Honey

Alyce Harrell

Organic Chemistry

Dr. Anderson

The Widespread Use of Manuka Honey

UMF was first discovered by Dr Peter Molan, MBE, of Waikato University's Honey Research Unit.

His findings helped to catapult honey to the forefront of natural antibiotics. He discovered that Honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, a proven antiseptic with antibacterial properties.

Dr Molan's research found another more powerful and more stable antibacterial property, called UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), in some strains of manuka honey.

According to Dr. Ralf Schlothauer, Ph.D., CEO of Comvita, New Zealand's largest supplier of medical manuka honey, UMF is a concentration of unique antioxidant phenols present in manuka honey that directly inhibits bacterial growth and promotes healing. And unlike synthetic antibiotics, UMF does not promote the growth and spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which makes it highly effective at treating wounds, burns, and other skin problems that would otherwise be prone to serious infection. UMF is additional to the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property. These two properties together have a synergistic effect enhancing their effectiveness. Studies are showing the enhanced antibacterial qualities of UMF Manuka Honey gives the honey special healing qualities

To distinguish between the two types of Manuka honey Dr. Molan and the Active Manuka Honey Industry (AMHIG) have named the additional antibacterial property UMF .It is unique because it is only in manuka honey and in only some of the manuka honey strains. The name UMF is the seal and trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Industry and is available for use only by licensed users who must meet set criteria.

Manuka honey is also rich in a unique enzyme known as glucose oxidase that produces natural hydrogen peroxide, a proven antiseptic with its own unique antibacterial properties. All honey contains some level of glucose oxidase, but manuka varieties that are high in...