The UMF activity, otherwise known as non-peroxide, in Manuka Honey has been well-documented by Dr. P.C. Molan and Dr. K.M Russell, in the paper “Non-peroxide antibacterial activity in some New Zealand honeys.” The activity of the non-peroxide antibacterial in honey is extremely effective and that it has been shown that there is antibacterial activity against at least seven of the most common types of bacteria found in wounds. It was found that 58 strains of Staphylococcus Aureus showed complete inhibition at concentrations of only around 2-3% UMF Manuka Honey. It was also shown that MRSA (Methicillian-resistant S.Aureus) were also investigated and displayed complete inhibition for 10% honey concentration (Molan 1998).
What is also interesting to note, is that active Manuka Honey is able to prevent the growth of Pseudomonas spp. which may be found on the surface of a wound, even if the honey is diluted ten fold by exudation from the tissue (Cooper and Molan 1996).
As well as the antibacterial properties that is present in Manuka Honey, there are other ways that Manuka Honey can assist with wound healing. Dr. Molan and Dr. Subrahmanyam found out some of the following points in which active Manuka Honey assists with the healing stages of a wound:
a) provides a malleable barrier for the area between the dressing and the wound. Thus helps to protect the new skin being torn away when a new dressing is applied.
b) offers a moist and sterilized free environment for tissue re-growth, hence enhancing tissue formation and reducing tissue deformity.
c) pulls up serum from the body into a wound by using an osmotic process.
d) the osmotic effect absorbs the pus in the wound.
e) provides glucose used by the white blood cells in order to create a ‘respiratory burst’ which is required to eliminate the bacteria.
f) eliminates tissue damage that may be caused by the use of standard antibiotics.
Dr Molan and his dedicated team of researchers have conducted thorough and extensive studies for Manuka Honey.
Our honey is of high quality, without the high cost outlay. It has an excellent level of antibacterial activity to help you maintain a good sense of wellbeing and to kill bacteria that may be running you down. The honey with its natural antibacterial properties is able to naturally eradicate the staphaureus bacteria even if the honey is diluted to only 1.8% honey concentration in water. Manuka Honey that has active properties has also been shown to eliminate the antibiotic-resistance staphaureus MRSA, which is also known as the “Super Bug” even at 10% honey concentration.
Aristaeus does NOT mix and match any other honey into our honey product range. We are extremely conscientious about our honey and we take what comes naturally from nature and our products reflect their unique pure state as if it is taken straight from the hive. Our Manuka Honey is tested and certified by Assure Quality® for its’ natural antibacterial strength and for assurance that it is one of the best honey’s available to you. Our prices are reasonable and compared to a lot of other companies on the market that sell theirs at half the size for the same price. Please take note of this and how much you pay per 100gms.
We truly believe ours is of very reasonable value and you will not be disappointed. Our beekeeper in New Zealand cares a lot about their bees and takes the product as he finds it straight from the hive, ensuring the best quality is offered to you.
Not necessarily so. Most companies say that the higher the UMF the better. However, Unique Cures thinks that you don’t necessarily need to have a higher UMF in order to achieve optimal results. The following reasons can explain this. Higher UMF (e.g. +20), are suitable for internal applications of Active Manuka Honey which may include the following; heartburn, esophagus ulcer, stomach upsets, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Our Aristaeus Manuka Honey is active and is suitable for everyday use and to help combat the common cold and sore throats.
Please note that it is known that a UMF factor of 20, 25 or higher, is too strong and may cause adverse reactions such as a burning or stinging feeling both internally as well as on external wounds. So please be aware of the strength of UMF that you may apply.
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. When honey is diluted, a special enzyme is produced by the bees – hydrogen peroxide; an antibiotic. Manuka Honey is known to contain a level of antibacterial activity in addition to hydrogen peroxide, however, no one has been able to discover this substance involved so it is known as UMF – Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF is a set standard way of describing the anti-bacterial strength of Manuka honey. The honey is placed in a plate that has some bacterial culture. It is then measured to see where the bacterial growth stopped. This is then compared to an area that is produced by water and a solution of phenol.
The number depicts the percentage of phenol which is found in the water. Therefore, Manuka Honey (that has active properties in it) is honey that has the same anti-bacterial strength as Detol, Oxydol, etc.
The antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey has been observed in many studies around the world. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey is effective in destroying the following bacterial and fungal microorganisms:
Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (Staph infections), Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori, stomach ulcers)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vanocomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
There has also been research that shows Manuka Honey obstructs the enzyme called cysteine protease. Please see this link for further information regarding the activity of Manuka honey. http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/pdfs/honeyresearch/activity.pdf
In 1981 Dr. Peter Molan, a Senior Lecturer at the Biochemistry Department, Waikato University in New Zealand, discovered that certain types of Manuka honey contained higher antibacterial activity levels than regular honey. He did not know what the substance was for this unusual type of activity, so he called it Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
It is worthy to note that all 100% unadulterated honeys contain an enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide, a proven antiseptic with antibacterial properties.
Interesting paper on how Manuka Honey is explained as a medicine. http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/pdfs/honeyresearch/bioactives.pdf
Standard honey has been used in the past to heal wounds, primarily due to the fact that it keeps the wound moist and nurtures the growth of new tissue with important vitamins and amino acids. Honey also contains hydrogen peroxide which is a known antiseptic. However, Manuka Honey has special plant-derived components that is unique to Manuka (such as UMF and methylglyoxal) that give it added healing properties not found in other types of honey. Manuka Honey is also very stable so there is no concern of it losing its potency or healing properties when diluted.
Aristaeus Manuka honey differs from normal honey because of the additional existence of non-peroxide antibacterial activity (The Unique Manuka Factor, UMF). The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide (a natural antibacterial agent) in honey is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat or light. The non-peroxide antibacterial activity in Manuka honey however, is stable so there is no concern about losing its healing properties in storage.
- Only Manuka Honey provides non-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial components.
- Manuka Honey’s antibacterial factor is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy
hydrogen peroxide components.
3. Manuka Honey is highly effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (such as
MRSA and VRE).
4. Manuka Honey maintains its potency even when diluted over 50 times.
5. Manuka Honey diffuses deep into skin tissue, making it possible to get to effected areas.