Active honey. The facts!
All pure wild honey is know to posses a range of health properties that is measured by its peroxide activity (or TA – Total Activity). Several studies have shown that honey contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals as well as antibiotics and probiotics. Honeys composition also makes it an effective antimicrobial agent, useful for treating burns, cuts and aiding the treatment of sore throats and stomach conditions.
What is Active honey?
‘Active’ refers to honey that has had its medicinal properties independently tested. Typically found in the nectar of Leatherwood and Manuka (Tea Tree), these properties are also known for their ability to be antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory.
In honey, there are two types of Activity found:
PEROXIDE ACTIVITY (PA) and NON_PEROXIDE ACTIVITY (NPA)
Peroxide Activity (PA) – The Activity Generated by Bees
Peroxide Activity (PA) refers to the bioactivity that occurs due to the naturally occuring hydrogen peroxide found in honey. This hydrogen peroxide is generated by bee enzymes – proteins that assist bees in ripening nectar and transforming it into honey. Its anti-bacterial properties help bees safegaurd their honey within the beehive.
Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) – Plant Derived Bioactivity
NPA refers to the less common form of bioactivity that arise from the presence of various bioactivity compounds in honey, including DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) and MGO (Methylglyoxal). To defend against bacterial infections, trees produce a variety of natural chemicals. As bees transform the nectar from flowers into honey, these chemicals became more concentrated and activated.
*DHA is present in the nectar of Manuka flowers and, along with other elements, is transformed into MGO when bees produce honey.
What is Leatherwood Active – ALF 14+
Total Activity (TA) is a measure of both PA and NPA.
Leatherwood honey possesses a distinct antibacterial activity caused by hydrogen peroxide, which is assessed through it Total Activity (TA) rating. This mild antiseptic effectively kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, especially when applied directly to wounds.
The activity level is referred to as Australian Leatherwood Factor (ALF), which you can find on our jars of active leatherwood honey. This registered trademark was establised by Julian Wolfhagen, owner and founder of The Tasmanian Honey Company, to highlight Leatherwood honey’s exceptional qualities.
This is different from manuka honey, whose antibacterial strength comes from Methylglyoxal (MGO) rather than hydrogen peroxide.
What does Manuka honey’s MGO rating mean?
Methylglyoxal (MGO) serves as a measure of Non-peroxide (NPA) exclusively. This naturally occuring compound is what makes manuka honey unique, as it possesses antibacterial properties that specifically target harmful bacteria. In contrast to Leatherwood honey, which contains hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal suppresses any peroxide activity. As a result, Manuka honey is affective soley for antibacterial purposes.
Testing evaluates the concentration of MGO in milligrams per kilogram within the honey. For instance, manuka honey with an MGO 100+ rating contains a minimum of 100mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram. The greater the MGO level, the more potent the antibacterial properties.
