Exploring What Manuka Honey Does to the Brain: A Neuroscientific Perspective

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 review, certain types of honey, including Manuka, contain potent antioxidants that have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, suggesting potential benefits for brain health. These findings highlight the intriguing question: what does Manuka honey do to the brain?

Quick Summary

Manuka honey's potent bioactive compounds may protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and supporting the gut-brain axis.

Key Points

Reduces Oxidative Stress: Manuka honey's potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols, protect brain cells from free radical damage, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline.
Combats Neuroinflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey help suppress inflammation in the brain, a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhances Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Consumption of honey is associated with increased BDNF, a protein crucial for neurogenesis, learning, and memory.
Supports the Gut-Brain Axis: Manuka honey's antibacterial and prebiotic effects promote a healthy gut microbiome, which positively influences mood and cognitive function.
Boosts Memory and Learning: Animal studies and some human trials suggest that honey intake can improve memory performance, particularly short-term memory.
Offers Antidepressant-like Effects: By regulating stress hormones and potentially increasing BDNF, honey may exhibit antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
Exhibits Neuroprotective Effects: Research indicates that Manuka honey can protect dopaminergic neurons from damage, showing promise for conditions like Parkinson's disease.

The Neuroprotective Power of Manuka Honey's Compounds

Manuka honey's potential benefits for the brain are primarily attributed to its high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The brain, with its high oxygen consumption, is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, a process that can damage cells and contribute to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, Manuka honey's antioxidants help protect brain cells from this damage. Specifically, researchers have studied how these compounds exert their neuroprotective effects.

Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Preclinical and laboratory studies show that the antioxidant capacity of Manuka honey is often superior to other honey varieties. Its phenolic and flavonoid contents can quench reactive oxygen species and enhance the body's natural antioxidant defense systems. This action helps mitigate oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA within brain cells. Chronic inflammation is another major driver of neurodegeneration, and Manuka honey's anti-inflammatory properties can help suppress pro-inflammatory pathways and reduce the levels of inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-1β in the brain. By mitigating both oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, Manuka honey helps create a more favorable environment for neuronal health and function.

Promoting Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity

Beyond protection, some research suggests that components in Manuka honey may actively support brain repair and development. The growth and survival of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis, is vital for memory and learning, particularly in the hippocampus. Studies on animals have shown that honey consumption is linked to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a protein that supports neuron survival, growth, and plasticity, and low levels are associated with various neurological disorders. Increasing BDNF levels is therefore a promising mechanism through which Manuka honey may improve cognitive function.

Nurturing the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system linking the gut microbiome with the central nervous system, influencing mood and cognitive function. Manuka honey is known for its potent antibacterial and prebiotic properties, particularly due to its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. While MGO targets harmful bacteria, the honey also supports beneficial gut bacteria, restoring balance to the gut ecosystem. This balance is critical for proper gut-brain communication, as a disrupted gut microbiome is linked to mood and neurological disorders. By promoting gut health, Manuka honey can indirectly support better brain function.

Manuka Honey vs. Other Honeys for Brain Health

While various types of honey contain beneficial compounds, Manuka honey's unique profile, especially its higher antioxidant capacity, sets it apart in the context of brain health.


Feature	Manuka Honey (High UMF)	Other Honey (e.g., Clover, Acacia)
Methylglyoxal (MGO)	High concentration; responsible for strong antibacterial effects.	Lower concentrations; less potent antibacterial activity.
Antioxidant Capacity	Studies suggest superior antioxidant activity.	Variable, generally lower antioxidant capacity.
Anti-Inflammatory Action	Strong potential to reduce brain and gut inflammation.	Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects but may be less potent.
Effect on Gut-Brain Axis	Supports a balanced gut microbiome due to potent antibacterial and prebiotic effects.	Possesses prebiotic potential but lacks the strong MGO-driven antibacterial effect.
Research Focus	Extensively researched for medicinal properties due to high MGO.	Research often focuses on general honey benefits, with fewer specific studies.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Manuka Honey for Brain Health

For those interested in exploring the cognitive benefits of Manuka honey, here are some ways to add it to your routine:

Straight from the spoon: Consuming Manuka honey directly is a common method.
Morning boost: Mix it into warm water with a squeeze of lemon or stir it into your morning tea or coffee (allowing the drink to cool slightly to preserve beneficial compounds).
Smoothies: Blend Manuka honey into your favorite smoothie for natural sweetness and an antioxidant boost. A brain-friendly combination could include spinach, berries, nuts, and a spoonful of Manuka honey.
Breakfast topper: Drizzle it over oatmeal, yogurt, or whole-grain toast as a healthier alternative to processed sugar.
Salad dressings: Create a homemade dressing by mixing Manuka honey with olive oil, mustard, and vinegar for a flavorful and healthy addition to your meals.

Considerations

As with any dietary supplement, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a regimen, especially for individuals with diabetes, as honey contains natural sugars that can affect blood glucose levels. Children under one year of age should not be given any type of honey due to the risk of botulism.

Conclusion

The existing body of research, while largely preclinical and focused on honey in general rather than Manuka specifically, suggests that Manuka honey possesses significant potential to benefit brain health. Its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, primarily attributed to its high phenolic and MGO content, appear to combat key drivers of cognitive decline, such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, its ability to support BDNF production and regulate the gut-brain axis points toward potential cognitive-enhancing and mood-supportive effects. While the results are encouraging, further human studies are needed to substantiate these findings and establish optimal therapeutic guidelines. Incorporating Manuka honey into a balanced diet can be a delicious way to support overall health, including that of the brain, but should always be done in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Honey in Neurological Disorders: The Role of Polyphenols - This authoritative review details the role of honey's bioactive compounds in addressing several neurological disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

While more human research is needed, some animal studies and small-scale human trials suggest that Manuka honey, and honey in general, can enhance memory function, particularly short-term memory. The effect is believed to be linked to its antioxidant properties and its ability to boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Manuka honey's potent antibacterial and prebiotic properties help balance the gut microbiome by inhibiting harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial ones. A healthy gut communicates more effectively with the brain through the gut-brain axis, which can positively influence mood and cognitive processes.

Yes, Manuka honey contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, that have been shown to reduce neuroinflammation in preclinical studies. By mitigating inflammation, it can help protect brain cells from damage and support long-term brain health.

Research into the antidepressant effects of honey is still in the early stages, but some studies on animals suggest it may help regulate stress hormones and protect the hippocampus from damage caused by stress. While it is not a replacement for medical treatment, its bioactive compounds show promise in supporting mental health.

For brain health, you can consume Manuka honey directly from the spoon, add it to warm (not hot) tea or coffee, blend it into smoothies, or drizzle it over breakfast items like oatmeal or yogurt. Consuming it regularly is a common approach.

Manuka honey is generally safe in moderation, but individuals with diabetes should monitor their intake due to its sugar content. Those allergic to bees or pollen may experience an allergic reaction. Additionally, all honey, including Manuka, should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Preclinical and laboratory studies have shown Manuka honey's potential neuroprotective effects against the molecular drivers of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, significant further research, especially human clinical trials, is necessary to determine its therapeutic value for these conditions.