Discover Australian Bioactive Honey Association
The Australian Bioactive Honey Association (ABHA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing research, setting standards, and safeguarding the integrity of Australia’s unique bioactive honey.
Mission Statement
To promote, protect and advance Australian Bioactive Honey through research, advocacy and transparency.
What Makes
Bioactive Honey
Unique
Many Australian floral species produce honeys, that have naturally occurring antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These honeys are known to contain high concentrations of polyphenol compounds which have scientifically proven health benefits and are able to be used in various medicinal settings.
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A specific antibacterial compound most abundant in Manuka honey.
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Provides stable, non-peroxide action that is not broken down by the body.
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Delivers consistent, measurable potency (e.g. MGO 400+).
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Highly effective against resistant bacteria like MRSA and E.coli, the two most common causes of wound infections.
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Retains activity for years when stored correctly.
MGO (Methylglyoxal)
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A unique marker, found only in manuka honey and used to verify its authenticity and quality.
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Leptosperin is a unique bioactive compound, often found with similar levels to that of MGO in manuka and has emerging potential health benefits.
Leptosperin
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TA measures the honey’s complete antibacterial strength, combining multiple compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide, polyphenols and flavonoids.
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Provides broad antibacterial protection with added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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TA is a standard measure for many potent Australian East Coast eucalyptus honeys and for Jarrah and Marri of Western Australia.
TA (Total Activity)
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Includes naturally occurring plant compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals that possess antioxidant properties.
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Helps protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, aids tissue repair, helps support immunity and provides broad health benefits.
Antioxidants
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New research shows that honey produced by Australian stingless bees also known as Sugar Bag Bees has strong antimicrobial activity.
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Sugar bag honey has antimicrobial Total Activity (TA) from both Hydrogen peroxide generation and non-peroxide activity, arising from phenolic, flavonoid and protein compounds which are able to withstand heat and long-term storage.
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Interestingly, the combination of floral source of honey, propolis and the unique proteins produced by stingless bees determine the compounds responsible for this potent antimicrobial honey.
Native Stingless Bee Honey
Currently, the most known standards for measuring medicinal honeys are:
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MGO activity found in Manuka honey
2
TA (Total Activity) found in some Eucalyptus honeys
These two standards and measurements of antibacterial potency are quite different and are not interchangeable. That is to say the MGO level of manuka does not equate to the TA of eucalypts even though they both have powerful antibacterial properties.
More on MGO and TA
MGO
MGO is responsible for the Non Peroxide Activity (NPA) of manuka honey.
The measurement of Methylglyoxal (MGO) compound is performed by a sophisticated method called High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A long history of research into MGO efficacy has led to a standardised testing method and a measurable antibacterial strength.
A minimum of 250+ MGO is recommended for medicinal use for wounds, cuts and scratches and for oral care. MGO is a stable, long-acting compound and is not affected by the body enzyme catalase, moisture or low level of heating. It has the ability to penetrate deeper into the body tissue to deliver its antibacterial healing benefits.
TA
Total Activity (TA) is a measurement of antibacterial potency based on the natural levels of Hydrogen Peroxide, Polyphenols and Flavonoids found in eucalyptus honey. Hydrogen Peroxide is the main powerful antibacterial compound present in honey and is produced by an enzyme called glucose oxidase which the bees have put into the honey. Even though Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful antibacterial and cleanser and can work quickly it can also be broken down easily by body enzymes, heat or light.
Polyphenols and Flavonoids found in eucalyptus honey contribute to Total Activity (TA) antibacterial properties but to a lesser extent than Hydrogen Peroxide.
