The use of honey as medicine is widespread across cultures, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect tissues from oxidative stress. A recent study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the different components in two popular types of honey with known health benefits, Manuka honey (MH) and ohia lehua honey (OLH), to see which had better anti-inflammatory properties.
MH is pure honey produced by honeybees in New Zealand that primarily feed on the Manuka shrub (Leptospermum scoparium), whereas OLH honey is produced in the Ka’u district of Hawaii’s Big Island from honeybees feeding on Metrosiderospolymorpha blossoms.
Previous studies have found that both MH and Kanuka honey inhibits inflammation in immune and cancer cell cultures. The honey’s phenolic acids and flavonoids also have shown antioxidant activity. This is the first study to compare those benefits head to head.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
The researchers found that the two honeys did indeed differ in their antioxidant potential, discovering that Ohia Lehua honey excels in reducing oxidative stress and promoting antioxidant defenses. The honeys were evaluated for their total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the oxidative stress index (OSI), which reflects the ratio between TOS and TAC in a rat inflammation model. The anti-inflammatory ability of the honey was measured against diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- OLH had high in vivo antioxidant activity, primarily achieved by reducing serum oxidant activity. Furthermore, OLH reduced TOS and OSI and had a greater TAC than diclofenac or MH.
- OLH significantly reduces oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and increases serum antioxidant capacity.
- At the lowest concentration of OLH, antioxidant activity was greatest.
- MH exhibited limited antioxidant activity at all dilutions compared, yet it did show some potent antibacterial activity.
You can read the full study, Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Manuka Honey and Ohia Lehua Honey, by clicking on the link.
