Manuka Honey cure for MSRA ?

Could Manuka honey be an answer to the ever worrying problems with MRSA in our UK hospitals ?

Other items of interest

The antibacterial properties of UMF Manuka Honey have been found to be effective against the MRSA (staphylococcus aureus) strains of bacteria which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and sometimes responsible for closing hospital wards. The active ingredient in Manuka Honey has historically been a bit of a mystery, so although the compound worked well on wound healing, just how it worked was unknown scientifically. Thus it was labelled the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).

Indeed the effectiveness of the honey was so evident that in recent studies and hospital trials in New Zealand results showed the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) property could be a very effective treatment for MRSA.

There has also been additional research into the healing properties of Manuka honey. Traditionally Manuka honey has been widely used for wounds, healing and digestion, but the more we can get to know about this honey's healing properties for wounds, digestive and skin problems the better. The new research is very welcome and has been made on manuka honey’s anti-bacterial qualities.

There are some exciting new discoveries amid the results:

Manuka Health chief executive, Kerry Paul, said the University’s Institute of Food Chemistry was the first to identify the active compound methylglyoxal (MGO),and prove its high levels in some New Zealand manuka honeys . The discovery that honey’s anti-bacterial ability was directly related to MGO levels is highly significant. As quoted by Manuka Health chief executive Kerry Paul: 'We have known for some time that manuka honey has this property '.

The term Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)is used to describe this honey’s consistently reliable anti-bacterial effect and UMF has been trademarked by the Active Manuka Honey Association. 'It is only recently that we have known what part of the honey compound was responsible for this unique factor'. Kerry Paul explained. 'The next step is to put a standards process in place with the industry which independently certifies MGO levels in honey-based health products',he said.

However, with the identification of MGO, further applications for manuka honey were possible, including use as a potential tumorcidal agent to fight cancer. Current research on humans shows MGO results in complete remission in about 40% of malignancies, with partial remission in another 40%. Further studies are under way to improve treatment techniques.

A Japanese cancer researcher at a German university hospital earlier this month announced the results of a study showing Manuka Health’s Bio30 propolis extract suppressed NF1 neurofibromatosis, a type of tumour affecting one in 3000 people. Who knows where this will lead?

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