Methylglyoxal in Manuka Honey – Correlation with Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

A perfect linear correlation was found for methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey, ranging from 189 to 835 mg/kg, and the corresponding antibacterial activities of the samples, which were between 12.4% and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. This clearly underlines that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and above concentrations of around 150 mg/kg directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal can be a suitable tool for labeling the unique bioactivity of Manuka honey.

Introduction

Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand, is well-known for a pronounced antibacterial activity which cannot be found in any other honey. Manuka honey has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, making this honey to a promising functional food for the treatment of wounds, stomach ulcers, etc. Besides hydrogen peroxide, which is produced in most conventional honeys by the endogenous enzyme glucoseoxidase, several other non-peroxide factors were discussed to be responsible for the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) was introduced years ago, leading to a classification of premium products based on microbiological assays. A UMF of 10, for instance, has the same antibacterial activity to a 10% solution of phenol. Recently, researchers were able to demonstrate that the surprisingly high amounts of the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal are present in Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal, at the levels at which were found it in Manuka honey, proved to be another non-peroxide antibacterial constituent. This observation was confirmed by scientists. The purpose of the present study was to investigate to which extent methylglyoxal is responsible for the non-peroxide antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, in order to check whether it is possible to back-reference from the methylglyoxal content to the antibacterial properties of a honey sample.

Materials and Methods

The source of the 61 samples of Manuka honey from New Zealand came from drums of honey selected on a spread of non-peroxide contents and of varying ages. The amount of methylglyoxal was measured as the corresponding quinoxaline after pre-column derivatisation with o-phenylendiamine using RP-HPLC with UV detection. The data for non-peroxide antibacterial activity were analyzed by a specially appointed laboratory for testing for antibacterial activity using criteria laid down by the Honey Research Unit at Waikato University, New Zealand. Antibacterial activity was expressed as equivalent phenol concentration (% w/v). This value is used commercially as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).

Results and Discussion

Methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey ranged from 189 to 835 mg/kg honey. Corresponding antibacterial activities were between 12.4 and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. A good linear correlation (y = 8.388 + 0.0263x; r2 = 0.905) between methylglyoxal and the antibacterial activity was found. This indicates that methylglyoxal is directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Our data is in perfect agreement with results published by Adams who had reported data for 49 samples of Manuka honey. In their study, concentrations of methylglyoxal as measured according to Mavric ranged from 25 to 709 mg/kg.

Corresponding antibacterial activity was between “not detectable” and 27.5% equivalent phenol concentration. Among the samples analyzed by Adams, 30 samples had antibacterial activities higher or equal 10% equivalent phenol concentration. Plotting these 30 samples together with data obtained in our study, a perfect match of the data sets can be obtained. This remarkable agreement of results obtained in two independent studies clearly underlines the final statement that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and starting from concentrations of approximately 150 mg/kg is exclusively responsible for the pronounced antibacterial activity. Due to limited sensitivity and inaccuracy of the used test system, data obtained for antibacterial activities below 10% equivalent phenol concentration must be handled with care. This may explain the fact that the corresponding regression lines in Figure 1 do not pass through the origin (parameter a = 8.388 or 7.783, respectively). Furthermore, for such low antibacterial activities, other factors such as polyphenols, organic acids or currently unknown compounds may additionally contribute to non-peroxide antibacterial properties.

In conclusion, methylglyoxal is a unique antibacterial compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honeys from New Zealand and directly responsible for the specific antibacterial activity of these samples. Methylglyoxal can serve as a suitable tool for the labeling of the bioactivity of commercial products.



Figure 1. (A) correlation between methylglyoxal and antibacterial activity for 61 samples of Manuka honey analyzed in this study, (B) data analyzed in this study plus data from Allen shown as filled triangles

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.

Floral Nectar Component of Honey

The nectar of the flowers that honeybees use to produce honey can dramatically effect the flavor, color and medicinal properties of the honey itself.

Some honey is considered to be multi-floral which means that the honeybees used the nectar of several different types of flowers to produce the honey. Beekeepers that want to make a specific type of mono-floral honey will place their hives within close proximity to a certain type of plant so that bees don't have to travel far from their hives in order to collect the nectar. After gathering the nectar, the honeybees go back to their hives where they add enzymes to it to form honey.

Some types of honey are more suitable for medical use than others. For example, Manuka Honey from New Zealand has been found to have the most healing properties out of any other type of honey. As a result, Manuka Honey is now being used for medical purposes to treat conditions such as ulcers, wounds, burns, acid reflux, eczema, fungal and bacterial infections.

The antibacterial variation among floral nectars and the types of honey that are made from various nectars are due to several factors. Some nectar contains catalase, which is an enzyme that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. This diminishes the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide producing mechanism of honey which makes it undesirable for medicinal use. Other nectars contain substances with high antibacterial activity. For example, nectar that is derived from the Manuka Tea Tree has been found to contain antibacterial elements such as methylglyoxal and a substance that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Manuka Honey has also been found to contain flavonoids which contribute to its antibacterial properties as well as a very high antioxidant activity.

