Manuka honey: important conditions identified
Power of manuka honey
Research identifies conditions important for antimicrobial properties
Auckland, New Zealand. 4th May 2009 Research has identified what makes manuka honey good for treating and preventing bacterial infections.
Studies at Plant & Food Research have shown that manuka honey, a high value honey made by bees who feed predominantly from flowers of the tea tree bush, has a specific mixture of compounds which results in its antimicrobial properties. The research also showed that the activity of this antimicrobial mixture, which stops bacteria from growing and halts the development of infection, depends on the oxygen levels and acidity of its surroundings.
The research, partly funded by the
Foundation of Research Science and Technology, is being
conducted with industry partner Comvita, who are
investigating the use of manuka honey as a natural
ingredient for foods with added health benefits.
In
addition, trials tested the safety of manuka honey in
humans, and it was shown to have no deleterious
effects.
“Manuka honey is known to be an effective
antimicrobial, and this research is aiming to understand
what controls these properties and how they could be
utilised in foods,” says scientist Douglas Rosendale.
“For example, we’ve shown that, when treating stomach
bacterial infection, the antimicrobial activity of the honey
does not affect the natural balance in the gut. We also know
that the antimicrobial compounds are mostly active under
certain environmental conditions, so we can assume that
eating natural manuka honey will likely be effective in
controlling bacterial infection in the stomach, but will
probably show less activity in the lower gut where
concentrations will be lower and there is less
oxygen."
“Comvita products provide added health
benefits derived from New Zealand’s natural fauna,” says
Ralf Schlothauer, Comvita’s General Manager Technical.
“By understanding the properties and safety of substances
like manuka honey, known to have antimicrobial qualities, we
can responsibly harness the power of nature and develop
products that will enable people to live healthier lives.”
Plant & Food Research and Comvita are also investigating properties of manuka honey which may be useful in wound healing.
ENDS