Honey & Antibiotic Properties: Manuka & Ulmo

Historically, honey has been used by humans to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. Hydrogen peroxide is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present in honey. It becomes active only when honey is diluted, requires oxygen; Also, the antioxidant constituents in honey help clean up oxygen free radicals present.

Gram (+)/ Gram (-) [BOTH CONTAIN DOUBE MEMBRANE]

Gram positive
Appearance after stain: blue to purple
Structure: Has thick layer of peptidoglycan over inner cytoplasmic membrane. Stain binds to peptidogylcan ; Lack LPS-lipopolysaccharides.

Gram negative
Appearance after stain: pink to red
Structure: In gram negative bacteria the peptidoglycan layer is thinner and is located between space of the outer and inner cytoplasmic membrane (LPS covering it); hence the purple die is not taken up by peptidoglycan. Cell wall contains LPS which make them virulent

Honey Types

Manuka [from new Zealand]

Only 10 percent of all Manuka Honey is claimed to have antibacterial properties because of its non-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial content which is known as NPA (Non-Peroxide Activity) Manuka honey.

Ulmo [from Chile]

Chilean honey made by Apis mellifera (honeybee) originating from the Ulmo tree (Eucryphia cordifolia).

Related Posts

  1. Kingdom Bacteria
  2. Unique Properties of Water
  3. Oxygen: Elements, Uses, Properties
  4. Physical and Chemical Properties
  5. The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Liver: Hypothesis, Apparatus, Method

Citation


Anderson, Phil. "Honey & Antibiotic Properties: Manuka & Ulmo." http://schoolworkhelper.net/. St. Rosemary Educational Institution, December 20, 2011. Web. Retrieved on: Wednesday 22nd February 2012. http://schoolworkhelper.net/2011/12/honey-antibiotic-properties-manuka-ulmo/.

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