Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils of Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka) and Melaleuca Alternofolia (Tea Tree) in the Treatment of Onychochochoteses

Abstract

Introduction: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that triggers a poor quality of life for patients and despite being considered superficial mycoses, they are difficult to diagnose and treat. Essential oils have been used as a therapeutic alternative due to their antimicrobial and antifungal action due to the presence of phenolic components in parts of the vegetable used in the therapy. Objective: To evaluate whether the treatment of Podiatry with essential oils, with antifungal activity, in patients with onychomycosis enables nail reconstruction opening the perspective of studies to characterize its antimicrobial principles and techniques that promote the health and beautification of the feet. Methods: Care for patients with onychomycosis, and the control group is using traditional topical antifungal therapy available in the pharmaceutical market. The intervention group (a) used manuka essential oil and finally the other intervention group (b) using melaleuca essential oil. All participants were submitted to direct mycological and culture examinations to identify the fungal strain. Results: The tests performed using essential oils in the treatment of patients with onychomycosis showed that such substances triggered improvement, even if gradual of patients and with lower cost. Conclusion:The essential oils studied in the present study showed antifungal activity, opening a perspective of studies to characterize their antimicrobial principles for the treatment of nail mycoses and stimulate the development of new forms of treatment containing phytopharmaceuticals.