Scientists have identified the anti-bacterial component of manuka honey which has paved the way to a more precise way of measuring the honey's health benefits.

The research conducted by Professor Thomas Henle, Head of Food Chemistry at the University of Dresden, discovered that the naturally-occurring compound methylglyoxal has a direct link with the anti-bacterial efficacy of manuka honey.

Professor Thomas Henle said that the discovery has demonstrated for the first time that the bioactive compound, methylgloxal is directly responsible for the anti-bacterial activity of manuka honey. Measuring the concentration of methylgloxal found in manuka honey is therefore a direct indication for its antibacterial properties.

Following the discovery, Manuka Health, a leading New Zealand active manuka honey manufacturer, worked with researchers to implement a new measurement scale called MGOTM manuka honey which offers consumers a simple, yet reliable way to judge antibacterial properties by indicating the exact methylglyoxal content of the manuka honey.

Traditionally the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) has been used to measure the health benefits of manuka honey; however UMF has caused confusion among consumers and retailers because of its complex scaling system and conflict amongst scientists because of its inaccuracy in portraying the true health benefits of manuka honey. UMF measures the bacteria killing potential of manuka honey compared to concentrations of phenol, a common antiseptic but test results often vary by up to 50 per cent and UMF therefore offers no guarantee of potency.

The new laboratory MGOTM manuka honey stamp is based on the direct relationship between methylglyoxal and antibacterial activity and has proved to be accurate to within 5 per cent. Consumers can therefore be confident that the simple and accurate measurement system is a true reflection of the most important bioactive ingredient and the antibacterial properties of manuka honey.

Manuka honey is made by bees that collect nectar from the manuka plant which grows in New Zealand. Manuka honey has traditionally been used for its health benefits and is renowned for warding off infections, promoting natural healing and general wellbeing.

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