discovered counterfeits on the market in 2015. The researchers concluded that only one in six products contains pure manuka honey.

Manuka honey for wounds and diseases

Thanks to its antiseptic properties, Manuka honey can disinfect wounds. Therefore, it is traditionally applied to treat small cuts or abrasions, but for this indication you can only use manuka honey that you have found in a pharmacy. The application of honey does not exempt you from performing the usual cleaning of the wound with water, soap and disinfectant products.

Studies carried out at the University of Bonn show that manuka honey is indicated to treat the diabetic foot syndrome (a disorder that causes infection, ulceration or destruction of the deep tissues of the foot).

In addition, manuka honey is being investigated to be effective against antibiotic-resistant hospital germs of bacterial strains. Staphylococcus aureus.

Scientific references: