Biotechnical Faculty to research medicinal properties of chestnut honey
Ljubljana, 22 November - The Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty has embarked on a research project meant to provide clearer insight into the undisputed medicinal benefits of chestnut honey and into methods allowing a controlled production of top grade medicinal varieties.
"The production of new medical products on the basis of chestnut honey is being undermined by the fluctuating quality of the honey and insufficiently defined anti-microbial activity," the faculty wrote.
The research into the honey, led by Janko Božič, aims to "develop robust quality control test" that will help identify the environmental and technological variables crucial for securing products that can serve for medical purposes or as dietary supplements.
The partners in the project include the Jožef Stefan Institute, Tosama, a maker of bandages and similar medical supplies, Medex, a company selling honey and producing food supplements and cosmetics, as well as the Slovenian Research Agency.
"Chestnut honey is actually incredible," Tosama director Mojca Šimnic Šolinc said, explaining it is one of the few honey varieties used in the treatment of wounds. It can be used in all stages of the healing process, which is a major advantage, she added.
While chestnut honey is best know for its anti-microbial properties, Rok Kopinč of Medex also highlighted its high levels of kynurenic acid, "a very important metabolism regulator", meaning it can also be used for a number of dietary supplements.