US keen on Bay's kanuka honey research

Cutting-edge kanuka honey medical research by Tauranga Professor Shaun Holt (pictured) has sparked interest from two large overseas pharmaceutical firms and the world-famous Mayo Clinic.

Last week the HoneyLab pharmaceutical company founder and leading researcher launched clinical trials with the objective of validating pilot studies that its kanuka honey can cure some common skin diseases.

He also recently returned from London after meeting with pharmacy staff at London's Harrods department store, which wants to stock all of Honeylab's product range. Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides or the white tea-tree) is a tree or shrub that grows only in New Zealand and Australia, and has been shown to have high levels of methyl glyoxal and total antibacterial activity.

In addition, unlike manuka honey, kanuka honey exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, and according to Professor Holt this makes it potentially a more effective treatment than manuka honey for skin diseases.

He is seeking 138 recruits for each of the three trials, which will involve participants using Honeylab's medical-grade "Honevo" to treat their acne, nappy rash and rosacea.

The trials came on the back of positive results being achieved during the earlier small pilot studies treating all three skin conditions and also cold sores, he said.

"We already know that honey can heal wounds and kill just about any bug and given the success of the earlier studies we are really excited about conducting these bigger trials."

The clinical trials have been approved by the Health Research Council Ethics Committee and Ministry of Health and the results would be peer reviewed by US-based Mayo Clinic.

The Mayo Clinic also wants to be a partner in future clinical trials and Professor Holt has been invited to be a guest lecturer at the Clinic in May.

Honeylab used kanuka honey which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties rather than manuka honey as research found it had "equal if not superior qualities" as a medication for skin diseases, he said.

"Not only are our studies finding that our products are effective medicines, they are natural and safe, which are two big advantages compared to many pharmaceuticals," he said.

Anyone who wants to take part in the trial can email Dr Tofield (Greerton/Welcome Bay) at honeystudies@gmail.com or call on the following numbers.
Cameron Road - Clinical Horizons - Call Liz 571 1492 - info@clinicalhorizons.co.nz
Greerton / Welcome Bay - Dr. Chris Tofield - 022 150 1058 - honeystudies@gmail.com
Papamoa - Papamoa Pines surgery - Call Nikki or Diane - 542 2450