Kanuka (Leptospermum ericoides) Research
Latin Name: Leptospermum ericoides
Family: Myrtaceae
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.
ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL
- Antibacterial activity of Australian tea tree, cajuput, niaouli, kanuka, manuka, and eucalyptus oil were assessed. From: Harkenthal, M., Reichling, J., Geiss, H. K., & Saller, R. (1999). Comparative study on the in vitro antibacterial activity of Australian tea tree oil, cajuput oil, niaouli oil, manuka oil, kanuka oil, and eucalyptus oil. Die Pharmazie, 54(6), 460-463.
- Antimicrobial activity of manuka, kanuka, and tea tree were assessed. From: Lis‐Balchin, M., Hart, S. L., & Deans, S. G. (2000). Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea‐tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand. Phytotherapy research, 14(8), 623-629.
- Manuka and kanuka essential oils showed antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, and may be effective against human infectious microorganisms. From: Chen, C. C., Yan, S. H., Yen, M. Y., Wu, P. F., Liao, W. T., Huang, T. S., … & Wang, H. M. D. (2016). Investigations of kanuka and manuka essential oils for in vitro treatment of disease and cellular inflammation caused by infectious microorganisms. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 49(1), 104-111.
- Australian tea tree oil, cajuput, niaouli, lema, kanuka, and manuka showed antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus. From: Christoph, F., Stahl-Biskup, E., & Kaulfers, P. M. (2001). Death kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus exposed to commercial tea tree oils sl. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 13(2), 98-102.
SPASMOLYTIC
- Manuka and kanuka oils induced a spasmolytic effect in guinea pig smooth muscle. From: LIS‐BALCHIN, M. A. R. I. A., & Hart, S. L. (1998). An Investigation of the Actions of the Essential oils of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), Myrtaceae on Guinea‐pig Smooth Muscle. Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 50(7), 809-811.
MUCOLYTIC
- Neck and cancer patients who received radiation had delayed onset of mucositis and reduced pain and oral symptoms from gargling a blend with manuka and kanuka. From: Maddocks-Jennings, W., Wilkinson, J. M., Cavanagh, H. M., & Shillington, D. (2009). Evaluating the effects of the essential oils Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) and Kunzea ericoides (kanuka) on radiotherapy induced mucositis: a randomized, placebo controlled feasibility study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 13(2), 87-93.
REPELLENT
- Multiple Australian plants have provided mosquito repelling activity in studies, including eucalyptus, tea tree, balm mint bush, and more. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Austrailian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 8/18/19
