Grading

The MβTK™ quality mark, shown on products certified as containing natural Manuka β-triketones, also includes a grading system.

The grading system clearly shows the percentage of total β-triketones present in the oil. 

This means you can be confident the oil you’ve purchased is authentic, and contains the MβTK™ percentage value quoted on the label, or better.

How do we grade Manuka oil products? 

MβTK™ Manuka oil products are graded according to the percentage of β-triketones present in the oil component of the product.

You’ll find a number between 5+ and 40+ clearly shown on the label.

A 40+ grading means the oil component of the product is sourced from the East Cape region of New Zealand and contains at least 40% β-triketones.

Why do we grade Manuka oil products?

The Manuka tree is found throughout New Zealand. However the concentration of β-triketones in Manuka ranges from below 1% to over 30% (Douglas et al. 2004).

It is important to recognise that MβTK™ (Manuka oil β-triketones) are found at very high levels only in Manuka oil sourced from the East Cape region of New Zealand. Our lowest MβTK™ grade is 5+, meaning the oil contains at least 5% β-triketones. 

Reference: Douglas, M. H. et al. Essential oils from New Zealand manuka: triketone and other chemotypes of Leptospermum scoparium. Phytochemistry 65, 1255–1264 (2004).

Figure 1: New Zealand geographic variations in total triketone content (modified from Douglas et al. 2004)