Scientists have discovered that Manuka Honey has the ability to destroy antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria because of its extraordinary antibacterial properties.

Honey is an ancient remedy that is gaining increased acceptance in the modern treatment of wounds. It has now been discovered that a particular type of honey called 'Manuka Honey' contains even more powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are effective in destroying a wide range of pathogens and has been shown to be equally effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

In laboratory studies, the effect of exposing MRSA to Manuka Honey was performed using electron microscopy. MRSA that was exposed to Manuka Honey showed noticeable differences to the MRSA that wasn't exposed to Manuka Honey. The notable difference was the presence of septa in cells inhibited by Manuka Honey.

In MRSA exposed to Manuka Honey, there was a increase in the numbers of bacterial cells with septain comparison to MRSA that was not exposed to Manuka Honey. It is believe that Manuka Honey interferes with the cell cycle of MRSA by affecting the separation of new cells after septum formation. Therefore, cells unable to complete division are disabled at that point in the cell cycle. MRSA is extremely difficult to treat because of its resistance to antibiotics. This research indicates that Manuka Honey is a viable solution to treating wounds infected with MRSA.

MRSA is a spherical bacterium that grows and divides into 2 similar cells every 30 minutes. It divides by forming a septum across the middle of the cell, which then splits in half to release two new cells. It has been found that 41% of untreated MRSA contained septa, whereas MRSA treated with Manuka Honey had higher proportions of septa. This occurred within one hour of exposing MRSA to Manuka Honey.

"MRSA cannot survive in the presence of Manuka Honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, which is a manufacturer of health care products containing Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "In fact, to date, there has been no bacteria that has been able to develop a resistance to Manuka Honey, making it an extremely effective wound healer." Honeymark has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion with Active Manuka Honey that has been successful in treating Staph infections and MRSA where other products have failed.