17 Sep 2024

Mighty mānuka: New research into honey's gut health benefits

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 17 September 2024
Comvita's chief science officer Jackie Evans, left.

Photo: Supplied: Comvita

Mānuka honey's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have been studied for nearly three decades - it has some 2000 natural compounds compared with about 100 in your average clover honey.

One of those compounds discovered by scientists at Comvita and research partners at the University of Auckland is Lepteridine, which has been trademarked.

After a two year, $1.4m clinical trial - undertaken by the University of Otago and funded through the National Science Challenge - lepteridine manuka honey was found to ease symptoms of dyspepsia - a common digestive condition.

Their findings have seen them make the finals of this year's NutraIngredients-Asia Awards taking place this week in Thailand.

Comvita's chief scientist Dr Jackie Evans talks to Kathryn about the research.

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