Mānuka Oil

Mānuka oil is derived from the young foliage of Leptospermum scoparium plants of the Myrtaceae family of trees, although the oil content of Mānuka is low, and production by a steam distillation process is therefore expensive. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is of increasing interest for potential applications as a medicinal agent or cosmetic ingredient.

Different chemotypes of Mānuka are found throughout New Zealand, and the oil exhibits strong antibacterial activity especially against Gram positive bacteria. Chemotypes found in the East Coast of the North Island tend to contain higher levels of some of the key compounds, known as β-triketones.

Apart from being strongly antibacterial and antifungal, Mānuka oil’s anti-inflammatory and other unique properties make it a potent essential oil that combines well with other ingredients, and a useful component in a range of antiseptic or cleansing products and devices.