Manuka honey is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and wound-healing properties, which has led to some scientific interest recently in whether it can help manage autoimmune diseases and their symptoms.
What are autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are chronic health conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body instead of defending it. The immune system is more active than it should be and can affect any tissue or organ in the body, leading to pain, inflammation and long-term damage. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Manuka honey and autoimmune diseases: Is there a link?
Research into the effects of honey on autoimmune diseases is limited, including studies on Manuka honey’s role. However, some early studies and biological insights suggest potential benefits. Here is what we know:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Honey is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds help suppress inflammation and are thought to reduce tissue inflammation, which is one of the main issues in many autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Immune system regulation
In-vitro or animal studies suggest that honey can trigger the release of certain cytokines to regulate the immune response. Manuka honey, in particular, can modulate the immune system by either stimulating or suppressing the immune response. In Manuka compared to other honey, this effect is more pronounced because of significant amounts of the compound MGO (methylglyoxal). MGO in combination with DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and leptosperin contributes to Manuka’s powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Reduces oxidative stress
The antioxidant activity demonstrated in honey can help reduce oxidative stress—an imbalance caused by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals that can damage or harm cells. When cells get damaged, they can appear to be “foreign” to the immune system, triggering or worsening autoimmune attacks. Manuka honey, in particular, not only scavenges ROS, but it also enhances the body’s antioxidant defence systems by increasing the activity and levels of certain antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, and other antioxidant enzymes. Several small studies have investigated the role of dietary antioxidants in enhancing antioxidant defence systems and show some promise, though large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Gut health support
Gut inflammation and imbalance in gut microbiome are common in autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and broader systemic autoimmune conditions—where the immune system mistakenly attacks multiple organs or tissues throughout the body, rather than being limited to a single organ or site. Honey, particularly Manuka, acts as a natural prebiotic. The high content of non-digestible carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, balancing the microbiome, which is crucial for immune regulation. It also reduces gut inflammation and may heal damaged gut lining by inhibiting harmful microbes like Helicobacter pylori and supporting the overall digestive system.
Medical-grade Manuka honey has been shown to increase the healing of gastric ulcers and reduce gut inflammation in animal studies and some human observations. It can form a protective barrier on the gut lining and stimulate mucus production, which helps shield and repair the digestive tract.
The bottom line
There is no strong clinical evidence that links Manuka honey to improvements in autoimmune disorders. However, it could be a supportive dietary option due to its anti-inflammatory and gut-supportive properties. However, it’s important to remember that honey is not a cure or even a primary treatment for autoimmune diseases.
If you have an autoimmune condition, it is highly recommended to check with your GP or healthcare professional before consuming honey, as its effect may vary depending on your specific condition.
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