Methylglyoxal (MGO): Wirkung, Bedeutung im Manuka-Honig & Gesundheit

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a chemical compound that is found in high concentrations in Manuka honey in particular and gives it its exceptional antibacterial properties.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Wissenswertes über "Methylglyoxal"

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a chemical compound that is found in high concentrations in Manuka honey in particular and gives it its exceptional antibacterial properties.

What Is Methylglyoxal?

Methylglyoxal is a reactive chemical compound that naturally occurs in human metabolism and is also found in certain foods. It gained particular attention as the key bioactive compound in Manuka honey, to which its special antibacterial properties are attributed. In medicine and nutritional science, methylglyoxal is discussed both as a potentially beneficial and as a health-relevant substance.

Chemical Properties and Occurrence

Methylglyoxal belongs to the group of dicarbonyl compounds and is a natural metabolic intermediate. In the body, it is produced mainly as a byproduct of glycolysis, the process of sugar breakdown. Additional sources include the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. In elevated concentrations, methylglyoxal is found in various foods including coffee, wine, certain fermented products, and in particularly high amounts in Manuka honey from New Zealand.

Methylglyoxal in Manuka Honey

The special antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are largely attributed to its high methylglyoxal content. The MGO content is expressed in mg per kg and serves as a quality indicator. Methylglyoxal inhibits the growth of various bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA. The antibacterial effect is based on the ability of methylglyoxal to damage bacterial proteins and DNA. Medical-grade Manuka honey is used clinically in wound care due to these properties.

Metabolism and Health Relevance

In human metabolism, methylglyoxal is rapidly broken down by the enzyme glyoxalase I. In conditions such as diabetes mellitus, blood methylglyoxal concentrations may be elevated, as higher blood sugar levels lead to increased methylglyoxal production as a byproduct of glycolysis. Elevated methylglyoxal levels are associated with the development of diabetic complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, as methylglyoxal is involved in the formation of so-called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs).

Antibacterial Effects and Medical Use

The antibacterial activity of methylglyoxal is well supported by scientific evidence. It acts against a broad spectrum of bacteria and also shows activity against fungi and certain viruses. In wound management, methylglyoxal-rich products such as medical-grade Manuka honey are used to inhibit infections and promote wound healing. Additionally, the potential role of methylglyoxal in cancer research is being investigated, as it has shown cytotoxic properties against certain tumor cells in laboratory studies.

Safety and Risks

In the amounts naturally occurring in foods, methylglyoxal is considered safe. However, chronically elevated concentrations in the body, as can occur in poorly controlled diabetes, are associated with negative health consequences. Targeted supplementation with high-dose methylglyoxal preparations outside of Manuka honey products is not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence and should be avoided without medical advice.

References

Thornalley, P. J. - Pharmacology of Methylglyoxal. General Pharmacology, 1996.
Adams, C. J. et al. - Identification of unique Manuka factor in Manuka honey. Carbohydrate Research, 2008.
Rabbani, N., Thornalley, P. J. - Methylglyoxal, glyoxalase 1 and the dicarbonyl proteome. Amino Acids, 2012.

Best-selling products

lactoferrin kapseln 60 premium eisenbindung immunschutz laktosefrei milch

Lactoferrin 60 Capsules

For your universal protection

As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.

UV glass

Lab tested

Non-GMO

No additives

Cologne List

Lactose free

Pure CLN

60 Capsules

€59.90

Natural Iron

For your iron balance

Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.

UV glass

Lab tested

Non-GMO

No additives

Cologne List

Gluten free

Lactose free

100% vegetarian fermentation

30 Capsules

€35.90

Floral

For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care

Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®

Sugar free

Lab tested

Non-GMO

Cologne List

Lactose free

Tooth friendly

GMP Quality

Clinical proofed

Pure CLN

30 lozenges

€25.90

The latest entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category

Hairline Fracture

A hairline fracture is a thin, hair-fine crack in a bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It causes localized pain and requires medical evaluation.

Nerve Growth Factor

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a naturally occurring protein that regulates the growth, development, and survival of nerve cells, playing a central role in the nervous system.

Abdominal Vein

An abdominal vein is a blood vessel located in the abdominal cavity that carries deoxygenated blood from the abdominal organs back to the heart.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category

Methylglyoxal (MGO): Wirkung, Bedeutung im Manuka-Honig & Gesundheit

Wissenswertes über "Methylglyoxal"

What Is Methylglyoxal?

Chemical Properties and Occurrence

Methylglyoxal in Manuka Honey

Metabolism and Health Relevance

Antibacterial Effects and Medical Use

Safety and Risks

References

Verwandte Produkte

Best-selling products

The latest entries

Hairline Fracture

Nerve Growth Factor

Abdominal Vein

Most read entries

Magnesiumcarbonat

Cologne list

Calorie content