Compositional analysis of manuka honeys by high-resolution mass spectrometry: Identification of a manuka-enriched archetypal molecule

Abstract

Manuka honey is used medicinally as a wound-healing dressing and possesses antibacterial bioactivities. It also possesses immunomodulating properties, comprising both anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating activities. At present its active components have not been identified. Given the importance of manuka honey as a therapeutic, we performed high-resolution Fourier-transform mass spectrometry analysis, in order to gain an insight into its complex make-up, as well as examining other honeys derived from different floral origins and storage conditions. Our analyses show that manuka-derived honeys contain unique compounds, particularly in the high molecular weight range, compared to other hon..