The Honey Research Unit (HRU) at the University of Waikato specialises in investigating and understanding the healing properties of honeys, such as their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In the HRU, scientists have developed assays to test the antibacterial power of different honeys. Their work has shown that Manuka honey is the best honey for killing bacteria and healing wounds.

Because of differences in the antibacterial power between different batches of Manuka honey, the researchers have designed a test to compare them. The test gives each batch of Manuka honey a unique Manuka factor (UMF) number. The higher the number the better the honey is at killing bacteria.

The HRU has used their understanding of the physical nature of honey and the ways in which honey acts in healing wounds to develop technology to produce various types of Manuka honey wound dressings. They have been involved in clinical trials to test these dressings in people. Also, the HRU has developed technology to solidify honey without losing its antibacterial activity, to form lozenges which can be sucked to treat gum infections.

Recent projects:
In 2006, the intellectual property and patents from research in the HRU were bought by the New Zealand company Comvita.

Comvita have made a range of wound care products for hospitals world-wide using the ideas developed in the HRU. For more information, go to the focus story: Honey to heal.