Lemon Myrtle Research

Lemon Myrtle (backhousia citriodora) products are used as bushfoods, flavourings and by the aromatherapy industry, however, the essential oil derived from this plant has also been shown to be a powerful antimicrobial agent.

The oil, and indeed concentrated leaf paste, has been shown to be effective against a range of microgranisms including Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a hospital isolate of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Indeed, the antimicrobial activity of B. citriodora essential oils was found to be greater than that of citral alone (the major constituent of the oil) and often superior to Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. B. citriodora has significant potential as an antiseptic, surface disinfectant or perhaps for inclusion in foods as a natural antimicrobial agent.