Study of effectiveness of East Cape Manuka Oil and Tea Tree Oil against selected Fungi

Fungi

MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) levels in % w/v (poison food method)

                                                                                Manuka                Kanuka                 Melaleuca

Aspergillus niger                                               >1.25                      >1.25                      0.625

Penicillium sp.                                                    >1.25                      >1.25                      0.625

Microsporum Canis  90-359                           <0.039                   0.31                        0.156                                     

Trichophyton rubrum 90-364                         <0.039                   0.156                      0.156

Trichophyton  mentagraphytes 90 - 196    0.078                      0.625                      0.156                  

Conclusion:

The two common environmental organisms Aspergillus niger and the Penicillium sp were not affected by the Manuka and Kanuka at 1.25 % but the Melaleuca did have activity at this concentration. The difference is of doubtful significance. For the remaining 4 organisms tested, Kanuka and Melaleuca were very similar but the Manuka Oil was 5 to 10 times more effective.

Microsporum and the Trichophyton organisms are ringworm fungi and the high activity of the Manuka Oil suggests a possible topical, pharmaceutical product targeted at this complaint.