Discover the Potent Power of New Zealand Manuka Honey: MGO Certification and its Health Benefits

Tōtika Nature

New Zealand Manuka honey has earned remarkable therapeutic qualities. Among the finest, Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey is distinguished by its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. In contrast to other honeys, New Zealand Manuka honey boasts substantial concentrations of MGO, a critical compound underpinning its powerful antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. This guide delves into the science behind Manuka honey's advantages, emphasising the necessity of MGO certification and showcasing the unique attributes of Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey.

I.  Understanding MGO: The Key to New Zealand Manuka Honey's Potency:

The remarkable therapeutic properties of New Zealand Manuka honey are directly attributed to its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO, a naturally occurring compound, is responsible for Manuka honey's potent antimicrobial activity and its ability to support wound healing.  An Independent Laboratory's MGO certification provides a precise and reliable measure of the honey's MGO concentration, offering consumers a clear indication of its strength and potential health benefits.  This direct measurement makes MGO certification the most reliable indicator of New Zealand Manuka honey's quality and therapeutic potential.  Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey is proudly MGO-certified by an Independent laboratory in New Zealand, ensuring you receive a verified potency and quality product.

Sample Test Results of MPI Manuka Attributes Analysis and the Level of MGO

A.  Scientific Validation of MGO's Antimicrobial Power:

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated a direct link between New Zealand Manuka honey's MGO concentration and its impressive antimicrobial effectiveness. Higher MGO levels equate to more potent antimicrobial activity, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses.

1. Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections:

   Research shows that New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [1]. This makes high-MGO Manuka honey a valuable tool in fighting infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.

   
   

2. Wound Healing and Infection Prevention:

   Studies confirm that New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey accelerates wound healing and prevents infection [2]. Its ability to create a hostile environment for harmful microorganisms while promoting tissue regeneration makes it a valuable asset in wound care.

   
   

3. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity:

   New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting many pathogens [3], making it a versatile natural remedy for various infections.

B.  MGO's Role in Accelerated Wound Healing:

Applying New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey to wounds has yielded remarkable results in accelerating healing and reducing inflammation. Its potent antimicrobial properties prevent infection, while its humectant properties maintain optimal moisture levels, creating an ideal environment for tissue repair.

1. Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness:

   Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of high-MGO Manuka honey in treating various types of wounds, including chronic wounds, burns, and ulcers [4].

   
   

2. Promoting Tissue Regeneration:

   High-MGO Manuka honey stimulates granulation tissue formation, a crucial step in wound healing, and reduces inflammation [5].

C.  Beyond Antimicrobial Action: Other Potential Benefits:

While the antimicrobial properties are well-established, ongoing research explores other potential benefits of high-MGO Manuka honey, including its anti-inflammatory effects and possible role in supporting gut health.

II.  Experience the Totika Nature Active New Zealand Manuka Honey Difference:

Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey ensures the highest quality and potency with our sustainable beekeeping practices and vast scientific knowledge of manuka honey and processing. Our commitment to MGO certification guarantees you a product of verified strength and purity.  We believe in the power of nature to support well-being, and Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey embodies this philosophy.

NZ Manuka Honey MGO 1050+

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III.  Practical Usage and Sourcing:

1. Wound Care:

Research [5, 6] supports the application of a thin layer of manuka honey to clean wounds and cover them with a sterile dressing. Manuka honey's antibacterial properties, mainly due to methylglyoxal (MGO), help prevent infection and promote healing [5, 6].

2. Sore Throats:

Dissolving a teaspoon or two of manuka honey in warm water and gargling is a common remedy for sore throats. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of MGO can help soothe throat irritation and reduce bacterial infections [2].

3. Skin Conditions:

Applying a thin layer of manuka honey to the skin and leaving it for 15-30 minutes before rinsing is recommended for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of MGO can help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.

Overall, the applications mentioned are consistent with scientific evidence supporting the benefits of manuka honey for wound care, sore throats, and skin conditions [6].

Always consult a healthcare professional for severe conditions. 

To experience the benefits of Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey, visit our shop to explore our range of MGO-certified products.

Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey, with its high MGO content and commitment to quality, offers a potent natural remedy with scientifically backed benefits. Its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, directly linked to its MGO content, make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

References:

[1]  Title: Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Authors: Rowena Jenkins, Neil Burton, Rose Cooper. Published in: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 66, Issue 11, November 2011, Pages 2536–2542

[2]  Title: Manuka Honey Can Be Used to Inhibit Drug-Resistant Mycobacteria: Study Authors: Victoria Nolan, et al. Published in: Sci.News, September 9, 2022

[3]  Title: The Potential of Fish Oil Components and Manuka Honey in Tackling Chronic Wound Treatment. Authors: Jenna Clare, Martin R. Lindley, Elizabeth Ratcliffe. Published in: Microorganisms, Volume 12, Issue 8, August 2024

[4]  Title: Honey in Wound Healing: An Updated Review. Authors: Hanaa TashkandiPublished in: Open Life Sciences, October 6, 2021

[5]  Title: Monitoring the Release of Methylglyoxal (MGO) from Honey and Honey-Based FormulationsAuthors: Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, and Cornelia Locher. Published in: Molecules, Volume 28, Issue 6, March 2023

[6] Title: Honey: A Biologic Wound Dressing. Authors: Peter Molan, PhD1; and Tanya Rhodes, PhD2. Published in: Wounds 2015;27(6):141-151

Note:  This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Dr Isaac Flitta

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How, When, and Why Bew Zealand Honey Is Used for Wound Care,

by Rachel Nall, RN, MSN, CRNA

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How is Manuka honey used on wounds?

