For thousands of years honey has been used both orally and topically as a natural remedy. All honey has the enzyme glucose oxidase – which releases hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. This is secreted into the honey by the bee when regurgitating nectar from the floral source. As a result all honeys have hydrogen peroxide present. However, this can be broken down by some enzymes (such as blood and tissue), rendering it less effective.
The native New Zealand Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium) contains a special property that distinguishes it from all other honeys. Manuka honey has additional antibacterial properties which work after the hydrogen peroxide disappears (known as non-peroxide activity). This makes Manuka honey much more potent than other honeys.
These unique properties were discovered by New Zealand scientist Prof Peter Molan, who began his honey investigation in 1982. The numbering system 10+ 16+ 20+ 25+ was used to show the antibacterial efficacy of the honey when applied topically – 5+ was added later to show honey with some Manuka in it. This level does not have significant antibacterial strength.
Why you need the right sort of activity in Manuka Honey
Not all Manuka honeys are equal - some are more effective than others, and product labelling can be confusing or misleading. This video by Prof Peter Molandemonstrates in the laboratory why the special non-peroxide antibacterial activity that is in onlysomeof the Manuka honey on sale is important, and why the type of antibacterial activity in other honey is not as good as is made out in its activity rating.
At BeeBio, our natural skincare range uses Active MGS 16+ Manuka honey, based on theMolan Gold Standard™ (MGS), so you can be assured of the quality of our Manuka honey products.
A Science Based Grading System
Certified Molan Gold Standard
The Molan Gold Standard™ (MGS) is a grading system that has been reviewed by the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand to ensure that it meets legislative requirements. It appraises the natural marker methylglyoxal found in Manuka Honey, and assures purity and quality.
The Molan Gold Standard™ is tested and certified by an accredited New Zealand laboratory under the ISO17025 standard and a lab certificate for any batch of Molan Gold Standard certified honey is available on request.
MGS also certifies that scientific standards have been met to ensure the highest quality is maintained in all aspects.
The Molan Gold Standard is:
- A Quality Trademark
- Backed by the scientific research of Dr Peter Molan
- Internationally recognized
Independent Facility Audits
MGS adheres to a Code of Practice set out by New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, which is audited by Assure Quality to ensure compliance with quality standard production facility requirements.
Each stage of the production is audited on a regular basis including; harvesting, extraction testing, and packing facilities. Strict protocols are set in place by New Zealand law.
Internationally Recognised Testing
All MGS Manuka Honey is tested and certified by an accredited New Zealand laboratory under the ISO17025 standard and a lab certificate for any batch of MGS certified honey is available.
Each batch of MGS honey is tested for Methylglyoxal, HMF and DHA, Tutin and APC.
All our honey testing for these components is performed at an accredited laboratory.
MGS Grading System
The MGS grading system establishes:
The label claim that it is ManukaThe Methylglyoxal level is measured and shown on the labelThe Hydroxymethylfurfural level falls within the market guidelinesThe C4 sugar levels fall within the market guidelinesThe honey can be traced to the hive site(s)The honey has been processed in a NZ Government approved facility
To receive a MGS grading, a honey must have the presence of Methylglyoxal. The MGS rating is a measure of the attributes and values that make up Manuka honey, and assures purity and quality.
|
METHYLGLYOXAL CONTENT |
MGS GRADE |
|
≥ 1100 mg/kg |
25+ |
|
≥ 1050 mg/kg |
24+ |
|
≥ 900 mg/kg |
22+ |
|
≥ 800 mg/kg |
20+ |
|
≥ 700 mg/kg |
18+ |
|
≥ 600 mg/kg |
16+ |
|
≥ 500 mg/kg |
15+ |
|
≥ 400 mg/kg |
12+ |
|
≥ 300 mg/kg |
10+ |
|
≥ 200 mg/kg |
8+ * |
|
≥ 100 mg/kg |
5+ * |
*MGS 5+ and MGS 8+ do not have significant antibacterial quality.
Visit the website www.mgs.org.nz for more information.
At BeeBio, our natural skincare range uses Active MGS 16+ Manuka honey, so you can be assured of the quality of our Manuka honey products.