The Science
behind MGS.

The Science

The Dr Peter Molan was a talented scientist who was extremely dedicated to his honey research.

“Professor Molan has agreed to put his name to honeys that meet his own ethical and scientific standards. This means the honeys deliver the medical and health values that the Honey Research Unit is discovering,” Mr Smith says.

Recent research by the University of Sydney confirms Professor Molan’s own work that shows that harmful bacteria are unable to develop resistance against the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are now a major problem in community and hospital acquired infections with very limited options for treatment. “Superbugs such as MRSA and VRSA now untreatable by antibiotics are unable to develop resistance to the bio-activity the Molan Gold Standard measures. The potential really is quite significant,” Professor Molan says.

He says the Manuka honeys that meet the Molan Gold Standard have the original bio-activity he discovered (known in research literature as non-peroxide activity). “It’s a bio-activity that is proving to be the most versatile antibiotic available to medicine for combating di cult persistent infections. It has amazing potency against harmful bacteria and yet, surprisingly, it assists in restoring the balance of good bacteria in our bodies,” Professor Molan says.

It’s effective against subcutaneous infections, eg acne and sinusitis. “And we are also starting to understand how the bio-activity can work within the body and why it could have a major role to play in digestive health and for its anti- in ammatory properties.”

Methods for measuring these new and novel bio-activities in honeys (antioxidant and anti-in ammatory), have also now been developed.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford says Waikato did not hesitate to back Prof Molan’s new standard because it will help consumers. “Peter created this $100 million a year industry and now consumers will be guaranteed quality thanks to this Molan Gold Standard.”

The future

Sadly, Dr Molan passed away on the 16th September 2015 at his home in Hamilton after a long illness. The Molan Gold Standard is dedicated to continuing on his science and legacy within the Manuka Honey industry. Peter was a man of strong principles, who fought constantly against companies who were misleading consumers by selling falsely labelled Manuka Honey. He was a terrific scientist who contributed hugely to the New Zealand Manuka Industry, and for this he will always be remembered.

There is a number of research projects in motion to further develop the Molan Gold Standard. This involves a team of eight scientists working full time to continue Dr Molan’s legacy. The team are based in Hamilton and use a specialised honey testing laboratory.