Summary: Mānuka honey’s healing reputation comes mainly from methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring compound that gives it a stable, measurable antibacterial activity far beyond ordinary honey. Combined with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, this is what underpins its traditional and researched uses. MGO is what sets genuine Mānuka apart, and the higher the MGO grade, the stronger that activity.
Mānuka honey has been valued for its healing properties for generations, first by the Māori people of New Zealand and now by people around the world. But what actually gives it those properties? This guide explains the science in plain terms: the compound responsible, why it is so unusually stable, and how its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity translates into the uses Mānuka honey is known for. Where a specific use has its own depth, such as wound care or coughs and colds, we point you to a dedicated guide.
What gives Mānuka honey its healing properties?
All honey has some natural antibacterial activity, but it comes mostly from hydrogen peroxide, which is fragile. Heat, light, and enzymes in the body break it down quickly, so its effect is limited and inconsistent. Mānuka honey is different. Much of its activity comes from methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that is far more stable and does not degrade in the same way. This is the single biggest reason Mānuka honey’s healing reputation outstrips that of ordinary honey.
MGO forms naturally. The nectar of the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) is rich in a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which slowly converts into MGO as the honey matures. Because that conversion is measurable, genuine Mānuka honey can be graded by its MGO concentration, giving a reliable, verifiable measure of strength that ordinary honey simply cannot offer.
The three properties behind the reputation
Mānuka honey’s healing reputation rests on three connected properties.
Antibacterial activity.
This is the best-documented property. Driven by MGO, Mānuka honey can inhibit the growth of a range of bacteria, including strains such as Staphylococcus aureus. The higher the MGO concentration, the stronger this activity, which is why grade matters so much with Mānuka honey.
Anti-inflammatory activity.
Mānuka honey contains natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including a range of phenols and flavonoids. The UMF Honey Association also associates anti-inflammatory activity with leptosperin, a marker compound found almost exclusively in Mānuka nectar. Laboratory findings here are more mixed than for the antibacterial activity, so this is best described as a supporting property rather than a settled one.
Stability.
The quality that ties the others together. Because Mānuka honey’s activity comes substantially from MGO rather than hydrogen peroxide, it remains effective in conditions where ordinary honey’s activity would fade. Stability is what makes the healing properties of Mānuka honey reliable rather than fragile.
Why MGO grade reflects strength
Because MGO is measurable, the number on the jar is a direct readout of how much of the active compound is present, in milligrams per kilogram. A higher grade means more MGO and therefore stronger antibacterial activity. It does not make the honey “healthier” in a nutritional sense; it reflects the potency of the property Mānuka is prized for.
|
Grade |
What it reflects |
|---|---|
|
MGO 100+ |
A gentle, everyday level of antibacterial activity. |
|
MGO 300+ |
A robust level suited to more targeted support. |
|
MGO 525+ and above |
High-strength activity for short-term, focused use. |
For help matching a grade to a purpose, see our guide on how to choose the best Mānuka honey, and for the full explanation of the rating systems, what MGO means in Mānuka honey.
How those properties are used
The healing properties above underpin several specific uses, each of which has its own dedicated guide. This page explains the properties; the guides below show them in practice.
-
Wound care. The antibacterial activity and a moist, protective environment are why Mānuka honey is so associated with wound care. Note that clinical wound care uses sterile, medical-grade product, not food honey.
-
Coughs, colds and sore throats. The soothing, antibacterial qualities make it a traditional winter choice. See our guides to Mānuka honey for coughs and colds and Mānuka honey for a sore throat.
-
Skin. The same antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity supports its use in skincare.
A note on what Mānuka honey is, and is not
Mānuka honey is a natural food and wellness product with genuine, measurable properties. It is not a medicine and not a substitute for professional medical care. Its healing properties support general wellbeing and the kinds of everyday uses described above. For any specific health condition, or before using Mānuka honey alongside prescribed treatment, speak to a healthcare professional.
Why choose Melora
Melora is an award-winning New Zealand Mānuka honey, independently tested and UMF certified so the MGO grade on the jar is one you can trust. From everyday MGO 40+ through to the highest-potency MGO 850+, every Melora honey is traceable from hive to jar, giving you genuine Mānuka with healing properties you can rely on. Explore the Melora Mānuka honey range to find the grade that suits you.