About Manuka Honey
Manuka tree, also called tea tree, is the common name of Leptospermum, a genus of shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. It is well spread in east and south coast of Australia, and also some in the west coast. New Zealand also have one species (Leptospermum scoparium) out of more than 80 Leptospermum species in Australia.
Manuka honey is highly praised around the world because it has unique medicinal effects in addition to the functions of ordinary honey:
Antibacterial, especially can significantly inhibit bacteria without antibiotics resistance
External wound application to fight against Staphylococcus aureus and other infections
It can improve gut health and prevent gastric ulcers
It can soothe a sore throat and promote oral health
It can keep oral hygiene
It can improve the beauty of skin
Along with scientist’s decades of studying, the reason of Manuka honey having so many benefits were gradually revealed. The uniqueness that differs Manuka honey from normal honey is from a unique component which is only found in the nectar of Manuka tree flower - DHA (abbreviation of Dihydroxyacetone). It is the precursor of MGO (Methylglyoxal). MGO is the activity indicator of Manuka honey.
Different Manuka tree species have different quantity of DHA in nectar, therefore the MGO activity of Manuka honey is different, but not all species of Manuka tree in Australia have MGO activity. According to research conducted by an Australian scientist, the Manuka tree species contains the greatest quantity of DHA was found in Australia. Its DHA quantity is almost 4 times greater than the singular species in New Zealand. *
*The Antibacterial Activity of Australian Leptospermum Honey Correlates with Methylglyoxal Levels.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0167780