Quick Dips

Manuka Medicine

Manuka oil may soon be used as part of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products around the world after successful trials in France.

A chemical extracted from manuka, being marketed as Manex Oil, has been found to have high levels of antiseptic and fungicidal activity, showing effectiveness against athlete's foot, ringworm, acne and thrush in practical trials. Tests also indicate that it has potential as a treatment against some antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Tairawhiti Pharmaceuticals, a North Island company headed by members of the Ngati Porou tribe, has already formulated a selection of skin care and animal health products containing Manex Oil, and these are now due to be trialled before commercial release. If all goes well, the oil should provide new income and jobs on the East Coast.