Manuka honey, a type of honey produced almost entirely in New Zealand, is believed by some to be as powerful as standard antibiotic medications--and in some cases, more powerful--at treating certain types of skin problems and conditions. Although honey has been used as a common wound treatment since ancient times, it was only after research conducted in the early 21st century that modern medical interest in honey and in the compounds contained in the honey that appear to effectively destroy microbe populations was revived.
History
Anthropologists report that the ancient Egyptians used honey to treat skin wounds for infection as long as 5,000 years ago, and the writings from many ancient Greeks, including Aristotle, indicate that honey was a common ingredient in skin salves. Use of honey as an antibacterial agent continued until the discovery of strong antibiotics like penicillin in the late 1930s and 1940s, though honey is still used in folk medicine traditions in certain areas of Africa.
Aspects
Peter Molan, a biochemistry professor and honey researcher at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, reports that honey from the flowers of the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), a tree native to New Zealand, contains a unique compound that is not found in other types of honey and that gives the manuka honey its powerful antibacterial properties. Molan calls the compound the unique manuka factor, or UMF. The UMF compound is thought to be more effective at killing microbes than regularly used antiseptics such as carbolic and is even able to destroy the most resistant types of bacteria, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureas, also known as MRSA.
Function
Researchers believe that all types of honey are able to kill bacteria by dehydrating bacterial populations--it is such a highly saturated solution of sugars, it strongly binds with all available water, leaving none for use by the bacteria--and making the environment around the microbes too acidic for them to survive. When honey is placed on a wound, a glucose oxidase enzyme reaction causes hydrogen peroxide to be produced which helps inhibit microbial growth. In addition, manuka honey contains a large amount of phytochemical compounds that display antibacterial properties.
Types of Treatments
Manuka honey is used to treat pressure sores, acne, dry skin, eczema, acne, skin ulcers--particularly those on the legs and feet--and burns. It can help repair the skin following surgery and has also been successfully used as a treatment for certain types of cancers that cause open wounds on the skin. According to DermNet NZ, manuka honey is often used as an alternative treatment after standard antibiotic treatments fail to control microbial populations and the risk of infection. Manuka honey, when taken internally, can also be effective as a treatment for digestive problems such as gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Research
A 2010 research study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing reported that the use of honey dressings to treat skin ulcers was twice as effective at decreasing the size of the wound when compared to standard dressings moistened with hydrogel. However, some researchers warn that more clinical studies should be conducted before manuka honey is a better treatment for skin problems and wounds than standard treatments and dressings.
Member Comments