Is Manuka Honey Effective Against MRSA?

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, and it is among the many "superbugs" whose presence now causes much concern in public health. These organisms have developed a kind of resistance to many of the antibiotics used to treat the staph infections acquired through daily activity, hence MRSA infections are known for their resistant nature, making their treatment complicated. Pressure has built up on the medical community to look for other forms of alternative and supplementary treatment, and inspired researchers to look at old remedies: honey. 

For millennia, honey has been acknowledged for its wound healing properties and antibacterial activities. Not all honey produced is equal, however. In particular, Manuka honey has attracted much attention from scientists due to its allegedly unique and strong antibacterial properties. Derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), this honey boasts of possessing compounds that have shown considerable promise in laboratory settings against some of the most serious bacteria, including strains of MRSA. 

This study will investigate scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Manuka honey against MRSA. The key ingredients that give potency to this wonder will be analysed, and studies about use will be explored before wrapping up with showing how it could fit in clinical practice alongside standard treatment.

What Makes Manuka Honey Different?

The primary antibacterial component found in most types of honey is hydrogen peroxide, which is produced in the nectar through an enzyme introduced by bees. However, this substance can be easily deactivated by light, heat, or the enzymes in human body fluids. 

On the other hand, the true strength of Manuka honey lies in methylglyoxal (MGO). This naturally occurring compound is generated from the nectar of the Manuka flower and has pharmacological properties. The MGO levels can vary widely, which is why Manuka honey is often graded and labeled with its MGO content (e.g., MGO 100+, MGO 550+). Generally, a higher MGO number indicates stronger antibacterial properties.

MGO makes Manuka honey a more stable and reliable antibacterial agent, as it remains effective even when hydrogen peroxide is not present. This unique quality has led to significant research, particularly concerning antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

The Evidence: Manuka Honey vs. MRSAs

I nhibiting Bacterial Growth

The studies have always shown that Manuka honey can arrest MRSA multiplication. When applied on MRSA cultures in Petri dishes, it creates a zone of inhibition where the bacteria cannot grow. These effects can be substantially attributed to the high MGO content that interferes with the bacteria's cellular processes. Even at lower concentrations than those needed for killing the bacteria, Manuka honey could prevent bacteria from creating protective communities called biofilms.

B reaking Down Biofilms

Biofilms are the chief reason for the stubbornness that MRSA infections have. Biofilms are slimy and organized communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces like wounds or medical implants. The matrix of biofilm acts as a physical barrier to protect bacteria from the antibiotic action and the body's immune system. 

Many authors have shown that honey from Manuka can break down developed MRSA biofilms. This is significant as very few antibiotics can fully penetrate and destroy such robust structures. By breaking through biofilm, Manuka honey will make individual bacteria more susceptible to reinvigorated antibiotics.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Manuka honey is that bacteria do not seem to be able to develop resistance. This creates a clear contrast with conventional antibiotics, which usually attack only one defined process in the bacterial cell; Manuka honey attacks in a variety of ways. The combined assault of osmotic effects from high sugar concentration, an acid pH level, and the potent effect of MGO makes it exceedingly difficult for bacteria to ever evolve a resistance mechanism. This suggests that Manuka honey can be considered a viable means of preservation in chronic wound management.

How Can Manuka Honey Be Used?

Based on the current research, Manuka honey is primarily being explored for topical applications, particularly in wound care. Medical-grade Manuka honey, which is sterilised to ensure it is free of contaminants, is already used in clinical settings in the form of dressings, gels, and ointments.

For MRSA-infected skin wounds and ulcers, these dressings can help in several ways:

• Create a Protective Barrier: The thick consistency of honey provides a moist, protective barrier over the wound, which is conducive to healing.

• Reduce Inflammation: Manuka honey has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain at the wound site.

• Debride the Wound: The osmotic effect of the honey helps draw fluid and dead tissue away from the wound, cleaning it and promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue.

• Fight Infection: Most importantly, its antibacterial action helps to control the infection and prevent it from spreading.

It needs to be best highlighted that these applications concern medical-grade products under professional supervision. In the case of a serious infection like MRSA, for example, simply applying honey that was purchased from the store could not help and may be quite dangerous.

Choosing the Right Manuka Honey

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Here's a general guide to MGO levels and their typical uses:

• Manuka Honey MGO 100+ to 263+: These are often used for general wellness and daily immune support.

• Manuka Honey MGO 550+ to 850+: These higher grades possess significant antibacterial activity and are often chosen for more targeted health applications.

• Manuka Honey MGO 1200+ to 1500+: These are the highest potency honeys, reserved for when maximum strength is desired.

When considering Manuka honey for any health purpose, always look for a reputable brand that provides certified MGO ratings to ensure you are getting a genuine and potent product.

A Natural Ally in Modern Medicine

With the onset of antibiotic-resistant superbugs such as MRSA, the need to move beyond conventional medicine and exploit every potential avenue has come into focus. Scientific evidence now strongly suggests that Manuka honey is a potent natural product with great promise against such pernicious bacteria. Its unique way of inhibiting MRSA, breaking down biofilms, and preventing the emergence of resistance makes it a candidate worth considering for use alongside standard medical treatments in wound management. 

While the role of Manuka honey in conventional medicine remains to be further established through clinical trials, it is emerging as a promising candidate in natural medicine. As the research continues to shed more light on the extent of its medicinal benefits, this age-old remedy may indeed become a more prominent member of our modern arsenal of healthcare.

How is Sunhighlands Manuka different from other brands?

Our honey is Australian-harvested, cold-extracted, antibiotic-free, and lab-tested for verified MGO content, ensuring maximum bioactivity and authenticity.