For centuries, honey has been known to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, and has been used to treat a variety of ailments. This medicinal value, which is exhibited by many types of honey, is believed to come from features such as honey’s acidity (low pH), high sugar concentration, and the presence of bacteriostatic and bactericidal compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, antioxidants, lysozyme, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and bee peptides. These features are sometimes collectively referred to as honey’s ‘peroxide’ activity. However, this “peroxide activity” is easily destroyed by exposure to fluids, heat, and sunlight.

Upon extensive research, it was found that Manuka honey had a different property, what was termed a “non-peroxide activity” (NPA), which was more potent and stable, opening up the possibility of a wide range of uses. The term “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF) was coined to describe this property which was originally based on its NPA test result. Later, research (1) was done to find out what exactly in manuka honey was producing this more potent and stable antibacterial effect. The compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), was isolated as having a direct correlation to the NPA or UMF rating of Manuka honey. The graph below plots data from this paper and shows the close relationship between MGO and NPA levels (expressed as UMF units).

In 2009, research (2) that showed that the MGO in New Zealand manuka honey originates from the chemical compound dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is present in the nectar of manuka flowers to varying degrees. (Some manuka plants have more DHA in their nectar than others.)

As the MGO in honey is created over time from the interaction of the DHA in the honey with various naturally occurring proteins and amino acids, the maximum concentration of MGO in any particular sample of manuka honey can be indicated by its DHA concentration. All other things being equal, a manuka honey sample with a high DHA concentration has the potential to turn into a manuka honey with higher MGO concentration than a comparable manuka honey sample with a low DHA concentration. One could think of the DHA as indicating potential MG concentration. However, both DHA and MGO also naturally decrease over time, so there is a limit to how much a manuka honey’s MGO concentration can increase – no matter how long it is stored.

MGO concentration is directly measured in ppm or parts per million, and typical Manuka honey sold at retail will have a MGO concentration of 100 to 600ppm. There are values higher than 600 MGO, but those honeys are rarer, and can be quite expensive. At Berringa Honey, we sell a maximum of 900+ MGO.

UMF members test their honey for MGO concentration, for Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and Leptosperin. After confirming threshold levels of HMF and Leptosperin, the actual UMF rating simply corresponds to the MGO content and ranges from 5-20 (see chart below). Most brands that use the UMF scale will typically use an even number, such as, 5+ UMF, 10+ UMF, or 15+ UMF. NPA or UMF ratings typically range from 5+ to 15+.

If you don’t see actual MGO or UMF ratings on the label, you need to be asking yourself “Why not?”  The answer is simple—they just don’t have it. Several of the best-selling, most widely promoted, popular brands do NOT properly convey the amount of MG on their labels, fooling you into thinking you’re getting something that you are not. The jars might say, “Manuka Honey” all over the label, and many contain words like “Bio Active 15+” or “K Factor 16” that are intended to make you think they are UMF ratings, but in fact, they are nothing more than words and numbers on a page created by the company. The same can be said for disclosures about pollen count or pollen percentage—they aren’t accepted standards for measuring the activity of Manuka honey.

At Berringa Honey, we are on a mission to bring understanding and assurance to you as the consumer. We put the MGO content right on our jar. We are happy to provide our independent NATA accredited lab test for each and every batch of honey that we produce showing the actual MGO, DHA HMF and NPA content. When you buy Berringa’s Manuka honey, you can be confident that you’re getting real, authentic Manuka honey. Click here to order a jar of Berringa Manuka honey today.