Honey has been treasured for its therapeutic properties for centuries. Across cultures, this natural remedy has been used for everything from soothing sore throats to healing wounds. But not all honey is created equal. Two unique varieties, Manuka from New Zealand and Ohia Lehua from Hawaii, stand out for their distinct compositions and potential health benefits.
Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree, is renowned for its potent antibacterial activity, while Ohia Lehua, sourced from Hawaii’s Ohia Lehua blossom, boasts impressive antioxidant power. These honeys contain a complex variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids, that contribute to their unique properties.
Researchers are now exploring the specific mechanisms through which these honeys exert their beneficial effects, investigating their roles in reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress and even fighting cancer. Unlocking the secrets of these natural wonders could pave the way for new approaches to health and wellness.
Manuka and Ohia Lehua Honeys Are Nature’s Antioxidant Powerhouses
A study published in Nutrients explored the antioxidant properties of Manuka honey and Ohia Lehua honey, seeking to understand how these honeys combat oxidative stress, a key factor in various chronic diseases.1 The researchers analyzed the phytochemical composition of both honeys and found that Manuka contained a 10 times higher concentration of phenolic compounds compared to Ohia Lehua honey.2
• Phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant properties — In vitro tests, conducted in a laboratory setting, demonstrated that both honeys exhibited strong antioxidant activity. They effectively scavenged free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cells, and reduced overall oxidative stress.
• There’s a significant difference in their effectiveness — In vivo tests, conducted on living organisms, revealed that Ohia Lehua honey proved to be more potent than Manuka honey in enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress markers.
• Ohia Lehua honey significantly increased total antioxidant capacity — This indicates that Ohia Lehua bolsters the body’s ability to neutralize harmful free radicals. Simultaneously, Ohia Lehua honey effectively reduced total oxidative status and the oxidative stress index, which are key markers of oxidative stress in the body.
• Manuka honey’s antioxidant effects were less pronounced — Manuka honey, while still exhibiting notable antioxidant properties, demonstrated limited and dose-dependent activity compared to Ohia Lehua honey.3
This means that its effects were less pronounced and varied depending on the amount administered. Manuka honey primarily increased total thiols, which are sulfur-containing compounds with antioxidant effects, indicating a different mechanism of antioxidant action compared to Ohia Lehua honey.
Decoding the Phytochemical Secrets of Manuka and Ohia Lehua Honeys
The study also looked into the specific phytochemicals present in each honey.4 Manuka honey was found to be rich in hydroxybenzoic acids. These acids, including methyl-syringic, syringic and trimethoxybenzoic acids, are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.5 They work by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the body.
• Ohia Lehua honey contains free radical-scavenging compounds — Ohia Lehua honey, while lacking hydroxycinnamic acids and certain flavonoids found in Manuka honey, contained other phenolics like phenyllactic acid, also known for its antioxidant properties.
This acid, along with other phenolic compounds in Ohia Lehua, contributes to its ability to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. The absence of certain compounds found in Manuka honey suggests that Ohia Lehua honey’s antioxidant activity relies on a different set of mechanisms.
• Manuka’s primary advantage is its antibacterial properties — Manuka honey is well-known for its antibacterial prowess, and the study found that it had limited antioxidant activity at all dilutions tested, especially when compared to its potent antibacterial effects.
This suggests that Manuka honey’s primary strength lies in its ability to combat bacteria, while its antioxidant properties, though present, are less pronounced. However, Manuka honey did demonstrate positive effects on specific oxidative stress markers.
• Notably, it reduced nitric oxide and advanced oxidation protein products levels — Both of these are implicated in oxidative stress and inflammation. Manuka honey also increased thiol levels, exceeding the effects observed with diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug.6 This suggests that Manuka honey, despite its limited overall antioxidant activity, still offers targeted benefits by influencing specific oxidative stress pathways.
• Ohia Lehua honey protects your cellular function — It was particularly effective in reducing malondialdehyde levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, which is the damage to cell membranes caused by oxidative stress. This suggests that Ohia Lehua honey helps preserve cellular membrane integrity during inflammatory states. By protecting cell membranes from damage, Ohia Lehua honey helps maintain cellular function and overall health.
These findings help guide the selection of appropriate honeys for specific health needs. For example, someone looking for support against lipid peroxidation might choose Ohia Lehua honey, while someone needing protein protection or antibacterial activity might lean toward Manuka honey.
Manuka Honey’s Role in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
A separate study published in Nutrients explored the ability of Manuka honey to inhibit breast cancer progression.7 This research investigated Manuka honey’s effects on both estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancer cells, seeking to understand its mechanisms of action.
• Manuka honey inhibits the growth of certain breast cancer cells — The study found that Manuka honey effectively reduced the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro, meaning in test tubes or cell cultures.
This effect was dose-dependent, with higher concentrations of Manuka honey leading to greater inhibition of cell growth. However, the impact of Manuka honey on triple-negative breast cancer cells was less pronounced.
• Interestingly, Manuka honey did not affect the proliferation of healthy breast cells — This suggests that Manuka honey selectively targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This is an important aspect of any cancer therapy, as it minimizes side effects.
