What Is MGO in Manuka Honey? The Key to Its Potency
If you’ve ever looked at a jar of Manuka honey and wondered what the MGO rating means, you’re not alone. MGO in Manuka honey is the key to understanding its strength and how it differs from regular honey.
At the centre of this difference is a naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal, or MGO. It’s what gives Manuka honey its measurable strength, stability, and the bioactive properties that have made it the focus of growing scientific interest.
Unlike regular honey, which can vary widely in quality and activity, Manuka honey offers something more precise. Its MGO content provides a clear indicator of its bioactivity, helping you understand not just what you’re buying, but how it may support your health and wellbeing.
At Biosota Organics, every batch of our Manuka honey is independently tested to verify MGO levels for quality, purity, and strength. But what exactly is MGO, how does it develop, and why does it matter when choosing the right Manuka honey?
Let’s explore.
What is MGO in Manuka Honey?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal - a naturally occurring organic compound found in significant concentrations only in authentic Manuka honey.
Unlike regular honey, which primarily relies on hydrogen peroxide for antimicrobial activity, MGO in Manuka honey provides a stable, non-peroxide activity that remains stable even when exposed to heat, light, or enzymes in the body.
Professor Thomas Henle of the Technical University of Dresden was the first to identify methylglyoxal as the key antibacterial component in Manuka honey in 2008. His research demonstrated that the antimicrobial activity correlated directly with MGO concentration(1).
In simple terms:
- Higher MGO = higher bioactive strength
- Higher strength = greater medicinal potential
- Greater potency = increased rarity and value
This is why medical-grade Manuka honey is defined by its MGO content rather than colour or texture.
How is MGO Formed?
The DHA to MGO Conversion Process
The story of MGO begins long before the hive. It starts in the nectar of the Manuka flower, derived from native Leptospermum species found only in Australia and New Zealand.
This nectar contains a naturally derived compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – a unique precursor that plays a critical role in the development of Manuka honey’s MGO strength and is not found in other floral varieties.
Once bees collect this nectar and transform it into honey, time becomes the defining factor. During this natural maturation period, DHA gradually converts into methylglyoxal (MGO). This process takes place over 12 to 24 months, allowing the honey to develop its full strength and bioactive profile.
Research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research confirms this conversion pathway (1).
As this transformation unfolds, the honey moves through a clear progression of maturity:
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In its early stage, Manuka honey typically contains higher levels of DHA and lower levels of MGO
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As it matures, DHA steadily converts, creating a more balanced DHA to MGO profile
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At full maturity, medicinal-grade Manuka honey reaches elevated MGO levels, reflecting its peak strength and value
At Biosota, this process guides everything we do. We allow our Manuka honey to mature naturally, without shortcuts or intervention, ensuring the DHA to MGO conversion reaches its full potential. Only then is each batch independently tested in accredited laboratories to verify its final MGO rating for authenticity and strength.
The Power of MGO in Supporting Health and Healing
MGO's significance lies in a combination of scientifically recognised properties, including antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity.
Peer-reviewed studies suggest that high-MGO Manuka honey can inhibit certain bacteria and disrupt biofilms, which may help support wound care when used topically inappropriate medical settings(2).
At the same time, its antioxidant properties help neutralise free radicals, while its anti-inflammatory effects support the reduction of inflammation and promote tissue repair. Together, these actions contribute to the broad therapeutic potential of high-grade Manuka honey.
A landmark review published in Future Microbiology further highlights Manuka honey’s activity against resilient bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, reinforcing its importance in both traditional and modern applications(3).
What makes Manuka honey distinct from standard honeys is the stability of MGO. While many honeys rely on hydrogen peroxide for activity, this can break down when exposed to enzymes such as catalase in the body. MGO remains stable and active in these environments, providing a more consistent and reliable level of bioactivity.
This stability is one of the key reasons high-MGO Manuka honey is widely used in medical-grade applications, including professional wound care settings around the world.
