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.
Things worth knowing about "Methylglyoxal"
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.
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