Manuka honey packs a powerful punch of antioxidants known for combating oxidative stress in the body. These properties support immune health, reduce inflammation, and have shown potential in improving gut health, promoting wound healing, and even aiding in cancer treatment.
In this article, we put together research-based benefits of Manuka honey’s antioxidant properties and how they can impact your health.
The Unique Antioxidant Properties of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has superior antioxidant properties compared to other types of honey. This is due to the high content of polyphenols which contribute to the antioxidant activity of the honey. All kinds of honey have polyphenol content, but the concentration differs depending on the geographic location and floral origin. In a 2019 study, researchers collected 40 honey samples from all over the world and tested their phenolic profile using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was discovered that Manuka honey collected from New Zealand had the highest phenolic acid content (235.50 ± 16.01 µg/g).
While a lot of the antioxidant effects of Manuka honey are attributed to its polyphenolic compounds, vitamin E and C also play a part.
1. Polyphenolic content: Phenolic acids and flavonoids
The antioxidant potency of Manuka honey is partly due to polyphenolic make up: phenolic acid and flavonoids.
There is evidence that phenolic acids like caffeic and p-coumaric acid, along with flavonoids such as quercetin, chrysin, and pinocembrin, are highly effective in neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which play a significant role in oxidative stress and cellular damage. A study on flavonoids states, “The potent antioxidant activity of flavonoids-their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, Superoxide anions, and lipid peroxyl radicals-may be the most important function of flavonoids, and underlies many of the above actions in the body.”
In addition, research concluded that phenolic compounds enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses by inducing the production of protective enzymes and regulating critical signaling pathways. “Phenolic compounds are known as direct antioxidants; however they also showed indirect antioxidant activity by inducing endogenous protective enzymes and positive regulatory effects on signaling pathways”
2. Vitamin E
Manuka honey contains trace amounts of vitamin E which also contribute to the antioxidant properties of Manuka honey. A study indicated that Vitamin E, particularly in its most biologically active form, α-tocopherol, plays a vital role in protecting cell membranes from lipid peroxidation. “Because it is fat-soluble, α-tocopherol safeguards cell membranes from damage by free radicals. Its antioxidant function mainly resides in the protection against lipid peroxidation.”
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C content in Manuka honey stands at 1067.4 mg/kg FW. Research shows that Vitamin C plays a vital role in neutralizing free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage, and supporting overall cellular health. “As an electron donor, vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant in humans.”
Vitamin C also plays a role in regenerating the reduced form of Vitamin E, thereby extending its protective effects. “Vitamin C works synergistically with vitamin E to quench free radicals and also regenerates the reduced form of vitamin E.”
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey’s Antioxidants
Manuka honey's powerful antioxidants have shown significant potential in aiding various aspects of health, providing vital support in areas like gut health and cancer treatment.
1. Gut & digestive health
Research has demonstrated that Manuka honey potentially possesses significant gastroprotective properties, particularly against ethanol-induced stomach ulcers.
In a study, it was concluded that Manuka honey, rich in flavonoids, could effectively reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with gastric ulcers.
In the study, Manuka honey preserved gastric mucosal glutathione (GSH) levels and boosted antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protect the gastric lining from oxidative damage. It also reduced lipid peroxidation, marked by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased gastric mucus and nitric oxide (NO) production, both crucial for preventing ulcers.
Additionally, Manuka honey reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, helping to modulate inflammation and protect the gut. “Manuka honey likely exerted its antiulcer, effect by keeping enzymatic (GPx and SOD) and nonenzymatic (GSH and NO) antioxidants as well as inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in a reduced form, inhibited lipid peroxidation (MDA), and preserved mucous glycoproteins levels.”
2. Wound healing
The antioxidants in Manuka honey have been shown to help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, promoting faster wound healing.
In a study using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and superoxide quenching assays, Manuka honey demonstrated a complete quenching of the EPR signal generated by peroxide within just five minutes, significantly outperforming other types of honey. This rapid neutralization of free radicals plays a crucial role in managing inflammation at the wound site. “All the honeys tested by EPR and superoxide quenching assay had some antioxidant capability when compared with controls. The manuka honey, in particular, showed complete quenching of the EPR signal generated by peroxide within 5 min.”
Manuka honey also promotes the synthesis of cytokines by monocytes. These cytokines help modulate the activity of other immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which rely on the presence of free radicals to coordinate wound repair. “Manuka honey has been shown to promote synthesis of cytokines by monocytes that have the potential to mediate the immune response.”
3. Anti-cancer potential
Manuka honey’s antioxidants may have the potential to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and enhance the effects of certain cancer treatments.
Research has indicated that there is a connection between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cancer development. “Extensive research during the last two decades has revealed the mechanism by which continued oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn could mediate most chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological and pulmonary diseases.”