The Benefits of High-MGO Manuka Honey Over Regular Honey
All raw honey offers natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, not all honey contains MGO, and this is where the distinction becomes meaningful. Regular honey typically:
- Relies primarily on hydrogen peroxide activity, which can be unstable
- Delivers variable bioactivity depending on source and handling
- Lacks a consistent or standardised measure of strength
In contrast, Manuka honey with a verified MGO rating offers a more advanced and measurable profile:
- Provides stable, non-peroxide bioactivity that remains active in challenging environments
- Delivers clearly defined, graded strength through MGO testing
- Has been extensively studied in peer-reviewed scientific and clinical research
- Is widely recognised for its role in supporting wound care, oral health and digestive balance
This distinction becomes even more compelling when we look at how high-MGO Manuka honey performs in applied research settings. Studies have shown that it may:
Support wound healing
A 2020 review in Antibiotics highlighted Manuka honey's ability to assist tissue regeneration and help manage bacterial load in wound environments (4).
Support digestive health
Laboratory studies show that Manuka honey can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium linked to gastric ulcers (5).
Support immunity and upper respiratory health
A 2020 systematic review in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that honey can reduce cough frequency and severity in upper respiratory tract infections (6).
Together, these findings reinforce the value of high-MGO Manuka honey as a bioactive, research-backed substance, setting it apart from conventional honey as a more purposeful addition to a health-focused routine.
Why MGO Is the Gold Standard Measurement
When it comes to understanding the true strength of Manuka honey, not all rating systems are created equal. You may come across terms like NPA or ULF, but MGO remains the most precise and scientifically measurable indicator available today.
Put simply, MGO gives you a clear and transparent way to understand exactly what you’re getting in every jar.
MGO:
- Directly measures the concentration of methylglyoxal (mg/kg)
- Is verified through independent laboratory testing
- Provides clarity and confidence for consumers
- Reflects the level of bioactivity within the honey
At Biosota, our Manuka honey ranges from MGO 260+ through to MGO 2200+, with every batch independently tested and verified in accredited laboratories across Australia and New Zealand. This commitment ensures consistency, authenticity, and a level of quality you can rely on.
As a simple guide:
- The higher the MGO number, the greater the bioactivity
- Higher MGO levels are naturally rarer and more sought after
- They are often chosen for more targeted, high-strength applications
| MGO | Strength | Grade | Suggested Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGO 30+to 290+ | Everyday Strength | Table Grade | Wellbeing, Immunity |
| MGO 300+to 490+ | Medicinal Strength | Therapeutic Grade | Sore throats, coughs, colds & flu, oral care |
| MGO 500+to 990+ | High Medicinal Strength | Therapeutic Grade+ | |
| MGO 1000+to 1900+ (Rare) | Superior Strength | Medical Grade | Burns, wounds, ulcers, infections, gut health |
| MGO 2200+(Limited Edition) | Ultimate Strength | Medical Grade+ |
To help you navigate these levels with confidence, you can explore our full Manuka Honey Strength Chart.
Expert Insight
Dr Peter Brooks, lead Manuka honey researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast, explains that methylglyoxal (MGO) provides a practical way to understand both the strength and purity of Manuka honey.
Accordingly, the MGO rating reflects how much Manuka activity is present in a given honey. As the rating increases, so too does the concentration of beneficial compounds, including phenolics that contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.
From a consumer perspective, the MGO number offers a simple guide. Lower ratings, such as MGO 30+, may indicate only a small proportion of Manuka honey, while higher ratings reflect a more concentrated and bioactive product.
Dr Brooks also highlights that once MGO levels reach around 260+, the honey begins to demonstrate a higher level of bioactivity. At very high levels, such as MGO 1200+ and above, the honey represents an exceptionally concentrated form of Manuka, valued for its purity and strength.
Why Origin Matters
Manuka honey is derived from a medicinal plant native only to Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, the Leptospermum polygalifolium species is known for producing naturally high levels of DHA, which gradually convert into MGO as the honey matures, giving rise to its strength and bioactive profile.
Australia’s vast, untouched bushland provides an ideal environment for producing high-quality Manuka honey. These remote landscapes, far removed from intensive agriculture, allow bees to forage in pristine conditions that support the production of exceptionally pure, high-quality Manuka honey.
