Tea Tree Oil Research Articles

Tea tree oil inhibits hydrogen sulfide-induced oxidative damage in chicken lungs through CYP450s/ROS pathway

A large amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced in the process of chicken breeding, which can cause serious inflammation and oxidative damage to the respiratory system of chickens. Tea tree oil (TTO) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. No studies have been reported on the use of TTO in H2S-induced lung injury in chickens. Therefore, in this study, 240 one-day-old Roman pink laying hens were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups: control group (CON), H2S exposure group (AVG, containing H2S), and TTO treatment group (TTG, containing H2S and 0.02 mL/L TTO) to establish an experimental model of TTO treatment with H2S exposure for a period of 42 d. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect lung histopathology. Gene expression profiles were analyzed using transcriptomics. The underlying mechanism of the amelioration of lung injury by TTO was further revealed by antioxidant enzyme assays and qRT-PCR. The results showed that H2S exposure induced significant gene expression of CYP450s (CYP1B1 and CYP1C1) (P < 0.05), and caused intense oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation compared with CON. TTO could reduce ROS production and enhance antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT, T-AOC, and GSH-PX) by regulating the CYP450s/ROS pathway (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significantly decreased expression of apoptotic (Caspase-8, Caspase-3, Bid and Fas) (P < 0.05) and inflammatory (IL-4, IL-16, NF-κB, TNF-α and IFN-γ) (P < 0.05) factors in the lung. This study revealed that TTO regulated CYP450s/ROS pathway to alleviate H2S-induced lung injury in chickens. These results enrich the theory of the action mechanism of TTO on H2S-exposed chicken lungs and are of great value for the treatment of H2S-exposed animals.

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of certain essential oils by blue and violet diode laser excitation

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy of 8 essential oils (rosemary, basil, orange, lavender, peppermint, rose, pomegranate and tea tree oil) has been performed using compact blue and violet lasers operating at 447 nm and 405 nm respectively. The various features of the obtained spectra and their possible molecular origins have been discussed. Important constituents in these oils have been identified, such as two types of chlorophylls (A and B), in addition to a type of tocopherol (vitamin E). It may be possible to roughly estimate, qualitatively, the relative abundance of these constituents in these essential oils. To the best of our knowledge, the analysis of a significant number of essential oils by laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique has not been performed before. As a future application, the technique can be used for the efficient and rapid detection adulterants in essential oils.

Terpinen-4-ol from tea tree oil prevents Aspergillus flavus growth in postharvest wheat grain

Plant volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) have gained increasing attention for their role in preventing fungal spoilage and insect contamination in postharvest agro-products owing to their effectiveness and sustainability. In this study, the essential oil was extracted from fresh M. alternifolia (tea tree) leaves, and the fumigation vapor of tea tree oil (TTO) completely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus on agar plates at a concentration of 1.714 μL/mL. Terpinen-4-ol was identified as the major component (40.76 %) of TTO volatiles analyzed using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Terpinen-4-ol vapor completely inhibited the A. flavus growth on agar plates and 20 % moisture wheat grain at 0.556 and 1.579 μL/mL, respectively, indicating that terpinen-4-ol serves as the main antifungal constituent in TTO volatiles. The minimum inhibitory concentration of terpinen-4-ol in liquid-contact culture was 1.6 μL/mL. Terpinen-4-ol treatment caused depressed, wrinkled, and punctured mycelial morphology and destroyed the plasma membrane integrity of A. flavus. Metabolomics analysis identified significant alterations in 93 metabolites, with 79 upregulated and 14 downregulated in A. flavus mycelia exposed to 1.6 μL/mL terpinen-4-ol for 6 h, involved in multiple cellular processes including cell membrane permeability and integrity, the ABC transport system, pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Biochemical analysis and 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining showed that terpinen-4-ol induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in A. flavus mycelia. This study provides new insights into the antifungal effects of the main TTO volatile compounds terpinen-4-ol on the growth of A. flavus.

