Active honey. The facts!
All pure wild honey is known to possess 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 antioxidants 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) – Activity produced by bees
PA is a more common bioactivity caused by presence of naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide in honey. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by bee enzymes (protein that helps bees ripen nectar to convert into honey) which has anti-bacterial properties that helps the bees protect their honey in the beehive.
Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) – Activity produced by the plant
NPA is the less common bioactivity caused by the presence of other bioactivity compounds in the honey such as *DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) and MGO (Methylglyoxal). To protect themselves from bacterial infections, trees will produce many natural chemicals. When bee’s convert the flowers nectar into honey these chemicals become more concentrated and activated.
*DHA is found in the Manuka flowers nectar and along with other components is then converted into MGO when the bees turn it into honey.
What is Leatherwood Active – ALF 14+
Total Activity (TA) is a measure of both PA and NPA.
Our Leatherwood honey is tested for its Total Activity (TA). This test provides a phenol % reading or what is known as Australian Leatherwood Factor (ALF). This registered mark was created by The Tasmanian Honey Company’s owner, Julian Wolfhagen to distinguish Leatherwood honey that has special characteristics. Testing has also shown Leatherwood honey to contain high levels of antioxidants and is a significant source of probiotics as well as having anti-inflammatory properties when applied to wounds.
What does Manuka Honey’s MGO rating mean?
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a measure of Non-peroxide (NPA) only. MGO is the organic compound that gives Manuka (Tea Tree) its antibacterial properties that is responsible for Manuka honey’s unique health benefits. This test is measured by the amount of MGO mg/kg within the honey. For example, there is at least 100mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram in Manuka honey with an MGO 100+ rating. The higher the MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effect.
