Tag Archives: Manuka Honey

Have You Discovered Manuka Honey?

ManukaJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Manuka honey is harvested from hives placed in hillside areas where native New Zealand Manuka trees flower, allowing honey bees to forage from spring to early summer. While it’s likely that bees may collect nectar from other sources as well, hives are placed where flowering Manuka trees are the predominant naturally growing vegetation to maximize exposure to the Manuka nectar. After harvesting, a sample of each batch of honey is sent to one of two main independent laboratories in New Zealand where the honey is tested and verified for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring organic compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honey. Honey may be stored for one to two years before packaging to allow the medicinal properties to develop and intensify. While other types of honey have a mild antiseptic property, Manuka honey has been shown to have additional and more powerful antibacterial activity.

Since ancient times honey has been known to posses antimicrobial and wound-healing compounds, the importance of which has been well documented in the world’s oldest medical literatures. Honey’s antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties are due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide. Manuka honey, however, contains stable non-peroxide-based activity separate from peroxide activity, an additional and unique antibacterial factor. As resistant pathogens spread worldwide, and the effectiveness of antibiotics is diminished posing a serious threat to public health, researchers are re-evaluating the therapeutic use of ancient remedies, including the use of plants, plant-based products and medicinal honey. Utilized in the treatment of wounds right up to World War Two, medical grade honey has been successful in treating severe wounds, including ulcers, pressure sores, trauma injuries and infected surgical wounds, providing an alternative to antiseptics, which can harm healing tissue, and reducing the reliance on antibiotics.

Research has shown that natural, untreated Manuka honey has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity when tested against a wide range of bacteria, including pathogenic, oral, and food spoilage bacteria. Since ancient times honey has been applied topically to clear wound infection and accelerate healing. More recently, this honey has been shown have multiple broad-spectrum bioactivities that work synergistically to expedite the healing process. There’s good evidence that Manuka honey’s biologic activities stimulate the immune response, suppress inflammation, and bring out rapid removal of dead tissue in wound healing. The well documented anti-inflammatory activity of Manuka honey has been attributed to significant quantities of phenolic compounds known to pose significant antioxidant activity. Manuka’s stable flavonoid profile is comprised of quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin.

UMF® and MGO™ ratings are both used to indicate the antibacterial strength of the honey. A trademark of Manuka Health New Zealand LTD., MGO™ ratings refer to the level of the active, scientifically confirmed ingredient Methylglyoxal, the unique compound found in the pollen of Manuka tree flowers. The higher the MGO™ rating, the higher the level of antibacterial activity in the honey. The Unique Manuka Factor® (UMF®) grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey, and assures purity and quality. The international trademark is restricted to licensed users whose product is audited and monitored, ensuring that it provides non-peroxide antibacterial activity, and is natural, authentic and unadulterated.

Active food grade Manuka honey with an MGO™ of 250+ or a UMF® of 8+ has been known to have a positive impact on sore throats, stomach ulcers, heartburn, gum disease and gastrointestinal upset. Medical grade Manuka honey may be utilized internally, and is safe for topical use for issues such as eczema, psoriasis, nail fungus, acne and rosacea, wounds and burns, insect bites, and athlete’s foot. Manuka honey’s impressive array of health benefits include its antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune boosting properties, which may help improve digestive system function, fight disease, and support overall wellness. In addition to its healing compounds, Manuka honey contains amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium and zinc. Manuka honey may be applied topically as a balm, taken orally to soothe the throat or digestive tract, or consumed daily as a nutritional supplement to support general good health.

Professional Supplement Center is pleased to offer the following Manuka honey products. Additional products available.

Manuka Honey Medical...Manuka Honey Medical Grade by ManukaGuard®: This 100% pure Certified Medical Grade 16+ Manuka honey is harvested and processed to specific published standards. The honey may be used topically or taken internally in support of normal healthy digestion, as well as stomach comfort and function. Safe, effective, bioactive, all-natural New Zealand honey is gluten, preservative, and additive free. Vegetarian product.

MGO 250+ Manuka...MGO™ 250+ Manuka Honey by Manuka Health: This high grade, premium Manuka honey is certified to contain at least 250 mg/kg of natural methylglyoxal. Harvested from beehives located in remote and pristine area of New Zealand, this honey has full traceability from beehive to shelf. MGO™ 400+ and MGO 550+ 100% pure Manuka honey also available.

Manuka Honey Premium...Manuka Honey Premium Gold 12+ by ManukaGuard®: This potent Manuka honey provides superior support for gastrointestinal and immune health. Rich in antioxidants, as well as oligosaccharides that help maintain and promote beneficial probiotic activity and prebiotic function.

Manuka Honey Lip...Manuka Honey Lip Balm by Manuka Health: Pure New Zealand Manuka honey has a natural ability to nourish, soften, moisturize and soothe dry lips. The 100% natural ingredients include MGO™ 250+ Manuka honey, sweet almond oil, calendula oil and cacao seed butter. No parabens or added colors or flavors

References:
Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
Honey: A Biologic Wound Dressing. http://www.woundsresearch.com/article/honey-biologic-wound-dressing
Flavonoids, phenolic acids and abscisic acid in Australian and New Zealand Leptospermum honeys. http://www.umf.org.nz/wp-content/myimages/2016/11/Yao-L.-et-al.-2003.-Flavonoids-phenolic-acids-abscisic-acid-in-Australian-NZ-leptospernum-honeys.pdf
When will we take medicinal honey seriously? http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/28399182