Manuka honey contains a unique concentration of antioxidant phenols and antibacterial compounds that inhibit bacterial growth and promote healing. Unlike many synthetic antibiotics, manuka honey does not promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant super bugs and can help destroy difficult-to-treat infections like MRSA. This makes manuka honey unique and highly effective in the treatment of wounds and in preventing infection. Here are the unique antibacterial properties of manuka honey that make it such a powerful tool in the medicine cabinet:
Studies
Dozens of studies have been reported attesting to the antibacterial power of manuka honey. Lab studies show how the honey inhibits the growth of over 80 strains of bacteria, including the antibiotic-resistant MRSA by interfering with its environment, breaking down the proteins it needs to survive and inhibiting bacterial cell division.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Manuka honey is rich with an enzyme called glucose oxidase that produces hydrogen peroxide naturally. Hydrogen peroxide is a proven antiseptic with antibacterial properties. While all honey contains glucose oxidase, the levels in manuka honey are extremely high and seem to be uniquely effective in fighting bacteria.
Methylglyoxal (MG)
MG (sometimes called MGO) is the major antibacterial component of manuka honey. MG is usually found in only small quantities in most honey, but exists in highly concentrated forms in manuka honey. In general, the higher concentration of MG, the higher the antibacterial potency of the honey. MG has demonstrated a strong ability to destroy Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Psudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA, and many other bacterial strains.
Sugar
Sugar plays a key role in manuka honey's ability to destroy bacteria. All honey is antimicrobial by nature due to its high concentration of sugar. Bacteria can't grow in high sugar environments because the sugar interferes with water and other substances that bacteria need to survive.
Increased Antibiotic Effect
Studies have shown that when used in combination with manuka honey, other antibiotics are more effective at killing bacteria. One study found that oxacillin became more effective against MRSA when used alongside manuka honey. It is believed that manuka honey makes bacterial strains like MRSA more sensitive to the antibiotics.
If you want to try Manuka honey as a natural antibacterial agent, check out 6 Best Manuka Honey According to Reviews before you buy. Also check out 10 Gifts for Honey Lovers for some sweet honey gift ideas.
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