In addition to its antibacterial effect, Manuka Honey has other significant health benefits. Manuka Honey enhances the immune system by stimulating B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply. It also has the ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell growth, making it ideal as a wound dressing.

"Regardless of the floral nectar component, all types of honey contain medicinal properties," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of skin care products that contains Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. "However, Manuka Honey contains healing properties not found in any other type of honey which is why we use it in our products. The results we get from this unique type of honey outperforms traditional forms of medicine in most cases." Manuka Honey has also been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes.

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

Honey, the Ultimate Natural Antibacterial Agent

Honeymark, a manufacturer of skin care products, uses honey as a main ingredient because of its ability to kill bacteria and other infectious microbes.

Most people think of honey as merely a food item. However, honey is gaining its well-deserved notoriety as a medicinal ingredient because of its powerful antibacterial properties. There are four main characteristics of honey that are responsible for its ability to kill bacteria: Osmolarity, acidity, hydrogen peroxide and floral nectar.

Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugar that is high in osmolarity. It is this osmolarity that allows honey to destroy bacteria and fungus by drawing moisture for their cells. Fungal and bacterial cells require moisture to survive. Therefore, honey destroys bacteria and fungi by dehydration.

In addition to honey's osmotic effect, its acidity plays an important role in its antibacterial activity. Honey contains a number of acids, including amino acids and organic acids. Honey has a pH between 3.2 and 4.5 which inhibits the growth of bacteria. The optimum pH for growth of these species normally falls between 7.2 and 7.4.

The hydrogen peroxide producing capacity of honey is believed to be the main reason for its antibacterial activity. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria on contact and has been widely used for that very purpose. However, straight hydrogen peroxide is unstable and rapidly loses its effectiveness when exposed to air and light. It can also damage tissue when used in high concentrations. However, honey produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide over a prolonged period of time. This slow-release capability makes honey particularly ideal for treating infected wounds.

The variation of honey's antibacterial properties are predicated on the floral source, more specifically, the nectar used by the honeybees that produce the honey. Some types of honey contain more antibacterial properties than others. It has been determined that Manuka Honey from New Zealand has the highest amount of antibacterial properties than any other type of honey. Manuka Honey is made by bees that gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka tree which can be found predominately in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. It is believed that the floral components of Manuka Honey enhance the other antimicrobial properties that are present, creating a synergistic action that is optimal for therapeutic use.

In addition to Manuka Honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it has been determined that it stimulates B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply which boosts the body's immune system. Manuka Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain when used topically on the skin. Manuka Honey is also rich in vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids.

Manuka Honey has a miraculous way of repairing damaged skin and regenerating new skin growth which is why it is an excellent natural ingredient to use in skin care products. A company called Honeymark has developed a line of skin care products that contain Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. Honeymark's line includes the following products:

• Acne Cream
  
  
• Anti-Fungal Solution
  
  
• Anti-Itch Cream
  
  
• Antiseptic Spray
  
  
• Anti-Wrinkle Serum
  
  
• First Aid Antiseptic Lotion
  
  
• Hand Sanitizing Gel
  
  
• Liquid Hand Soap
  
  
• Pain Relief Cream
  
  

Blended with other useful ingredients, Honeymark products take the sticky mess out of applying honey directly to the skin. Honeymark also sells pure Manuka Honey for individuals who are interested in taking advantage of its internal uses. When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, soar throats, steph throat, acid reflux disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cold and flu symptoms, etc.

"Manuka Honey has far more impressive healing qualities than any other type of honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Honey was used for medicinal purposes for many years before modern-day medicines were invented. With growing concerns of the negative side effects associated with the use of pharmaceuticals along with the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain drug-resistant strains of infectious bacteria, honey is slowing finding its way back into the favor of medical professionals around the world."

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

Honey, Bacteria's Worst Enemy

Medical grade honey is now being considered the most powerful weapon against infection because of the presence of extremely powerful antibacterial properties.

Even though honey has been used as a wound dressing for thousands of years, recent studies have shown that one particular type of honey seems to be more effective than others. In the beautiful, pollution-free mountains of New Zealand, a plant called the Manuka Tree grows abundantly, spawning white and pink flowers that produce a nectar that bees use to make a unique type of honey. Manuka Honey is tested for its medicinal qualities that are a result of plant-derived components, making it an extremely valuable resource. Elements such as methylglyoxal and UMF make Manuka Honey far more effective in treating infected wounds and other skin conditions than ordinary honey.

There are several reasons why Manuka Honey is ideal for medical use. Manuka Honey has an osmotic effect which draws moisture out of bacterial cells, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive. The high sugar content in Manuka Honey reduces water molecules, making it difficult for microorganisms to develop and inhibit the growth of bacteria. When moisture is drawn out of bacterial cells by osmosis, the bacteria shrivel up and die, similar to the way slugs do when salt is poured over them.

