Australian myrtle honey (Leptospermum Polygalifoliium) has been identified as the most powerful antibacterial honey in the world
That honey did well knew it more or less everyone, but the Australian myrtle honey has been defined as the best nectar in the world for its properties antibacterial, a natural remedy against infections unprecedented.
The Australian Mirto honey, derived from the Leptospermum Polygalifoliium plant, has been the subject of studies for its powerful antibacterial properties. According to research conducted by Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (Qaafi), this honey contains high levels of methyls (MGO), a compound known for its antimicrobial effectiveness. In some samples, the concentration of MGO has exceeded 1750 mg/kg, a quantity significantly higher than that found in Manuka honey, also appreciated for its antibacterial properties. These characteristics make Australian myrtle honey particularly effective against bacterial infections, including antibiotic resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus Meticillino-resistanto (MRSA).
But what is it that makes this honey so different from all the others?
The difference are the very high levels of the Methylglyoxal (MGO), present in significantly higher quantities compared to Manuka honey, also of Australian origins and already renowned for their antibacterial properties.
The CEO of The Australian Organic Honey Company & Medi Bioactive Australia, Carolyn Macgill, said that the results showed levels of antibacterial power such as to allow the development of highly effective antibacterial treatments.
We have recorded mg levels above 1750 mg/kg in some honey lots. This would make this range of Mieli among the most powerful in the world, said Ms. Macgill.
The honeys studied by the research group proved to be effective as antibacterial treatments when used in an interval between 500-1750 mg/kg of MGO to prevent the growth of the Staphylococcus aureus Meticillino-resista (MRSA), a common bacterial infection in hospitals and In Community structures with immunocompromised patients, such as rest homes.
The main researcher of the project, the Qaafi scientist Dr. Yasmina Sultanbawa, said that the power of these honey means that only a small amount is needed to fight infections.
The high concentration of active compounds in these honey has allowed us to completely inhibit the MRSA in the in vitro studies with a relatively small amount of honey, explained Dr. Sultanbawa.
This means that potential products could maintain significant levels of antibacterial activity even in surface wounds, where honey is diluted in the bed of the infection.
The presence of MRSA in a wound is a worrying question and the wounds colonized by MRSA represent an increasingly urgent problem in hospitals and nursing homes. The continuous emergency of antibiotic resistant strains or even antiseptics further complicate the treatment of these infections.
Research on unconventional, non -toxic remedies and with a low probability of developing resistance, such as the Qaafi study on bioactive honey, are very promising.
According to Ms. Macgill, the potential of these honey could lead to the creation of a range of highly requested products.
Our research has so far produced extraordinary results in the fight against MRSA infection, also with very low percentages of application, said Ms. Macgill.