manuka essential oil

Manuka essential oil is a topical botanical extract derived from the *Leptospermum scoparium* (specifically the East Cape mānuka plant). Developed by Taurean Health Products, it is being investigated for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores). The oil's therapeutic activity is primarily attributed to its high concentration of beta-triketones, including flavesone, leptospermone, iso-leptospermone, and grandiflorone. Its mechanism of action involves the direct inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) particles before or during viral attachment to host cells, likely by disrupting the viral envelope or masking surface components required for cell entry. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the preparation can reduce the infectivity of both acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 isolates by more than 99%. It has been evaluated in a single-arm, open-label clinical study in Australia to assess its safety and performance as a topical cold sore treatment.

Other names

Leptospermum scoparium essential oilmānuka essential oil