Research findings
No. 41 Effect of manuka honey ③ <antioxidative activity>
Fig. 1. Volatiles in Manuka honey
38 kinds of volatiles were detected in Manuka honey by means of GC-MS analysis.
The most common component was methylsyringate which has anti-oxidative activity.
![](img/research_e_041_01.png)
E-Journal of Chemistry, 2010, 7(S1), S7-S14
Fig. 2. Contents of methyl syringate in various honeys
![](img/research_e_041_02.png)
The highest content of methyl syringate was detected from Manuka honey in eight kinds of honeys.
Antioxidative capacity of honey (DPPH radical scavenging activity)
Method
![](img/research_e_041_03.png)
Fig. 3. Antioxidative capacity (DPPH radical scavenging activity)
![](img/research_e_041_04.png)
Results
DPPH radical scavenging activity : Manuka > Lime > Orange > Chesnut > Acacia > Mandarin orange > Renge = Haze
Summary
- Manuka honey has large amount of methyl syringate as a antioxidant.
- Manuka honey shows the highest antioxidative capacity of eight evaluated honeys.
- Manuka honey could be utilized for enhancing of our health with its unique combination of methyl glyoxal (MGO) as antibacterial agent and methyl syringate as antioxidant.