A type of honey made by bees in New Zealand turns out to be a "superior" treatment for leg wounds in horses, researchers say.

The team from the University of Sydney tested the healing effects of manuka honey by applying a sweet solution made up of 66 per cent honey and 34 per cent water-based gel to horses.

They found it sped up the healing process by 27 per cent and led to smaller wound sizes.

Honey has been used to treat human wounds for centuries but the University of Sydney study is the first world clinical trial of its effectiveness on horses.

"This is far superior to any product that has been looked at on the market," said Dr Andrew Dart, the study's supervisor and an expert on horse leg injuries.

Manuka honey is believed have antibacterial properties and is produced by bees attracted to the manuka bush, which grows widely in New Zealand.

Dr Dart told AAP on Wednesday the results of the university's study has led to widespread national and international interest in its applications for humans.

"There is potential for the manuka honey gel to be used across species with similar beneficial effects," he said.

The study found horse wounds treated with the manuka mix took 47 days to heal, compared to the expected average of 64 days with no treatment.

Because horses have long legs lacking in both muscle and fat coverage, they are particularly susceptible to suffering leg wounds.

They also experience a long healing process which can produce an enormous amount of scar tissue.

Used daily, the honey produced maximum effect within the first 21 days and particularly within the first seven days.

Study lead researcher D Andrea Bischofberger presents the findings on Friday at an Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

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