What Makes Manuka Honey Unique and Exceptional?
Recent research suggests that using Manuka honey to leg ulcers and open wounds can be beneficial. Additionally, studies suggest it may help heal wounds and fight infections.
Honey is included in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database as “possibly effective” for treating burns and wounds. In comparison to conventional bandages, the Cochrane Review reports that honey may hasten the recovery of surgical wounds and light burns. However, they add that more study is necessary.
Another study suggests that by preventing the accumulation of plaque, Manuka honey may help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal illnesses. According to some research, Manuka honey may help prevent esophageal irritation brought on by cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Honey may also be advantageous since, unlike antibiotics, it doesn’t seem to breed bacteria with bacterial resistance. These so-called “superbugs” grow as a result of the frequent use of generic antibiotics. To treat them, specialized antibiotics are required. The majority of Manuka honey studies have used tiny sample sizes, and up to this point, there hasn’t been any evidence that Manuka honey can lower cholesterol or balance gut microbes. Furthermore, no significant research has examined how Manuka honey affects cancer, diabetes, or fungus infections Manuka Honey: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects .
How Methylglyoxal in Manuka Honey Works?
Since ancient times, honey has been used as a wound-healing treatment. To completely embrace honey as an effective medicinal treatment in wound care, there are currently not enough rigorous, well-supported randomized studies and experimental data. Compared to other honeys, manuka honey is said to have therapeutic benefits. Recently, it has been proven that reactive methylglyoxal (MG) is at least partially responsible for manuka honey’s strong antibacterial properties. Manuka honeys have MG concentrations that are up to 100 times higher than those of regular honeys. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a key precursor of MG, a powerful protein glycating agent. MG and AGEs can alter the structure and function of cells, and they contribute to the pathophysiology of poor diabetic wound healing.In this discussion, the worry that MG in manuka honey can prevent diabetic patients’ wounds from healing is discussed. To fully explain the role of honey or derived MG in treating diabetic ulcers, more in-depth research is required. We support randomized controlled trials to evaluate manuka honey’s effectiveness and safety in this population Methylglyoxal—A Potential Risk Factor of Manuka Honey in Healing of Diabetic Ulcers – PMC .
From Wounds to Wellness: Harnessing Manuka Honey’s Health Advantages
Here are seven health advantages of Manuka honey supported by science:
1. Promotes wound healing
Honey has been used as a wound, burn, ache, and boil remedy for centuries.
While preserving a moist wound environment and protective barrier, honey offers antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that guard against microbial infections in the wound.
Manuka honey has been found in studies to accelerate tissue regeneration, accelerate wound healing, and even lessen pain in burn victims. Manuka honey may also aid in the recovery of diabetic ulcers.
Additionally, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant types of bacteria that cause wound infections may be successfully treated with manuka honey.
2. Could improve oral health
According to studies, manuka honey fights against the bad oral bacteria that cause plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
The growth of dangerous oral bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is effectively slowed down by the high antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, according to studies.
3. It might ease a cough.
Coughs brought on by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) may be soothed by manuka honey. URTIs are frequent infections brought on by viruses or bacteria. They include respiratory distress syndromes, influenza, acute bronchitis, and the common cold.
Coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion are URTI symptoms. Antibiotics are useless as a treatment and may have negative side effects for URTIs because viruses typically cause them.
Numerous studies imply that honey can be a secure and efficient treatment for coughs brought on by URTIs. According to studies, honey may be more beneficial than over-the-counter drugs for treating URTI symptoms, particularly the frequency and severity of coughing.
4. Might protect against gastric ulcers
One of the most prevalent medical diseases affecting people is stomach ulcers. These lesions develop on the stomach lining and cause bloating, nausea, and stomach pain.
The majority of stomach ulcers are caused by the common form of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). According to research, Manuka honey may be useful in treating stomach ulcers brought on by H. pylori.
In one study, 294 people between the ages of 18 and 69 were studied to determine whether dietary factors affected the presence and spread of H. pylori. It was discovered that individuals who regularly ingested honey had a much lower chance of H. pylori infection than those who did not.
Additionally, those who consistently ingested honey had a much lower risk Numerous infections brought on by particular strains of H. pylori raise the risk of illnesses like stomach cancer and peptic ulcers.
5. Can lessen gastrointestinal symptoms
An inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBDs like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
According to rodent research, routinely ingesting Manuka honey may help manage C. diff strains, a type of bacteria that can cause extremely bad diarrhea and colon irritation.
6. It might be used to treat cystic fibrosis symptoms
The genetic disease cystic fibrosis damages the lungs and may also have an impact on the digestive system and other organs. It has an impact on the cells that create mucus, resulting in excessively thick and sticky mucus. Breathing becomes challenging due to the obstruction of ducts and airways by this thick mucus.
Common bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex, especially in vulnerable people, can lead to severe upper respiratory infections.
In a test-tube study, it was discovered that adding antibiotics to Manuka honey prevented the growth of these bacteria.
According to the study’s findings, Manuka honey may be helpful in treating upper respiratory infections, particularly in people with cystic fibrosis.
7. Might aid in treating acne
Acne is brought on by a variety of things, such as germs, a poor diet, stress, and hormonal changes.
Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties, when combined with a low-pH solution, are frequently promoted as an acne treatment.
However, the amount of research on Manuka honey’s capacity to treat acne is quite small.
Kanuka honey, which possesses antibacterial characteristics comparable to those of Manuka honey, was the subject of one study that looked at its effects. It was discovered that kanuka honey might treat acne just as well as antibacterial soap.
Manuka honey needs more study before it can be recommended as a successful DIY treatment for acne
