Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel) Oil an important medicinal essential oil

Abstract

Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel oil (Tea Tree Oil, TTO) is an essential oil appropriate for medicinal and cosmetic usage. Tea tree oil is composed of complex formulation with more than 100 components; however, the most pharmaceutically active one is terpinen-4-ol. TTO can be implemented for decolonization of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, anti-tumor therapy and antifungal activity based on different doses and exposure-duration proportionate with the targeted species. Antioxidant activity is related to α-terpinene, α-terpinolene and γ-terpinene. Hypersensitivity may occur as mild dermatitis or being aggravated to hepatitis and central nervous system reactions due to chronic or acute poisoning. Acne treatment prognosis shows significant improvement after TTO application proceeding by Propionibacterium acnes colony destruction. Plus, TTO usage psoriasis is also possible. Further investigations have premised TTO’s insecticidal effects performed by anticholinesterase activity. Destructive ability of the oil on Pityrosporum ovale is also indisputable and including TTO as the active ingredient has been highly beneficial for curing scalp dandruff. Expeditious antiviral activity is also considered as the promising characteristic suggested for this oil. Still, little information is available about feasibility of in vivo utilization.