Manuka Honey is also very acidic. The low pH level in Manuka Honey inhibits the growth of pathogens. In addition, the presence of hydrogen peroxide acts as an effective antibacterial agent. The hydrogen peroxide in Manuka Honey is produced when bees add enzymes to the floral nectar. However, the hydrogen peroxide exists in a slow-release manner that is strong enough to destroy bacteria but low enough to avoid tissue damage.

Manuka Honey also has phytochemical factors which contribute to its healing ability. Some scientists believe that Methylglyoxal is responsible for Manuka Honey's bioactive qualities while others refer to Manuka Honey's antibacterial component as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Nevertheless, Manuka Honey's ability to destroy bacteria and heal infections is unparalleled. Even hard-to-heal wounds and antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (such as MRSA) have not been able to combat the antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey. In addition to it's antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey also has antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating fungal infections as well.

Because Manuka Honey has proven to be so effective in killing bacteria, it is now being used as a main ingredient in wound dressings. Honeymark, a manufacturer of Manuka honey-based skin care products has achieved great success utilizing the powerful healing properties of Manuka Honey. "Our products heal wounds infected with MRSA and clear eczema when other products have failed," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Even fungal infections can be efficiently eradicated and it's all because of the healing powers of Manuka Honey."

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

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)

Manuka Honey is a special type of honey that has been found to have extraordinary healing properties and is now being used as a main ingredient in health care products because of its natural antibacterial activity.

Researchers have discovered that Manuka honey is a superior and effective treatment for wound infections. Studies have shown that all varieties of honey have some levels of antibacterial activity, primarily due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide. However, Manuka Honey has a much higher level of activity, up to 30 times greater than that of other types of honey. The studies have shown that Manuka Honey contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from the nectar that bees gather from the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush which is indigenous to New Zealand and some parts of Australia. This other antibacterial component has become know as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF.

There are several components that explain the antibacterial activity found in Manuka Honey. The high sugar content of Manuka Honey creates an environment in which there are very few water molecules, making it difficult for microorganisms to grow. In addition, the low pH level of Manuka Honey inhibits the growth of pathogens. During the developmental stage, bees add enzymes to the nectar to form honey. One byproduct of this enzyme is hydrogen peroxide. When Manuka Honey is diluted by wound or other bodily fluids, the enzyme activity increases, creating a slow release antiseptic that is antibacterial but does not cause tissue damage like other forms of hydrogen peroxide. The Unique Manuka Factor is an antimicrobial component that is somewhat of a phenomenon, creating an environment impossible for bacteria and other microbes to survive.

The fact that other types of honey do not posses this extra UMF compound is what makes Manuka Honey different in terms of its ability to heal. The antibacterial properties in standard honey can be rapidly destroyed if exposed to certain conditions such as heat or light. However the UMF activity in Manuka Honey does not break down, resulting in the antibacterial activity remaining intact and unaffected. It is also important to know that not all Manuka Honey is considered to be active or have healing properties. It is believed that only Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is suitable for medical use. The higher the UMF rating, the higher its antibacterial activity.

Manuka Honey's ability to heal is so powerful that it has even been found to be effective in treating antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE. These new developments are taking the medical industry by storm as a need for alternative solutions to these life-threatening, hard-to-kill bacteria threaten our schools, hospitals and communities.

"Wound dressings made with Manuka Honey are a viable alternative to traditional forms of medicine when treating Staph infections," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, a manufacturer of health care products containing Active UMF Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "Our First Aid Antiseptic Lotion has been effective in treating MRSA when other products, including antibiotics, have failed."

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

Manuka Honey vs. Bacterial and Fungal Infection

A unique kind of honey contains powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it incredibly effective in combating the microorganisms responsible for infecting wounds and causing a variety of other medical conditions.

The Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium) is a plant, native to New Zealand, that blooms flowers producing a unique nectar that bees use to manufacture a very special type of honey. This honey is known as 'Manuka Honey' and has been used as a natural medicine for many years to treat a variety of different health conditions such as eczema, ringworm, wounds and burns. Recent studies have shown that the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey is extremely effective, even more so than pharmaceuticals with no side effects. It contains natural antimicrobial properties that quicken the healing process and reduce scarring in badly infected wounds.

Researchers have found that wounds heal faster when treated with Manuka Honey dressings in comparison to traditional antiseptics. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey can provide a viable solution to many people living with skin and hair conditions. Dr. Peter Molan, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Waikato in New Zealand agrees that Manuka Honey has great healing qualities because of its enhanced antibacterial potency, which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Its antibacterial potency is even effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE.

Medical Research has shown that Manuka Honey had an 85% success rate in healing infected wounds, in compared to a 50% success rate of conventional treatments. Manuka Honey is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and protein which contribute to it's ability to repair damaged hair and skin. Manuka Honey’s antibacterial properties are soothing and can prevent acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin infections.

"The healing properties found in Manuka Honey far supersede that of which can be found in your average health care products sold over-the-counter in pharmacies," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "Our products have been achieving better results when used to treat conditions such as eczema, arthritis, ringworm, athlete's foot and wounds. Unlike many pharmaceuticals, Manuka Honey is a natural ingredient that has been found to have no negative side effects."

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