Diversity in the essential oil of New Zealand grown Kānuka, Kunzea ericoides (A. Rich) Joy Thomps.

Abstract

Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka) is a New Zealand (NZ) native tree. The essential oil, obtained from leaves and branches, has been commercially produced in New Zealand since the early 1990’s. Whilst there has been extensive work correctly categorising the tree, its habitat and its chemical composition little research has been undertaken on commercially produced samples of essential oil to identify chemical variations and the potential impact on commercial use. Currently most retail outlets, either within NZ or internationally, provide minimal or absent detail as to the location or recognition that geographical diversity can exist. The purpose of this study is to analyse commercially produced samples of essential oil as sold to consumers, produced indifferent geographical locations around New Zealand. These analyses, along with earlier research undertaken has identified some key differences in chemical composition, which have the potential to influence clinical applications. Kānuka oil is clearly differentiated from its relative Mānuka oil (Leptospermum scoparium) due to the high percentage of α-pinene and absence of β-triketones.