People have used honey for thousands of years for wound healing. While we now have other very effective wound-healing options, honey may still be good for healing certain wounds.

Manuka Honey has antibacterial properties and a unique pH balance that promotes oxygen and healing compounds to a wound.

Before you reach into your cabinet, know that wound-care professionals use medical-grade honey for healing chronic wounds and other injuries.

Is honey effective for healing?

Honey is a sugary, syrupy substance that has been shown to have bioactive components that can help heal wounds.

According to a literature review published in the journal Wounds, honey offers the following benefits in healing wounds:

• Acidic pH promotes healing. Honey has an acidic pH of between 3.2 and 4.5. When applied to wounds, the acidic pH encourages the blood to release oxygen, which is important to wound healing. An acidic pH also reduces the presence of substances called proteases that impair the wound healing process.

• Sugar has an osmotic effect. The sugar naturally present in honey has the effect of drawing water out of damaged tissues (known as an osmotic effect). This reduces swelling and encourages the flow of lymph to heal the wound. Sugar also draws water out of bacterial cells, which can help keep them from multiplying.

• Antibacterial effect. Honey has been shown to have an antibacterial effect on bacteria commonly present in wounds, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Part of this resistance may be through its osmotic effects.

Most medical professionals use a specific type of honey on wounds called Manuka honey. This honey comes from Manuka trees. Manuka honey is unique in that it contains the compound methylgloxal. This compound is cytotoxic (kills bacteria) and is a small molecule that may pass more easily into the skin and bacteria.

Honey and types of wounds

Wound healing professionals have used honey to treat the following wound types:

• boils

• burns

• nonhealing wounds and ulcers

• pilonidal sinus

• venous and diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers have conducted a variety of studies regarding the effectiveness of honey as a treatment for a variety of wounds. The Cochrane Review published a large-scale literature review of 26 such clinical trials, which encompassed 3,011 participants total.

The researchers concluded that honey appears to help heal partial-thickness burns and infected post-operative wounds better than many conventional treatments. However, there weren’t enough large-scale, high-quality studies to conclusively make recommendations for other wound types.

How do you apply honey for wounds?

If you have a wound or burn that won’t heal, it’s important to check with a doctor before using honey on the wound. Ask the doctor if honey is a possibility for treatment.

For severe wounds, it’s best a doctor or wound-care nurse shows you how to apply the honey the first time. This is because the amount of honey and the way the dressing is applied can impact how effective the wound-healing will be.

Tips for applying honey on wounds

If you’re applying honey on wounds at home, here are some general tips for application.

• Always start with clean hands and applicators, such as sterile gauze and cotton tips.

• Apply the honey to a dressing first, then apply the dressing to the skin. This helps to cut down on the messiness of honey when applied directly to the skin. You can also purchase honey-impregnated dressings, such as MediHoney brand dressings, which have been on the market for several years. An exception is, if you have a deep wound bed, such as an abscess. The honey should fill the wound bed before a dressing is applied.

• Place a clean, dry dressing over the honey. This can be sterile gauze pads or an adhesive bandage. An occlusive dressing is best over honey because it keeps the honey from seeping out.

• Replace the dressing when drainage from the wound saturates the dressing. As honey starts to heal the wound, the dressing changes will likely be less frequent.

• Wash your hands after dressing the wound.

If you have any questions about applying honey to your wound, follow up with a physician.

Happy Beekeeping Manuka Honey

What are the possible complications of honey for wounds?

It’s always possible that honey or its container can become contaminated, or, a person could have an allergic reaction. Sometimes, this is to the bee pollen that’s naturally present in honey.

Allergic reactions

Signs you could be having an allergic reaction to the honey include:

• dizziness

• extreme swelling

• nausea

• stinging or burning after topical application

• trouble breathing

• vomiting

If you experience these symptoms, clean your skin of the honey and seek medical attention.

Do not apply the honey again until you talk to a doctor.

Risks with raw honey

Some researchers have raised concerns regarding the use of raw honey, which is made from honeycombs and unfiltered, for wound treatment. They theorize that there’s greater risks for infection using this honey type.

While this is more of an idea than something that is proven, it’s important to be aware of the risks, according to the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine.

Ineffective

It’s also possible honey may not work to heal your wound. Frequent applications are required to see a benefit. This could take a week or more. If you aren’t seeing any improvement, talk to a doctor or nurse.

You should always check with their doctor before using this honey type to ensure it’s safe to apply to the wound.

Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN on November 16, 2018 —

Written by Rachel Nall, RN, MSN, CRNA

NZ Manuka Honey MGO850+ and MGO250+ (500g)

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