Throughout history, honey has been known for its healing properties. It was eventually discovered that honey derived from certain plants have more healing qualities than others. For decades, scientists have been researching various honey derived from different plants in New Zealand, and have identified Manuka honey as having significantly higher levels of antibacterial properties than other types of honey.
Most forms of honey are antibacterial due to the presence of glucose oxidase enzyme. When this enzyme comes in contact with body tissue, it releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can destroy bacteria. When studying honey derived from the nectar of the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), researchers discovered that it contained a second antibacterial component in addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme. This component is unique to the Manuka plant and contains antibacterial properties that are effective against highly resistant forms of bacteria such as MRSA, VRE and H. pylori.
The additional compound that is present in some Manuka honey has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Its potency is able to be quantified in laboratory testing and identified by numbers ranging from 0 through 30. To date, no harmful bacteria have been able to develop a resistance to active Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher. Manuka honey is also resistant to heat and the catalase effect of body serum which can negatively affect the hydrogen peroxide activity of other types of honey. This makes active Manuka honey a much more viable option for medicinal use.
Manuka Honey has tremendous healing properties and can be used for stomach aches and sore throats by stimulating the immune system and helping to prevent dehydration. It also provides outstanding success in treating infected wounds that have not responded to conventional treatment. Manuka honey is the only honey available that is tested for its antibacterial activity. There is evidence that UMF and hydrogen peroxide may have a synergistic action in contributing to the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey. UMF is not affected by the catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum. This enzyme will break down the hydrogen peroxide which is the major antibacterial factor in other types of honey. If a honey without UMF were used to treat an infection, the potency of the honey's antibacterial activity would most likely be reduced because of the action of catalase.
The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat and light. However, UMF is stable, so there is no concern about Manuka honey losing its activity. The enzyme in other honeys becomes active only when the honey is diluted. However, UMF is active in full strength honey, which will provide a more potent antibacterial action, diffusing into the depth of infected tissues.
Non-UMF honey needs oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide and may not work under wound dressings or in wound cavities. However, Manuka Honey with UMF is active in all situations. The enzyme in non-UMF honey becomes active only when the acidity of the honey is neutralized by body fluids, but then the honey is diluted. It could be destroyed by the protein-digesting enzymes that are in wound fluids. However, UMF antibacterial activity diffuses deeper into skin tissues than does the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey. Therefore, UMF Manuka Honey is more effective against bacteria than other types of honey. In fact, it's about twice as effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus which are the two most common causes of infected wounds. Manuka Honey UMF 16 is recommended for most applications.
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
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