Honey: What antibacterial properties make up manuka honey
Honey was used to treat infected wounds as long ago as 2000 years before bacteria were discovered to be the cause of infection. An antifungal action has also been observed for some yeasts and species of Aspergillus and Penicillium, as well as all the common dermatophytes.
Manuka honey contains a unique concentration of antioxidant phenols and antibacterial compounds that inhibit bacterial growth and promote healing. Unlike many synthetic antibiotics, Manuka honey does not promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant super bugs and can help destroy difficult-to-treat infections like MRSA, health diaries.com.
This makes Manuka honey unique and highly effective in the treatment of wounds and in preventing infection. Here are the unique antibacterial properties of Manuka honey that make it such a powerful tool in the medicine cabinet.
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities.
Honey protects against damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. In addition, honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can quickly reduce pain and inflammation once it is applied, according to healthdiaries.com.
Components of Manuka Honey
Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey. It gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types of honey, including Manuka honey, also have other components with antibacterial qualities.
The major antibacterial component in Manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities.
In Manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound -- dihydroxyacetone -- that is found in high concentration in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
MG is thought to give Manuka honey its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect.
Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the potency of Manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF rating corresponds with the concentration of MG. Not all honey labeled as Manuka honey contains significant levels of MG. To be considered potent enough to be therapeutic, Manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF. Honey at or above that level is marketed as "UMF Manuka Honey" or "Active Manuka Honey."
Studies have shown that when used in combination with Manuka honey, other antibiotics are more effective at killing bacteria. One study found that oxacillin became more effective against MRSA when used alongside Manuka honey. It is believed that Manuka honey makes bacterial strains like MRSA more sensitive to the antibiotics.
The main medical use for Manuka honey is on top of a wound. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Manuka honey is also marketed for use in many other conditions. These include:
*Preventing and treating cancer
*Reducing high cholesterol
*Reducing systemic inflammation
*Treating diabetes
*Treating eye, ear, and sinus infections
*Treating gastrointestinal problems
If you want to try Manuka honey as a natural antibacterial agent, check out 6 Best Manuka Honey According to Reviews before you buys. Also check out 10 Gifts for Honey Lovers for some sweet honey gift ideas.
