Manuka Honey

There are laboratory (in-vitro) studies and mechanistic reasons why Manuka (and honey in general) might have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and symptomatic benefits — but no high-quality clinical evidence shows Manuka honey alone cures or reliably treats COVID-19. Use it only as symptomatic relief (e.g., for cough/sore throat) and never as a substitute for vaccines, approved antivirals, or medical care. 

Manuka honey contains several bioactive features that explain why researchers investigated it for SARS-CoV-2:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO): Manuka is rich in MGO, a reactive dicarbonyl. In vitro work (lab studies) suggests MGO can modify viral proteins (arginine residues) and reduce infectivity of enveloped viruses; a Qatar University group reported virucidal activity of MGO / Manuka preparations against SARS-CoV-2 in cell-based assays. These are laboratory findings, not clinical proof. Qatar University Digital Hub
• Direct antiviral / virucidal effects in vitro: Several lab studies and patents report that Manuka or honey blends can inactivate or reduce SARS-CoV-2 titers under experimental conditions. Again — in vitro results do not automatically translate to safe, effective treatments in people. Justia Patents SpringerOpen
• Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions: Honey contains polyphenols and other compounds that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in models; that could theoretically blunt damaging inflammation (e.g., “cytokine storm”) in severe disease — a plausible mechanism but not clinically proven for COVID-19. ScienceDirect MDPI
• Symptomatic benefits: Honey is a proven demulcent (coats mucous membranes) and helps calm coughs/sore throats — Cochrane and other reviews support honey for acute cough (in children >12 months and commonly used in adults). That symptomatic effect is the most evidence-backed, practical benefit. Cochrane Mayo Clinic

Summary: plausible antiviral/anti-inflammatory mechanisms + cough-soothing effects explain interest, but lab activity ≠ clinical efficacy for treating COVID-19 in people. ScienceDirect

• As symptomatic relief (cough / sore throat): commonly used amounts are ~1–2 teaspoons (≈5–10 mL) once or twice (up to three times) daily; many sources recommend a single dose (1–2 teaspoons) at night for cough relief. Cochrane and clinical reviews discuss similar simple dosing for cough. Use only in children older than 12 months. Cochrane GoodRx
• Clinical trial example (not Manuka-specific): a notable randomized trial used honey at 1 g/kg/day (given orally) combined with Nigella sativa seeds — but that was a combined nutraceutical intervention (not Manuka alone) and results have been published as preprints/peer review summaries; it’s not direct proof Manuka alone works. If you do the math, 1 g/kg/day for a 70 kg adult ≈ 70 g (~3–4 tablespoons) per day — a very large sugar load and not a guideline for routine use. MedRxiv
• Topical / device uses: patents and lab work have proposed topical/air-filtering/manuka-impregnated materials to inactivate virus particles — these are experimental ideas, not approved medical devices. Justia Patents

Practical, safe approach if you want to try Manuka for symptom relief:

• Use a small dose (e.g., 1–2 teaspoons, up to 1–2 tablespoons total daily) to soothe throat/cough; do not exceed large daily quantities routinely (high sugar load). Cite: common practice and cough reviews. Mayo Clinic
• Choose a genuine product (UMF/MGO labelled) if you want consistent MGO values — but label systems vary and higher MGO does not equal proven COVID-19 benefit.
• Do not give honey to infants <12 months (botulism risk). nhs.uk
• If symptoms worsen (difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, fainting), seek medical care immediately; do not rely on honey in place of antivirals or hospital care. Mayo Clinic

In-vitro / lab evidence (Manuka / MGO):

• Qatar University repository: “Evaluation of antiviral activity of Manuka honey against SARS-CoV-2” (in-vitro work / conference report / university repo). Shows virucidal effects in cell assays — lab result only. Qatar University Digital Hub
• Publications/patents reporting Manuka honey (MGO) or formulations reduce SARS-CoV-2 titers in lab assays (patent filings describe virucidal assays). Justia Patents SpringerOpen

Systematic reviews and mechanistic reviews: Several reviews summarize honey’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties and call for clinical trials (e.g., ScienceDirect review “Prospects of honey in fighting COVID-19”; MDPI review on bee products). These emphasize promising preclinical data but call for human trials. ScienceDirect MDPI

Clinical trials (honey used in humans):

• HNS-COVID-PK trial (Pakistan): randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing honey + Nigella sativa (not Manuka alone). The preprint/reports suggested faster symptom alleviation and viral clearance in the combined group — but results are complicated (combination therapy), and the preprint/abstracts require careful interpretation and peer-review confirmation. This is not proof Manuka alone treats COVID-19. MedRxiv
• Rapid reviews have looked at bee products for prevention/treatment and concluded evidence is limited and of low certainty, with a call for more trials. aihm.org

Summary: lab (in-vitro) data are the main evidence for Manuka/MGO activity vs SARS-CoV-2; a few small clinical studies tested honey combinations, but no rigorous, peer-reviewed clinical trial shows Manuka honey alone cures or reliably treats COVID-19. Health authorities warn against unproven “cures.” Qatar University Digital Hub MedRxiv Full Fact