Discover Australian Bioactive Honey Association
The Australian Bioactive Honey Association (ABHA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing research, setting standards, and safeguarding the integrity of Australia’s unique bioactive honey.
Mission Statement
To promote, protect and advance Australian Bioactive Honey through research, advocacy and transparency.
What Makes
Bioactive Honey
Unique
Many of Australia’s floral species produce nectar that the European honeybee transforms into honey with naturally occurring antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Many of these compounds are found in concentration high enough to be used in medicinal settings and with scientifically proven health benefits.
A specific antibacterial compound most abundant in Manuka honey.
Provides stable, non-peroxide action that is not broken down by the body.
Delivers consistent, measurable potency (e.g. MGO 400+).
Highly effective against resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Retains activity for years when stored correctly.
MRSA and E.coli the two most common causes of wound infections.
MGO (Methylglyoxal)
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A unique marker, found only in manuka honey and used to verify its authenticity and quality.
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Leptosperin is a unique bioactive compound,
often found with similar levels to that of MGO
in manuka and has emerging potential health benefits.
Leptosperin
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Measures the honey’s complete antibacterial strength, combining multiple compounds.
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Includes hydrogen peroxide, phenolics, and flavonoids.
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Provides broad protection with added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Standard measure for many potent Australian honeys such as Jarrah and Marri.
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A measure of the honeys antibacterial and antimicrobial strength.
TA (Total Activity)
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Includes naturally occurring plant compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, prebiotics, and enzymes.
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Help reduce oxidative stress, supports immunity, aids tissue repair, and provides broad health benefits.
Antioxidants
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New research (2025) shows antimicrobial and antibacterial strength from the honey from these bees.
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The honey has Hydrogen peroxide (TA) and non-peroxide antimicrobial activity (compound still unknown) which is able to withstand heat and long-term storage.
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Interestingly, the floral source does not determine the honey rather the bee itself creates these compounds with a range of floral sources.
Native Sugar Bag Bee
Currently, the most studied and known about compounds in honey are MGO and TA. Both have powerful antibacterial properties, but they cannot be directly compared as they are different compounds with different methods of measurements.
More on MGO and TA
MGO
MGO is responsible for the Non Peroxide Activity (NPA) of manuka honey.
The measurement is for the Methylglyoxal (MGO) compound and not the Total Activity (TA) of the honey. A long history of research about MGO efficacy has led to standardised testing and a measurable antibacterial strength.
A minimum of 250+ MGO is recommended for the use on wounds and for oral care. MGO is stable, long-acting compound and is not affected by the body enzyme catalase, moisture or low heating. It penetrates deeper into the body tissue to deliver its antibacterial healing benefits.
TA
Honey is measured by its Total Activity (TA), which mainly comes from a natural substance called Hydrogen Peroxide. It also contains many beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which come from the nectar the bees collect. These properties can vary depending on where the honey comes from.
Scientist have studied how an enzyme called glucose oxidase helps produce Hydrogen Peroxide, which is known for helping with healing wounds. However, there is not a standard way yet to test the TA of honey across different laboratories, so methods can vary. Also, Hydrogen Peroxide is a very delicate substance— it works quickly but can also be broken down easily by body enzymes, heat or light.
