Laboratory studies have shown that Manuka Honey is effective against a wide range of very resistant bacteria including the major wound-infecting bacteria and the stomach ulcer causing bacteria helicobacter pylori.
Manuka Honey Benefits (from clinical and other studies done worldwide):
-Inhibits Growth of Bacteria (In separate studies, researchers at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool and the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, found manuka honey could help to combat MRSA, which kills 5,000 British patients a year. Another study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found manuka had an 85 per cent success rate - compared with 50 per cent with routine treatments - when used to treat infected caesarean and hysterectomy wounds.)
-Supresses Gum Disease (In laboratory tests, it sharply reduced the acid levels produced by Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus caseii.)
-Soothes Sore Throats (Manuka honey with a high UMF rating could help fight infections, such as the bacteria streptoccous pyogones, that causes sore throats. )
-Helps with Disgestive Problems
-Helps with Acne, Eczema and Sunburns
-Boosts Endurance and Stamina(Researchers at the exercise and sport nutrition laboratory of the University of Memphis found three to five teaspoons of honey reduced the time to complete a 64km time trial by more than three minutes and improved cycling power by 6 per cent compared to a placebo.)
The honey being sold as ‘Active Manuka Honey’ is the only honey available that is being tested for its antibacterial activity and selected for sale based in its level of activity.
In the future, other honeys may be tested and selected for their antibacterial activity, but Manuka Honey contains an additional antibacterial component that is unique to honey produced from Leptospermum plants.
This activity is not affected by the catalase enzyme that is present in the tissues and serum of the body. The catalase enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide – the major antibacterial factor in other types of honey. The potency of the antibacterial activity of other types of honey would most probably be reduced when used on an infection because of the action of the catalase.
The hydrogen peroxide in honey is produced by an enzyme in the honey. This enzyme is destroyed by the exposure of the honey to heat and light. Active Manuka is very stable, so there is no need to worry about whether the Manuka Honey you are using has lost its activity in storage.
Manuka Honey has this unique activity in addition to the usual hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity, making it doubly potent. There is also evidence that the two antibacterial components together may have a synergist action, i.e. the combined effect is greater than the sum of its parts.
Active honey is more effective than honey with just hydrogen peroxide against some types of bacteria. Against Staphylococcus aureus, the most common cause of infected wounds, active Manuka Honey is twice as effective as other honeys. Against Helicobacter pylori, the cause of peptic ulcers, Manuka Honey is more than eight times as effective as other honeys. In research work that we are currently doing, Manuka Honey is significantly more effective against Streptococcus pyogenes which causes sore throats.
