Research & Development

Research & Development

The use of Manuka honey is a developing field of medicine with strong scientific evidence to support its use in the treatment of wounds and skin conditions in a safe, natural and effective way. ManukaMed® is committed to further researching the therapeutic benefits of Manuka honey and supports the work of the Honey Research Unit at the  University of Waikato.

You can find out more about the Honey Research Unit and its work at http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey

The current research interests of the Waikato University Honey Research Unit include:

  • Developing a method of identifying the floral sources of honey by means of their chemical composition
  • Comparison of methods of identifying the floral sources of honey for their reliability
  • Investigating the flavonoids in New Zealand honeys
  • Identification of the oligosaccharide constituents of honey
  • Finding honeys with oligosaccharide constituents that could be growth factors for probiotic bifidoacteria
  • Investigating how the antimicrobial properties of honey work against bacteria, fungi and protozoa
  • Finding the best methods for assaying the antibacterial activity of honey
  • Isolating and characterising the unique antibacterial component of Manuka honey
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against wound-infecting species of bacteria that are a problem to treat with antibiotics
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the antimicrobial properties of honey against fungal species causing wound infections
  • Developing wound dressings that will hold honey in place on wounds effectively
  • Identifying the components responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of honey
  • Comparing honeys for their content of components with antioxidant activity
  • Studying honey’s production of hydrogen peroxide
  • Investigating the action of honey in stimulating the growth of tissues in wound healing
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the antimicrobial properties of honey against disease-causing protozoal species such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Trichomonas
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against bacterial species involved in gingivitis and halitosis
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the properties of honey against various types of viruses
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against bio-films.

ManukaMed® is dedicated to improving the well being of patients who could be needlessly suffering from conditions which may benefit from the application of Manuka honey. We are actively developing products to make the clinical application of honey more practical and effective.

We are keen to work with medical practitioners at all levels who may have solutions or ideas that will produce improved results with Manuka honey products. We have a commitment to research, education and training and maximizing the benefits from Manuka honey’s unique properties.