Manuka honey

Abstract

Leptospermum scoparium J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. is the plant species belonging to Myrtaceae family and commonly called Manuka or Tea tree. It is native to New Zealand and Eastern Australia and globally known as a source of famous manuka honey. It is monofloral type of honey, especially rich in bioactive compounds such as methyl syringate, leptosin and methylgiyoxal. This article briefly reviews chemical composition and main health effects of this honey. Manuka honey is well-known for its antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, effect in wound treatment and the variety of other reported biological activities. Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a grading system, developed to express its antimicrobial capacity, as a measure of methylgiyoxal and total phenol content, which also assures purity and quality of manuka honey.