About Total Activity (TA)
Total Activity (TA) measures the levels of activities of the naturally occurring enzymes in the honey. The higher the measurement or rating, the stronger the antimicrobial and antibacterial activity in the honey. This demonstrates how good it is in fighting bacteria and other microbes like mould and fungi. Total Activity measures peroxide activity and non-peroxide activity.
Our active honey range such as Jarrah, Marri (Redgum) and Karri derive their activity from hydrogen peroxide and have their activity levels rated in TA by the Australian National Measurement Institute, an Australian government body. It is important to note that the highest official rating given by the Australian National Measurement Institute is TA35+. For instance, a highly active honey sample which has an actual TA reading of 59 will be awarded a TA rating of TA35+ on its official report.
On the other hand, Manuka honey is non-peroxide and derives its activity levels from a chemical called methylglyoxal. Manuka honey is commonly measured using Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) which measures non-peroxide activity and MGO which measures the concentration of methylglyoxal by mg/kg.
In summary, if you like your formulas:
TA = PA (Peroxide Activity) + NPA (Non Peroxide Activity)
UMF = NPA (Non Peroxide Activity)
MGO = mg of methylglyoxal / kg of honey
Refer to below chart for activity level comparison between TA / UMF / MGO.
TA |
UMF |
MGO |
Potency / Grade |
5+ |
5+ |
100 |
Table |
10+ |
10+ |
263 |
Therapeutic |
15+ |
15+ |
550 |
Therapeutic |
20+ |
20+ |
829 |
Antibacterial |
35+ |
* |
>1700 |
Superior Antibacterial |