At Biosota, this connection to nature is guided by over three generations of beekeeping expertise. As a family-owned Australian business, we take a hands-on approach at every stage, from hive placement through to harvesting and packing, ensuring our Manuka honey remains true to its origin.
Our hives are carefully positioned in remote regions at least five kilometres away from agricultural land. This helps protect the integrity of our honey, keeping it free from glyphosate and synthetic chemical exposure.
Our Manuka honey is:
- Cold-extracted
- Not heat-treated
- Not pasteurised
- Independently lab-tested
- Certified organic (selected MGO grades up to 1200+)
This careful, considered approach ensures the natural compounds within our Manuka honey are preserved, protecting both its MGO integrity and overall quality from hive to jar.
Choosing the Right MGO for your Needs
Understanding MGO in Manuka honey gives you the clarity to choose a product that truly aligns with your health and wellness goals.
MGO is the key compound that defines Manuka honey’s strength and bioactivity. Formed from DHA in the nectar of the Manuka flower, it provides a stable, measurable marker that sets Manuka apart from regular honey.
As a general guide, the higher the MGO number, the more concentrated the honey. With this increased concentration comes greater rarity, value, and a broader range of potential applications.
When selecting Manuka honey, it’s important to look for independently tested MGO levels and full transparency around grading and verification. This ensures you know exactly what you’re getting in every jar.
If you’re unsure which strength is right for you, take our online quiz to help guide your choice.
Discover Biosota’srange of MGO Manuka honey here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MGO in Manuka honey?
MGO (methylglyoxal) is the naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its unique antibacterial and bioactive properties. It’s the key marker used to measure its strength.
What does the MGO number mean?
The MGO number indicates how much methylglyoxal is present in the honey (mg/kg). Higher numbers mean higher concentration, greater potency, and increased bioactivity.
How is MGO formed in Manuka honey?
MGO develops naturally from DHA in the nectar of the Manuka flower. As the honey matures, DHA gradually converts into MGO, increasing its strength over time.
Is higher MGO always better?
Not necessarily. Higher MGO means stronger potency, but the best level depends on your needs. Many people choose mid-range MGO for daily use and higher levels for more targeted support.
How is Manuka honey different from regular honey?
Regular honey relies on hydrogen peroxide for activity, which can be unstable. Manuka honey contains MGO, providing a more stable and measurable form of bioactivity.
How do I know if Manuka honey is authentic?
Look for a clearly labelled MGO rating, independent lab testing, and full traceability. These ensure the honey’s strength, purity, and authenticity.
References
Mavric, E., Wittmann, S., Barth, G., & Henle, T. (2008). Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 52(4), 483–489.
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.200700282
Hammond, E.N., Donkor, E.S., Brown, C.A., Biofilm Formation of Clostridium difficile and Susceptibility to Manuka Honey, 2014, PMC4174649
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4174649/
Maddocks, S. E., & Jenkins, R. E. (2013). Honey: A sweet solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance? Future Microbiology, 8(11), 1419–1429.
Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2217/fmb.13.105
Combarros-Fuertes P, Fresno JM, Estevinho MM, Sousa-Pimenta M, Tornadijo ME, Estevinho LM. Honey: Another alternative in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria? Antibiotics (Basel). 2020 Nov 4;9(11):774. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics9110774. PMID: 33158063.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33158063/
N. al Somal, N., Coley, K.E., Molan, P.C., Hancock, B.M., Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to the Antibacterial Activity of Manuka Honey, 1994, 87(1), 9–12
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8308841/
Abuelgasim, H., Albury, C., Lee, J., Effectiveness of Honey for Symptomatic Relief in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2020
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32817011/
Very insightful. Thank you for the great explanation
Which is the best mgo honey to purchase for stomach problems such as ibs, lactose intolerance, etc. I have many. Please advise, as i would like to place an order. Thanks
Which is the best mgo honey to purchase for stomach problems such as ibs, lactose intolerance, etc. I have many. Please advise, as i would like to place an order. Thanks
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