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.