A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology

Abstract

Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential oil, steam-distilled from the Australian native plant, Melaleuca alternifolia. It has a minimum content of terpinen-4-ol and a maximum content of 1, 8-cineole. Terpinen-4-ol is a major TTO component which exhibits strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil exerts antioxidant activity and has been reported to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections affecting skin and mucosa. Several studies have suggested the uses of TTO for the treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and chronic gingivitis. It also accelerates the wound healing process and exhibits anti-skin cancer activity. This review opens up new horizons for dermatologists in the use of this herbal agent.

Antimicrobial Activity of Tea Tree oil against Pathogenic Bacteria and Comparison of Its Effectiveness with Eucalyptus Oil, Lemongrass Oil and Conventional Antibiotics

“…Hammer et al, (2006) concluded that it may be used externally in its diluted form by the majority of individuals without adverse effect (provided oxidation is avoided) [19]. Topical application of high concentrated TTO can cause adverse reactions like skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, erythema multiform like reactions, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions [19,20]. We didn't provide any constructed information about appropriate dose which will treat infection without any kind of adverse effect.…”

Terpinen-4-ol Induces Autophagic and Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Leukemic HL-60 Cells

“…(Paisooksantivatana and Buain, 2009), leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) (Pazyar et al, 2013). Terpinen-4-ol has many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation (Hart et al, 2000;Jeenapongsa et al, 2003), and anti-hypersensitivity (Lahlou et al, 2003).…”

Secondary effects of topical application of an essential oil. Allergic contact dermatitis due to tea tree oil

“…Aunque el AAT contiene más de 100 compuestos 4 , su principal componente es el terpinen-4-ol 2,4,11,12 , al que se atribuye la mayor actividad antimicrobiana 1 . Actualmente su composición se regula por una norma internacional, que establece cantidades máximas y/o mínimas para 14 componentes del aceite (International Organization for Standarization, 1996), y define por lo menos un 30% de terpinen 4-ol y no más de un 15% de 1.8 cineol 13 .…”

“…El aceite de árbol de té (AAT) es uno de estos productos cuyo uso ha aumentado en los últimos tiempos 1 . Se trata de un aceite esencial, una mezcla compleja de hidrocarburos terpénicos y alcoholes terciarios destilada de las hojas del árbol denominado Melaleuca alternifolia [1][2][3][4] , procedente de Australia, de la familia Myrtaceae 5 , que incluye alrededor de 3000 especies 1 . Se utiliza por sus beneficios medicinales, ya que se le atribuye capacidad antisépica 6 , antifúngi-ca 7,8 y antiviral 9 .…”