evidence: Manuka honey contains potent naturally-occurring antibacterial agents, such as the chemical methylglyoxal, making it especially effective for wound disinfection. However, manuka honey is only effective when applied topically to an infected wound, not when eaten. In addition, the process required to produce food-grade manuka honey may inactivate some of its antimicrobial properties, rendering it less effective for wound healing than medical-grade manuka honey.