Development and characterization of bioactive polyvinyl alcohol / chitosan multilayer-based films loaded with tea tree oil nanoemulsion to extend the shelf life of red grapes

This study presents a comprehensive overview of developing, characterizing, and utilizing trilayer antibacterial films for potential food preservation applications. The films are composed of chitosan (Ch) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as biopolymers and tea tree essential oil nanoemulsion (NETTO) as the primary antibacterial ingredient. Initial evaluations confirmed tea tree oil's potent antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating inhibitory and bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at low concentrations. The MIC values for E. coli were 2.5 μL/mL and for S. aureus 1.25 μL/mL, with corresponding MBC values of 5 μL/mL and 1.25 μL/mL, respectively. The incorporation of NETTO in the film formulation not only improves the antibacterial efficacy of the films, as evidenced by agar well diffusion assays, but also impacts their physical properties. The trilayer film also became less moisture-content15.59%, soluble 11.57 %, and permeable to water vapor 5.52 (10−5 gm−1 min−1 Pa−1). The trilayer film can provide sustained release and better tea tree oil retention rates than the Ch-NETTO film. The study further investigates the effectiveness of trilayer film in preserving red grapes, which outperformed commercial plastic and Ch films against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The trilayer film effectively preserves the appearance and freshness of red grapes, extending their shelf life.

The Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oils in Managing Inflammatory Skin Conditions: A Scoping Review.

Conventional therapy is commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, but undesirable effects, such as erythema, dryness, skin thinning, and resistance to treatment, may cause poor patient compliance. Therefore, patients may seek complementary treatment with herbal plant products including essential oils (EOs). This scoping review aims to generate a broad overview of the EOs used to treat inflammatory skin conditions, namely, acne vulgaris, dermatitis and eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, in a clinical setting. The quality, efficacy, and safety of various EOs, as well as the way in which they are prepared, are reviewed, and the potential, as well as the limitations, of EOs for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions are discussed. Twenty-nine eligible studies (case studies, uncontrolled clinical studies, and randomized clinical studies) on the applications of EOs for inflammatory skin conditions were retrieved from scientific electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library). As an initial result, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil emerged as the most studied EO. The clinical studies with tea tree oil gel for acne treatment showed an efficacy with fewer adverse reactions compared to conventional treatments. The uncontrolled studies indicated the potential efficacy of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) oil, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) oil, and cedarwood (Cedrus libani) oil in the treatment of acne, but further research is required to reach conclusive evidence. The placebo-controlled studies revealed the positive effects of kānuka (Kunzea ericoides) oil and frankincense (Boswellia spp.) oil in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. The quality verification of the EO products was inconsistent, with some studies lacking analyses and transparency. The quality limitations of some studies included a small sample size, a short duration, and the absence of a control group. This present review underscores the need for extended, well-designed clinical studies to further assess the efficacy and safety of EOs for treating inflammatory skin conditions with products of assured quality and to further elucidate the mechanisms of action involved.

Poly(acid lactic)-montmorillonite clay bionanocomposites loaded with tea tree oil for application in antibacterial wound healing

This study evaluated the ability of tea tree essential oil (TT) incorporated into polymer-clay bionanocomposites to in vitro eliminate resistant microorganisms towards applications in antibacterial wound healing. Antimicrobial bionanocomposites were prepared in two steps, namely sonication and melt intercalation, and montmorillonite clay and poly(acid lactic) (PLA) were chosen because they constitute a polymer-clay bionanocomposite to be applied in wound dressing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated good incorporation of the organic compounds, TT oil, and glycerol (G) (the latter used as a plasticizer) into the clay galleries. Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed a 2–30 % increase in storage modulus and up to 10 °C decrease in glass transition temperature, proving the influence of both TT oil and G on the stress transfer of the reinforcement clay phase. Thermogravitmetric analyses (TGA) revealed TT oil and G addition worsened the thermal stability of the bionanocomposites, which show a mass loss onset decrease up to 90 °C and a clay content between 1.5 and 3 wt%. In vitro antimicrobial activity tests revealed only the combinations of TT oil and G reduced Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus satisfactorily and showed the antimicrobial activity of the bionanocomposites.

