Researching Kanuka honey is vital for understanding its properties, benefits, and potential applications across various domains, from health and agriculture to economics and the environment. Research can help verify and quantify these benefits, potentially leading to new medical applications. Our research so far has demonstrated that it has high immune stimulatory properties. 

Investigating its properties further and potential uses can open up new markets and economic opportunities for beekeepers and producers. It might lead to the development of new products or industries. Moreover, research findings can build trust among consumers by providing scientific evidence supporting the claimed benefits of Kanuka honey. This can increase its demand and usage.

Arabinogalactan proteins, aka ‘AGPs’ are a specific type of glycoprotein that exhibits potent immunomodulatory properties. They are a stable compound and don’t change over time. They are bioactive proteins found in the cell walls of plants.

AGP has been scientifically proven to be immunostimulatory, meaning it has the ability to stimulate the immune system. They are a rich source of pro-inflammatory substance and release a cytokine called macrophages from the immune system. Macrophages are highly specialised cells that can detect and destroy harmful bacteria while activating the pro-inflammatory process.

At this stage, we know that there are regional variances in the amount of AGPs present in kānuka honey. We have developed a chemical markers method after testing numerous samples. Although, this area will be a continuous innovation for the coming year or two until we start collating data from samples around the country and determining patterns and trends. 

The Experiment Company at this point in time isn’t offering the kānuka testing services commercially yet. We have a little while to go to make it fully robust and ISO17025 accredited. However, you can still send your fresh harvest samples to our R & D team in Auckland. Your support is crucial to launching this tests nationwide.