What Is Mānuka Oil? Composition, Traditional Use, and Modern Research

Mānuka oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves and small branches of the Mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand. While Mānuka honey is widely known, Mānuka oil is less understood—despite a growing body of scientific research into its unique chemical profile and antimicrobial activity.

In this introductory article, we cover what Mānuka oil is, how it differs from other essential oils, how it has been traditionally used, and what modern research suggests so far.

Botanical Origin of Mānuka Oil

Mānuka oil is typically steam-distilled from the foliage of Leptospermum scoparium. The plant grows across diverse regions of New Zealand, including areas such as the East Cape, Northland, and parts of the South Island.

Unlike many essential oils that are distilled from flowers or bark, Mānuka oil is produced mainly from leaves and terminal branchlets, which contain a complex blend of volatile compounds.

Not all Mānuka oils are chemically identical. Geography, genetics, climate, and harvest timing can influence the oil’s composition—something that matters when interpreting research and comparing products.

Chemical Composition: What Makes Mānuka Oil Different?

Mānuka oil contains a range of naturally occurring compounds, including:

• β-triketones (e.g., leptospermone, isoleptospermone, flavesone)
• Sesquiterpenes
• Monoterpenes
• Other oxygenated aromatic compounds

One of the most distinctive features of many New Zealand Mānuka oils is their β-triketone content, particularly in oils sourced from certain regions and chemotypes.

Why β-triketones matter

Laboratory studies suggest β-triketones contribute significantly to Mānuka oil’s antimicrobial activity, especially against certain bacteria and fungi. These compounds are less common—or absent—in many other essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender.

This chemistry is one reason Mānuka oil is often researched as a distinct essential oil, rather than being treated as interchangeable with other botanical oils.

(We’ll explore β-triketones in detail in a dedicated follow-up article.)

Traditional Māori Use of Mānuka

Long before modern distillation methods, Māori communities used different parts of the Mānuka plant for practical purposes. Traditional preparations included:

• Leaf infusions
• Poultices applied to the skin
• Decoctions made from bark and foliage

These applications were based on observed effects rather than modern chemical analysis, but they provide helpful context for why Mānuka has been valued over generations.

Note: Traditional use does not equal clinical proof, but it can inform research questions and guide what scientists choose to investigate.

Modern Scientific Research on Mānuka Oil

Over recent decades, Mānuka oil has attracted increasing scientific attention, especially in microbiology and natural product chemistry. Research has commonly examined:

• Antibacterial and antifungal activity in laboratory settings
• Differences between Mānuka oil chemotypes
• Comparisons with other essential oils
• The role and stability of β-triketones

In vitro (lab) studies have reported inhibitory effects against certain Gram-positive bacteria and some fungal organisms. Some comparisons suggest Mānuka oil can show strong activity against specific microbes—an effect often linked to triketone-rich profiles.

It’s important to interpret this responsibly:

• Most studies are laboratory-based (not human clinical trials)
• Results depend on oil composition and concentration
• Human clinical evidence is still limited for many proposed uses

For that reason, the most trustworthy approach is to discuss research findings rather than making medical claims.

How Mānuka Oil Is Commonly Used Today

Today, Mānuka oil is primarily used as a formulated ingredient rather than a stand-alone product. It may appear in:

• Skincare formulations
• Soaps and cleansers
• Topical blends
• Veterinary and animal-care products
• Functional ingredient research and development

Because essential oils can be potent, Mānuka oil is typically diluted and used according to product directions and professional guidance where appropriate.

How This Research Hub Will Grow

This article is the foundation of the Mānuka Oil Research section. Next articles can cover topics such as:

• What β-triketones are and how they’re measured
• Mānuka oil vs tea tree oil: key differences
• Skin safety, dilution, and formulation basics
• Regional differences across New Zealand Mānuka oils
• Plain-English summaries of key studies

As you add posts, link them back to this introduction to build a clear, trustworthy pathway for readers.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow label directions and seek professional advice where appropriate.