Honey used in trials against superbugs
 
Wellington, April 21 - New Zealand honey is being tested in the
fight against antibiotics-resistant ``superbugs''.
 
Two types of honey -- clover and manuka -- have been used in
laboratory trials at Wellington's Communicable Disease Centre,
associate professor Peter Molan, of Waikato University, said in a
statement.
 
In studies which were completed this month the honeys were tested
against seven multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and
were successful in killing all seven strains, he said.
 
Manuka honey had been used in stomach ulcer research, while the
clover blend honey had high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (a
natural antibacterial agent).
 
Dr Molan, co-director of the New Zealand Honey Research unit, said
the work to date had been in the laboratory, not on actual wounds.
 
The next stage was to develop clinical trials. The Honey Research
Unit was examining the logistics of trials being held in New Zealand,
but as there were few cases of superbug infection here, the trials
might have to be carried out overseas.
 
Dr Molan said manuka honey's antibacterial compound was more stable
than that found in other honey types, which meant it would be used
in future developments.
 
New Zealand produced around 300 tonnes of manuka honey annually.
 
Dr Molan was awarded an MBE in 1995 for his research into the
healing properties of honey.
 
His research into the use of manuka honey against the bacteria that
causes stomach ulcers was published in the Royal Society of Medicine
Journal.
 
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