Scientists Identify a Secret Ingredient in Honey That Kills Bacteria

New information has been uncovered for those looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics. Research published in the July 2010 print edition of the FASEB Journal explains for the first time how honey kills bacteria. The research shows that bees make a protein that they add to the honey called defensin-1, which can be used to treat burns and skin infections.

"We have completely elucidated the molecular basis of the antibacterial activity of medical-grade honey, which contributes to the applicability of honey in medicine," said Sebastian A.J. Zaat, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Medical Microbiology at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam. "Honey or isolated honey-derived components might be of great value for prevention and treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria."

To make the discovery, Zaat and colleagues investigated the antibacterial activity of medical-grade honey in test tubes against a panel of antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria. They developed a method to selectively neutralize the known antibacterial factors in honey and determine their individual antibacterial contributions. Ultimately, researchers isolated the defensin-1 protein, which is part of the honeybee immune system and is added by bees to honey. After analysis, the scientists concluded that the vast majority of honey's antibacterial properties come from that protein. This information also sheds light on the inner workings of honey bee immune systems, which may one day help breeders create healthier honey bees.

"We've known for many years that honey can be good for what ails us, but we haven't known how or why it works," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, "Now that we've extracted a potent antibacterial ingredient from honey, we can make it still more effective and take the sting out of bacterial infections."

Even though all types of honey contain healing properties to some degree, it has been determined that Manuka honey from New Zealand seems to have the highest levels of these healing properties. Therefore, active medical-grade Manuka Honey is most appropriate for medicinal use. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, and Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-73269 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

A Consumer's Guide To Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on flowers of the New Zealand Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Since the pioneering work of Dr. Peter Molan was published in the early 90's, Manuka honey has been accepted around the world as a premier natural health product. This high level of acceptance, combined with the limited availability of the highly active forms of the honey, has resulted in premium prices and strong global demand. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a number of unethical practices that range from misrepresentation of the activity to outright forgery of the product.

Honey has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly as an antimicrobial agent. It has also been recognized that honeys from different plants vary in their antimicrobial potency. Honey exerts its antibacterial activity through two basic mechanisms: physical blockage of microbial growth and the presence of antimicrobial chemical compounds. The physical components are the osmotic effect and the acidity of honeys. The osmotic effect derives from the fact that the water content of honey is less than 20% by weight. Furthermore, honey is a super-saturated solution of sugars, primarily fructose and glucose, which interact strongly with water molecules. Therefore, not only is there little water in honey, but also most water molecules are not available to support microbial life due to the interaction with sugars. Also, honey has a low pH (generally below 4.0) which is too low to allow the growth of bacterial.

There is extensive evidence that active Manuka honey is effective in promoting the healing of wounds, burns and skin ulcers, helping to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. This wound healing activity of Manuka honey is due to its antimicrobial properties. Proper healing of a wound without leaving scars requires a moist environment, which is a challenge because moisture promotes microbial growth. Active Manuka honey will prevent microbial growth while retaining the moisture necessary for proper healing.

During the course of the past few decades, antibiotics have been used recklessly in by doctors. This has resulted in the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in particular the resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that plague hospitals and communities. Staph aureus is highly sensitive to active Manuka honey, highlighting the value of this honey as natural remedy.

The most affective strength of active Manuka Honey is a medium strength (UMF 12-16). Only a very small percentage of active Manuka Honey is produced in New Zealand that reaches extremely high UMF Ratings. However, UMF Ratings of 20, 25, 30 etc. are no more affective than a medium strength Manuka honey in the UMF 12-16 range. Some unscrupulous beekeepers in New Zealand have been known to heat their Manuka honey in an attempt to increase the UMF rating. However, heating Manuka honey can compromise the integrity of its healing properties.

For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

HoneyMark Products Review

Manuka Honey Video by Honeymark

Studies show that bioactive Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains far more healing properties than any other type of honey in the world, making it an extremely valuable healing source.

When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating internal conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, sore throats, strep throat, acid reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.

When applied topically on the skin, Manuka Honey is effective in treating conditions such as infected wounds, burns, eczema, ringworm, MRSA Staph infections, acne, boils, skin ulcers, pressure sores, etc.

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Dead Sea Mud with Manuka Honey by Honeymark

Honeymark's Mud Mask replenishes and revitalizes the skin, restoring its natural suppleness and moisture levels while alleviating and soothing soreness, redness and cracking.

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Pain Relief Cream with Manuka Honey by Honeymark

Effective in treating arthritis, backaches, muscle stiffness, sprains, joint and muscle pain.

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Anti-Fungal Cream with Manuka Honey by Honeymark

Eliminates fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, nail fungus, etc.

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Anti-Itch Cream with Manuka Honey by Honeymark

Effective in treating eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

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Anti-Wrinkle Serum with Manuka Honey

Honeymark's Anti-Wrinkle Serum eliminates wrinkles, helps the production of collagen fibers, improves skin elasticity and regenerates new cells creating younger looking skin.

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Acne Cream with Manuka Honey

Honeymark's Acne Cream containing active Manuka Honey is effective in eliminating acne and clearing clogged and infected pores.

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First Aid Antiseptic Lotion with Manuka Honey

Heals wounds and burns while protecting against bacterial contamination and skin infection, including MRSA and Staph infections.

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