In vitro antibacterial activity of antibiotics and plant essential oils against Escherichia coli MTCC443 supported through the molecular docking and pharmacokinetics study.

Most of the Escherichia coli turned into serious pathogens or developed antibiotic resistance, mainly due to their ability to show different phenotypic traits. In order to overcome the resistance to these antibiotics, the use of essential oils (EOs) is of great significance against highly pathogenic microorganisms. This study has been made to compare the in vitro antibacterial activity and further validated the same through the molecular docking study of 13 antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, rifampicin, kanamycin, vancomycin, streptomycin, penicillin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, and polymyxin, and 10 EOs such as garlic, tulsi, neem, clove, thyme, peppermint, coriander, tea, lavender, and eucalyptus against the target protein (DNA gyrase) of E. coli MTCC443. E. coli Microbial Type Culture Collection 443 was found to be highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin (zone of inhibition [ZOI], 2.5cm ±0.1) and chloramphenicol (ZOI, 1.8cm ±0.1), whereas garlic oil (ZOI, 5.5cm ±0.1) and coriander oil (ZOI, 4.4cm ±0.1) were found comparatively most effective. Further, the in silico investigation observed the same; ciprofloxacin (binding affinity: -7.2kcal/mol) and chloramphenicol (binding affinity: -6.6kcal/mol). Penicillin (binding affinity: -4.2kcal/mol) and polymyxin (binding affinity: -0.3kcal/mol) were found to be least effective against the tested microbe, whereas vancomycin (binding affinity: +0.8kcal/mol) had no effect on it. Garlic (binding affinity: -7.8kcal/mol), coriander (binding affinity: -6.8kcal/mol), peppermint (binding affinity: -6.2kcal/mol), and neem (binding affinity: -6.2kcal/mol) oil exhibited the potent antibacterial activity against E. coli MTCC443, whereas thyme (binding affinity: -6.1kcal/mol), tea tree (binding affinity: -4.9kcal/mol), and tulsi (binding affinity: -3.8kcal/mol) oil were observed moderately effective. Eucalyptus (binding affinity: -2.9kcal/mol) and lavender (binding affinity: -2.8kcal/mol) oil were found to be the least effective among all the oils tested. The pharmacokinetics and networking were performed to the pharmacology of the potential compounds.

The extraction and benefits of tea tree oil

In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of complementary as well as alternative therapies, like tea tree (melaleuca) oil. Now available everywhere as both a pure oil and an active ingredient in numerous products, this essential oil has been utilised for almost a century in Australia. In the past, the main applications of tea tree oil have been to treat infections and inflammations. This review outlines the latest advancements in our comprehension of the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effectiveness properties of the oil and its constituents. A brief discussion of the oil's toxicity is included, along with a description of the specific mechanisms of antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory effect. Tea tree oil balances the scalp’s natural oil production, making its useful for combating oily hair. Its antifungal properties make it effective in fighting dandruff and dry scalp conditions. This essential oil can be mixed with carrier oils or added to your regular shampoo for easy use.Bottom of Form

Comprehensive antifungal investigation of natural plant extracts against Neosartorya spp. (Aspergillus spp.) of agriculturally significant microbiological contaminants and shaping their metabolic profile

Fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya (teleomorph of Aspergillus spp.) are of great concern in the production and storage of berries and fruit-based products, mainly due to the production of thermoresistant ascospores that cause food spoilage and possible secretion of mycotoxins. We initially tested the antifungal effect of six natural extracts against 20 isolates of Neosartorya spp. using a traditional inhibition test on Petri dishes. Tested isolates did not respond uniformly, creating 5 groups of descending sensitivity. Ten isolates best representing of the established sensitivity clusters were chosen for further investigation using a Biolog™ MT2 microplate assay with the same 6 natural extracts. Additionally, to test for metabolic profile changes, we used a Biolog™ FF microplate assay after pre-incubation with marigold extract. All natural extracts had an inhibitory effect on Neosartorya spp. growth and impacted its metabolism. Lavender and tea tree oil extracts at a concentration of 1000 µg mL−1 presented the strongest antifungal effect during the inhibition test, however all extracts exhibited inhibitory properties at even the lowest dose (5 µg mL−1). The fungal stress response in the presence of marigold extract was characterized by a decrease of amino acids and carbohydrates consumption and an uptake of carboxylic acids on the FF microplates, where the 10 studied isolates also presented differences in their innate resilience, creating 3 distinctive sensitivity groups of high, average and low sensitivity. The results confirm that natural plant extracts and essential oils inhibit and alter the growth and metabolism of Neosartorya spp. suggesting a possible future use in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to chemical fungicides used in traditional crop protection.

Clinical Case Report: Use of Essential Oils in Chronic Dermal Wound

Currently, there is a trend towards adopting treatments with more natural alternative products over synthetic ones. Essential oils are known for their numerous medicinal properties (from physical to emotional issues) and have been used by the population for millennia. They contain volatile compounds that have therapeutic properties. Their complex chemical composition provides plants with adaptive advantages in their environment and can be used as important active principles in products intended for human treatment. Essential oils also have antioxidant properties, preventing cellular damage and premature aging (such as lemon, lavender, and sweet orange essential oils, for example). Regarding antimicrobial properties, various essential oils have shown activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, tea tree oil has been effective against various bacteria and fungi, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans. Additionally, essential oils are widely used for analgesic purposes, such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and clove, or essential oils that can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation like lavender, sweet orange, bergamot, and ylang-ylang. Another interesting oil is used in important ingredients in incenses and perfumes, the extract from gum resins obtained from the Burseraceae family trees (Boswellia sp.) that have anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic effects. Chemical components like linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, 1,8 cineole, pinenes, γ-terpinene, borneol, limonene, α-thujene, and menthol are some of the main components found in various essential oils. The most abundant phenol in oregano essential oil is a potent antibacterial agent. The aim was to report an individual clinical case, in home care, requested by a physical educator, of a female patient, leucoderma, 74 years old, residing in the State of São Paulo, presenting a chronic wound in the posteroinferior region of the right leg that was not responding to conventional methods (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, in addition to laser therapy) for more than two months. She also faced respiratory problems, sleep difficulties, mild depression, and reduced mobility. She reported being a controlled diabetic, hypertensive, and having occupational asthma. As a requested choice, aromatherapy was the sought treatment, and a protocol was established considering both physical and emotional aspects, recommending topical and aromatic use of essential oils of oregano, lavender, tea tree, frankincense, in addition to fractionated coconut and rosehip vegetable oils as diluents. After 47 days, the wound had healed, and the patient showed optimism and improved sleep quality. Aromatherapy offers a holistic and gentle approach to treating various conditions, and this case is an inspiring example of how essential oils can make a difference in people's lives. However, more clinical studies with a larger population are necessary to investigate the treatment's efficacy and safety.

Preparation and evaluation of chitosan/MCM-41-based spongy hydrogels loaded with tea tree oil

In this study, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, MCM-41 and tea tree oil (TTO) were used as raw materials. MCM-41-based spongy hydrogels loaded with TTO were synthesized by physical cross-linking method. The TTO was first adsorbed into MCM-41 s. Then different contents of MCM-41 s were added to the hydrogel, which affected the properties of the hydrogel. The structure of hydrogels was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The mechanical properties of hydrogels were determined by swelling, degradation and ductility evaluation. The antibacterial effect and biocompatibility were determined by in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxicity examinations. In this study, the mechanical property of the hydrogels was enhanced with the increasing content of MCM-41 s. The hydrogels exhibited an excellent antibacterial effect attributed to the synergistic interaction between TTO and chitosan. Furthermore, the hydrogels showed superior biocompatibility property. In conclusion, the hydrogels prepared in this study have great potential for expanding their applications in the bacteriostatic field.

