Measuring the Antibacterial Potency of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is an amazing natural resource which is used to treat and heal many health conditions and chronic health complications. Manuka Honey is a byproduct of bees which feed on the flowers of the Manuka plant which grows throughout New Zealand.

The Maori have been using Manuka honey for many ailments. Manuka Honey has been scientifically proven to have a high level of antioxidants and antibacterial activity. It's important to know that these properties have been known to vary from batch to batch. Therefore, each batch of Manuka Honey differs in regards to its therapeutic usages. Because of this variation, Manuka honey is now laboratory tested, graded and certified by regulatory commissions in New Zealand that regulate the production of Manuka Honey.

The primary rating system used is the UMF scale which has been in existence for about 10 years. This scale tests the honey against some of the most powerful antibacterial agents, such as carbolic and phenol. This test measures the antibacterial potency of the honey. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ has the same antibacterial potency of a 16% solution of phenol or carbolic.

With Manuka Honey becoming a more commercial product, there has been an emergence of additional rating systems, such as MGO, AAH and Molan Gold Standard. MGO measures the amount of Methylglyoxal which is one of the antibacterial components present in Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey MGO 400 consist of 400 mg of methylglyoxal per 1 kg of honey.

The different systems that are available to rate Manuka Honey's antibacterial potency, whether it be UMF, MGO, AAH or the Molan Gold Standard, each are registered trademarks of the various organizations and regulatory commissions that developed them. Each of these companies have published press releases indicating that their system is more accurate than the next. This can be confusing to consumers who just want to purchase Manuka Honey that is effective. It is generally accepted that Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Manuka Honey UMF 10+ is equal to MGO 100+ or AAH 470+.

Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16 is appropriate for most applications. Manuka Honey that is higher than 16 is usually more expensive and is generally not required. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ is the most recommended potency.