New Zealand manuka honey - A review on specific properties and possibilities to distinguish manuka from kanuka honey

This article gives an overview about specific aspects of New Zealand manuka and kanuka honey, including facts concerning market shares and consumption data. The review addresses antimicrobial effects of these two honeys, which are ascribed to peroxidic and non-peroxidic compounds, as well as antioxidative activity and other effects of medical relevance such as anti-inflammatory or wound healing properties. The article also discusses the stateof-the-art concerning possibilities to distinguish manuka and kanuka honey, which is important because of the price differences and potential fraud. Available methods and challenges are summarized, and proposed marker substances of manuka und kanuka honey are reviewed. Available screening methods are examined and their suitability for differentiation of manuka und kanuka honey is assessed.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of specific aspects of New Zealand manuka and kanuka honey, including market shares and consumption data, as well as their antimicrobial effects, antioxidative activity, and other medical relevant properties. It also discusses the latest technology for distinguishing manuka and kanuka honey, highlighting the importance due to price differences and potential fraud.