Comparison of Approaches for Authentication of Commercial Terpinen-4-ol-type Tea Tree Oils Using Chiral GC/MS.

A global demand for tea tree oil (TTO) has resulted in increased adulteration in commercial products. In this study, we use a novel enantiomeric gas chromatography mass spectrometry method for chiral analysis of key terpenes ((±)-terpinen-4-ol, (±)-α-terpineol, and (±)-limonene) and quantification of components present at >0.01% to test different methods of identifying adulterated TTO. Data from authentic Australian (n = 88) and oxidized (n = 12) TTO samples of known provenance were consistent with recommended ranges in ISO 4730:2017 and previously published enantiomeric ratios, with p-cymene identified as the major marker of TTO oxidation. The 15 ISO 4730:2017 constituents comprised between 84.5 and 89.8% of the total ion chromatogram (TIC) peak area. An additional 53 peaks were detected in all samples (7.3-11.0% of TIC peak area), while an additional 43 peaks were detected in between 0 and 99% (0.15-2.0% of the TIC peak area). Analysis of nine commercial samples demonstrated that comparison to the ISO 4730:2017 standard does not always identify adulterated TTO samples. While statistical analysis of minor components in TTO did identify two commercial samples that differed from authentic TTO, the (+)-enantiomer percentages for limonene, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol provided clearer evidence that these samples were adulterated. Thus, straightforward identification of unadulterated and unoxidized TTO could be based on analysis of appropriate enantiomeric ratios and quantitation of the p-cymene percentage.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of YTH Gene Family for Abiotic Stress Regulation in Camellia chekiangoleosa.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is essential for RNA metabolism in cells. The YTH domain, conserved in the kingdom of Eukaryotes, acts as an m6A reader that binds m6A-containing RNA. In plants, the YTH domain is involved in plant hormone signaling, stress response regulation, RNA stability, translation, and differentiation. However, little is known about the YTH genes in tea-oil tree, which can produce edible oil with high nutritional value. This study aims to identify and characterize the YTH domains within the tea-oil tree (Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu) genome to predict their potential role in development and stress regulation. In this study, 10 members of the YTH family containing the YTH domain named CchYTH1-10 were identified from C. chekiangoleosa. Through analysis of their physical and chemical properties and prediction of subcellular localization, it is known that most family members are located in the nucleus and may have liquid-liquid phase separation. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the CchYTH promoter region revealed that these genes could be closely related to abiotic stress and hormones. The results of expression profiling show that the CchYTH genes were differentially expressed in different tissues, and their expression levels change under drought stress. Overall, these findings could provide a foundation for future research regarding CchYTHs in C. chekiangoleosa and enrich the world in terms of epigenetic mark m6A in forest trees.

A comprehensive study of food waste management and processing in the Czech Republic: Potential health risks and consumer behavior

Food waste is currently a widely discussed phenomenon with significant economic and social consequences. One third of the food produced in the world is wasted at various points along the food supply chain. This article presents a comprehensive study that examines consumer behavior in dealing with food waste and activities in the composting process that enable waste sanitation. The survey conducted as part of this study showed that consumers want to eliminate odors, are concerned about potential infections, and generally sort less food waste. This study suggested that the addition of appropriate additives could be a solution. The results indicated that additives could eliminate negative side effects such as unpleasant odors, the presence of insects and rodents, and act as a prevention of the occurrence of pathogenic organisms. Tea tree oil showed the best positive physical and chemical properties among the additives tested (CaCO3 and citric acid) with a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains such as Salmonella strains and had the strongest antibacterial effect, neutralized unpleasant odors, and stabilized the waste. The use of additives could be a future solution to meet consumer demands, improve the quality of food waste and advance the circular economy to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Use of vegetable oils in wound treatment

