The UMF Factor and the UMF Rating

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The Discovery of the UMF Factor

Science has rediscovered the topical use of honey as a remedy. Since ancient times people knew about the medical benefits of regular honey. Due to its hydrogen peroxide that contains antibacterial potency, honey can be an effective treatment for wounds. Honey also nurtures the wound directly with amino acids and vitamins and thereby promotes the fast and healthy regeneration of tissue.

About 20 years ago researchers discovered another, even more potent antibacterial activity in a special type of honey: the Unique Manuka Factor, short UMF, found in Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

But not every Manuka Honey has the same potency. Even among Manuka Honey there is a way to identify the ones that have the highest antibacterial activity to treat infected wounds: the UMF rating.

What does UMF stand for?

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, the antibacterial factor in Active Manuka Honey that is responsible for naturally destroying bacteria such as staph aureus, streptococcus and Helicobacter Pylori. Only Active Manuka Honey contains UMF®. According to extensive research of more than 20 years, UMF is a special non-peroxide antibacterial activity making Active Manuka Honey one of most precious honeys in the world.

What does the UMF rating guarantee?

Every batch of Active Manuka Honey is tested by an independent laboratory for UMF antibacterial activity, using a testing method developed at the Waikato University in New Zealand. The testing process underlies the strict guidelines of the Honey Research Unit at the Waikato University. Each jar is guaranteed to have an antibacterial activity 2,5 times greater than standard antiseptic (minimum 10% carbolic equivalent). 

UMF is usually followed by a number, indicating the anti-bacterial strength. For the UMF test the hydrogene peroxide is removed from the honey to find out how much antibacterial strength is left without it. The science team then measures this remaining antibacterial strength. All Manuka Honey that has a UMF rating of more than 10 is highly active honey and therefore labeled as Active Manuka Honey.

The UMF rating varies every year. This year's rating is the highest rating ever in 11 years, with a UMF rating of 19.8!

How can you explain the antibacterial activity found in honey?

Since ancient times honey has been used as a natural medicine in many cultures. The antibacterial properties of honey however have only been discovered a century ago.

Honey in fact inhibits a broad spectrum of bacteria. Some reports even show an anti-fungal activity in honey. Some honeys will work better than others though. The Honey Research Unit at the Waikato University in New Zealand is constantly investigating honey as a therapeutic agent.

But how exactly can you explain the antibacterial activity found in (regular) honey?

Basically, the antibacterial effect of (regular) honey is due to four major processes or qualities: The osmotic effect, the acidity of honey, the production of hydrogen peroxide in honey and the phytochemical factors…

Click here to read more about the antibacterial activity in honey

You can find more information about recent research projects on Active Manuka Honey and resources on the official Web site of the Honey Research Unit of the Waikato University.