One study investigated the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Manuka honey, particularly in relation to its impact on human colon cancer cells (HCT-116).
Both forms of honey were found to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibit colony formation in the cancer cells. “Regarding the anti-tumor activity against HCT-116, both treatments led to similar results regarding intracellular ROS production and inhibition of colony formation.”
However, there were differences in how they induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) and affected the cell cycle, with undigested honey blocking cells in the S phase and digested honey in the Sub G1 phase. “Some differences have been observed in the induction of apoptosis and the regulation of the cell cycle, resulting in a block of cells in two different phases (S for MH and Sub G1 for DMH).”
In another study, Manuka honey’s antioxidant power was also studied for its effect on colon cancer with similar results. The study highlighted the potential impact of Manuka honey (MH) on enhancing the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating colorectal cancer.
The antioxidants in Manuka honey were concluded to synergistically amplify the chemotherapeutic effects of 5-FU, leading to reduced cancer cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in human colon cancer cells (HCT-116 and LoVo). “Compared to 5-FU alone, MH synergistically enhanced the chemotherapeutic effects of 5-FU, by reducing cell proliferation through the suppression of EGFR, HER2, p-Akt and p-mTOR expression, and promoting apoptosis by the modulation pro-apoptotic (p53, Bax, Cyto c, FasL caspase-3, −8, −9 and cleave-PARP) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) markers.”
Additionally, Manuka honey also improved the anti-metastatic effects of 5-FU by reducing cell migration, reducing cancer contributing enzymes, and increasing the tumor suppressing protein, N-cadherin. “MH also influenced the anti-metastasis effects of 5-FU by decreasing migration ability, suppressing the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and increasing N-cadherin and E-cadherin.”
Yet another study indicated that Manuka honey could potentially induce apoptosis in cancer cells by activating the caspase-9-dependent intrinsic pathway, a key mechanism for triggering cell death. This was evidenced by increased caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation in cancer cells treated with Manuka honey, with effects observed even at very low concentrations (0.3–0.6%). “These findings demonstrate that manuka activates caspase-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells, a process initiated through caspase-9, implicating the intrinsic pathway in manuka-induced cell death.”
4. Healthy sweetener
Manuka honey’s antioxidant properties offer potential benefits as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, particularly for those managing diabetes.
A study highlighting Manuka honey’s ability to support pancreatic regeneration in diabetic rats, demonstrated that Manuka honey significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved insulin secretion, and alleviated oxidative stress in the pancreas. “Manuka honey supplementation efficiently improved the degenerative changes in pancreatic islets, increased insulin with a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress coupled with substantial upregulation in expression levels of transcription factors indicative of pancreatic beta cell regeneration.”
The antioxidant activity of Manuka honey was evidenced in its ability to lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels—a marker of oxidative damage—and restore the activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).
Conclusion
Integrating Manuka honey into your daily routine is a proactive step towards enhancing your overall well-being. With its potent antioxidant properties and extensive health benefits, Manuka honey stands out as a powerful ally in your journey towards better health.
To experience these benefits firsthand, consider making Bees & Trees Manuka Honey a staple in your pantry. Your health deserves nothing less than the best.
References:
- Full article: Phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles of commercial honey from different floral sources and geographic sources https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2019.1579835
- Phenolic acids: Natural versatile molecules with promising therapeutic applications - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6734135/
- (PDF) Antioxidant flavonoids: Structure, function and clinical usage. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285568856_Antioxidant_flavonoids_Structure_function_and_clinical_usage#:~:text=The%20potent%20antioxidant%20activity%20of,above%20actions%20in%20the%20body
- Phenolic acids: Natural versatile molecules with promising therapeutic applications - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6734135/#bib0640
- An updated review of functional ingredients of Manuka honey and their value-added innovations - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030881462302678X#s0280
- Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/#sec-a.d.gtitle
- An updated review of functional ingredients of Manuka honey and their value-added innovations - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030881462302678X#s0280
- Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/#R39
- Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiulcer Potential of Manuka Honey against Gastric Ulcer in Rats - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4685122/#sec4title
- Free radical production and quenching in honeys with wound healing potential https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/58/4/773/774430
- Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer: How are they linked? - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990475/
- The Influence of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Anticancer Activity of Manuka Honey - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023262/#sec4-antioxidants-09-00064title
- Manuka honey synergistically enhances the chemopreventive effect of 5-fluorouracil on human colon cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, altering metabolic phenotypes and suppressing metastasis ability https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584918309869?via%3Dihub
- Intravenous Administration of Manuka Honey Inhibits Tumor Growth and Improves Host Survival When Used in Combination with Chemotherapy in a Melanoma Mouse Model | PLOS ONE https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055993#pone.0055993-Inoue1
- Pancreatic regenerative potential of manuka honey evidenced through pancreatic histology and levels of transcription factors in diabetic rat model - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10559747/#sec5title