• Manuka honey induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells — This process is essential for controlling cell growth and eliminating damaged or unwanted cells. The researchers observed that Manuka honey treatment led to increased PARP activation, a key marker of apoptosis, indicating that Manuka honey triggers the cellular mechanisms responsible for self-destruction in cancer cells.
• Manuka honey also disrupts cancer cell growth — Manuka honey demonstrated an ability to activate AMP kinase (AMPK) and inhibit the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. AMPK is a cellular energy sensor that, when activated, suppresses tumor growth.
The AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in cell growth and proliferation, and its inhibition is considered a promising target in cancer therapy. These findings suggest that Manuka honey combats cancer by disrupting key signaling pathways involved in cell growth and survival.
• Manuka honey was found to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation — STAT3 is a protein involved in cell growth, inflammation and cancer development. By inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, Manuka honey reduces inflammation and hinders cancer progression. This suggests that Manuka honey’s anticancer effects extend beyond directly targeting cancer cells to also modulating the tumor microenvironment.
• Oral administration of Manuka honey inhibits tumor growth — Finally, the study investigated the effects of Manuka honey in vivo, using a mouse model of breast cancer.8 The researchers found that orally administered Manuka honey significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 tumors in these mice.
This in vivo evidence supports the use of Manuka honey as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer, though further research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans.
These findings highlight the role of Manuka honey as a natural agent with anticancer properties, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Its ability to selectively target cancer cells, induce apoptosis, modulate key signaling pathways and inhibit tumor growth in vivo suggests a complex and promising mechanism of action that offers hope for new, less toxic approaches to combating breast cancer.
Harnessing the Power of Manuka and Ohia Lehua Honeys for Your Well-Being
Manuka and Ohia Lehua honeys offer a unique approach to supporting your health, particularly when it comes to combating oxidative stress and inflammation. These natural products, with their distinct compositions and mechanisms of action, are valuable additions to your wellness routine. However, it’s important to choose high-quality, unadulterated honey to reap the full spectrum of benefits. Here are some key steps to consider:
1. Seek out reputable sources — For both Manuka and Ohia Lehua honey, prioritize suppliers known for their commitment to quality and authenticity. Look for certifications that verify the honey’s origin and purity.
This ensures you’re getting genuine honey, free from contaminants and adulterants. For instance, if you see The Detox Project’s glyphosate-residue-free certification on Manuka honey, it means the product has no glyphosate residues down to government-recognized limits of detection (usually 0.01 parts per million).
2. Understand the grading system — Manuka honey, in particular, often features a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) or Methylglyoxal (MGO) rating. These ratings indicate the honey’s potency and antibacterial activity. Choose a rating that aligns with your specific health needs.
3. Check for minimal processing — Raw, unprocessed honey retains its natural enzymes, pollen and other beneficial compounds. Opt for honey that hasn’t been excessively heated or filtered, as these processes diminish its nutritional value. Most honey found on grocery store shelves is adulterated with high-fructose corn syrup and heated to high temperatures, forfeiting its health benefits.
4. Store your honey properly — Real, unadulterated honey, when stored properly, does not go bad easily and will stay safe to eat for many years. Store your honey in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage helps preserve its quality and extends its shelf life.
5. Consider honey for a natural sweetener — Medical grade honey is widely available and used by some hospitals for wound healing and wound infection control. Medicinal honey products are also available over the counter for home use. High-quality pure raw honey is also a healthy simple carbohydrate that’s easy for your body to digest. Use it to sweeten foods, along with other healthy natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Manuka and Ohia Lehua Honeys’ Therapeutic Benefits
Q: How do Manuka and Ohia Lehua honeys differ in their health benefits?
A: Manuka honey is primarily known for its strong antibacterial properties, while Ohia Lehua honey excels in antioxidant activity. Manuka honey contains 10 times more phenolic compounds than Ohia Lehua honey but has limited antioxidant effects. In contrast, Ohia Lehua honey significantly reduces oxidative stress markers and boosts total antioxidant capacity in the body.
Q: Can Manuka honey help in cancer treatment?
A: Yes, research suggests that Manuka honey selectively inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. It works by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death), disrupting cancer cell signaling pathways and reducing inflammation, making it a promising natural therapy, especially for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Q: What makes Ohia Lehua honey a powerful antioxidant?
A: Ohia Lehua honey contains unique phenolic compounds like phenyllactic acid, which help scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. It has been shown to be more effective than Manuka honey in vivo in enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases.
Q: How can I ensure I’m buying high-quality Manuka or Ohia Lehua honey?
A: Look for honey that is raw, unprocessed and sourced from reputable suppliers. Manuka honey should have a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO (Methylglyoxal) rating, which indicates its potency. Avoid commercially processed honey, which is often adulterated with corn syrup and stripped of its beneficial compounds.
Q: What are some practical ways to use these honeys for health benefits?
A: Both honeys can be consumed directly, used as natural sweeteners or applied topically for wound healing. Manuka honey is commonly used for antibacterial purposes (e.g., sore throats, wound care), while Ohia Lehua honey is great for boosting antioxidant levels and protecting against oxidative stress-related conditions.
