3 Oct 2012

Research probes manuka treasure chest

10:50 am on 3 October 2012

Researchers are taking a closer look at what other scientific treasures can be extracted from manuka trees besides the nectar that produces New Zealand's most valuable honey.

Crown research institute Plant & Food has received a $600,000 Government grant for a project called "valuable manuka molecules".

Plant and Food chief operating officer Bruce Campbell said it will focus on properties contained in the leaves of manuka plants.

"We've already got manuka honey turning into a great success story.

"There's a number of compound in the leaves of manuka that we're very interested in.

"There's some early indications that there could be some valuable properties ... particularly at relaxation properties that might come from manuka," sid Dr Campbell.