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Research
A Second Natural Antibacterial Agent
Dr Peter Molan and his research team at the Honey Research Unit at New Zealand's Waikato University found in some specific strains of manuka honey a second natural more powerful and more stable antibacterial property called UMF.
UMF is additional to the hydrogen peroxide activity and gives the honey a wider range of uses and effectiveness.
In laboratory tests the UMF property has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including:
• helicobacter pylori - this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers,
• staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli - the most common cause of infected wounds and MRSA,
• streptococcus pyogenes - causes sore throats.
The hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property of other honeys (including ordinary manuka honey) is not effective against helicobacter pylori.
The UMF antibacterial property is very stable. It is resistant to heat and more resistant to being broken down by the catalase effect of body fluids than is the hydrogen peroxide activity.
Studies are showing UMF Manuka Honey with high levels of UMF could be very effective in:
• digestive care by helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis
• wound care by assisting the natural healing of skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, pressure sores, MRSA, eczema, dermatitis
• relieving sore throats
• oral hygiene as it inhibits acid production and helps prevent cavities developing in teeth.
The UMF antibacterial property is a phytochemical property meaning it is a floral derived property coming from the nectar of some manuka flowers. For this reason it is in only some specific strains of manuka honey.
The hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property is from the enzyme glucose oxidase which the bees have added to the honey.
Honey with high levels of UMF is identified by the name UMF and its level clearly displayed on the front label. The higher the UMF rating the greater the antibacterial strength of the honey. A high UMF activity ensures best results.
