Australian honey-based product is effective against resistant bacteria

Recent research has indicated that a newly-developed antibacterial honey can effectively control superbugs such as golden staph. The honey has been approved for use in public hospitals in Queensland, Australia, and from 1 May, doctors in Australia can prescribe Medihoney, approved by the Therapeutical Goods Administration.

This follows trials at several Brisbane hospitals on leg ulcers and bedsores, when wounds that had previously not healed closed after two or three months. It is effective against golden staph, a major problem in hospitals, and other antibiotic-resistant bugs.

Medihoney, produced by the Queensland company Capilano Honey, is a blend of nectar of the local Leptospermum and New Zealand's manuka trees, was identified after scientists screened more than 1,000 honey samples.

A dietary Medihoney Active, is also about to be launched to treat sore throats, gastritis, stomach ulcers and dyspepsia. Medihoney will be available initially from health food sections of supermarkets, and Medihoney general manager Bill Holmes said there was increasing scientific and clinical evidence to support the use of therapeutic honey.