This study addresses the use of vegetable oils in wound treatment. These oils contain bioactive compounds that confer analgesic, antiseptic, soothing, healing, and emollient properties. Notably, candeia oil is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while grape seed oil is rich in proanthocyanidins with potent antioxidant activity. Lavender oil, in addition to stimulating cell proliferation and neovascularization, possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Pumpkin seed oil, on the other hand, is rich in fatty acids and lipids, which help combat oxidative stress in wounds. Coconut oil, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and copaiba oil, with anti-inflammatory and healing actions, are also highlighted. Cucumber seed oil, besides its antioxidant properties, exhibits antimicrobial activity due to the presence of oleic acid. Lastly, tea tree oil, known for its antimicrobial action, also promotes wound healing. These oils represent a promising and natural alternative in wound treatment, although further studies are needed to determine their dosages and ensure their clinical safety.

Exploring the efficacy of various essential oils in chitosan‐based composite biopolymer films for food packaging

AbstractTo ensure food and environmental safety, biodegradable packaging materials from various natural polymers are being used to preserve the high quality of foods and to increase their shelf life in addition to environmental safety in terms of biodegradability. However, these natural polymers have some disadvantages in functionality. There are many ways to improve functionality, one such way is the addition of essential oils. Therefore, this research work was done to investigate the effectiveness of four diverse essential oils (EOs), namely, lemon‐grass oil (LGO), tea‐tree oil (TTO), thyme oil (THO), and basil oil (BO) in chitosan‐based composite films. The chitosan as a biopolymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a compatibilizer, and four different essential oils@0.3% were blended to form composite food packaging films. These nanofilms had better mechanical strength, elasticity, and film thickness. Thermal stability and change in the weight of chitosan alone and composite films were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the change in film surface morphology. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the base polymer exhibits characteristic peaks at 3400 cm−1 indicating the occurrence of hydrogen‐bonded OH groups, and peaks at 1500–1600 cm−1 corresponding to the amide II band and CO stretch of the acetyl group. Whereas TGA results confirmed the thermal stability of PVA and EO blended films compared to chitosan alone films. The biodegradability of antimicrobial chitosan‐based films exhibited around 15%–19% percentage of degradation in PVA blended films whereas chitosan alone degraded up to 32% after 30 days. Water vapor transmission was high in chitosan alone film (1.9%) and 0.25% in PVA/EO blended films displaying enhancement in hydrophobic qualities of the developed films due to change in hydrophobicity by EO addition. The chitosan and PVA alone films were transparent whereas EO blended films exhibited yellow coloration and became less transparent due to the oil droplets dispersion in films. The shelf life of tomato, bread, and paneer was better in lemongrass and tea tree oil‐incorporated films during storage.

Enhancing the Antiproliferative Activity of Perillyl Alcohol against Glioblastoma Cell Lines through Synergistic Formulation with Natural Oils.

Due to its volatility, photostability, and gastrointestinal toxicity, Perillyl Alcohol (POH), a monoterpenoid component of various plant species, is a chemotherapeutic drug with insufficient efficacy. Many naturally occurring bioactive compounds have well-known antiproliferative properties, including sefsol, jojoba, tea tree, and moringa oils. This study sought to develop an oil-based Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) using tween 80 as the surfactant and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) or Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 400 as the cosurfactant; the oils were used in a range of 10-20% to boost POH's anticancer efficacy. The formulations' size, charge, and impact on the viability of glioma cell lines, ANGM-CSS and A172, were evaluated. The developed SNEDDS formulations ranged from 3 nm to 362 nm in size, with electronegative surface charges between 5.05 and 17.0 mV and polydispersity indices between 0.3 and 1.0. The findings indicated that the antiproliferative effect of POH-loaded Nanoemulsion (NE) could be used as a possible anticancer therapy for glioblastoma in vitro, particularly when paired with the tested natural oils. Before asserting that this delivery technique is appropriate for glioblastoma therapy, additional in vitro and in vivo investigations are required.

Electrophoretic deposition of tea tree oil containing chitosan/gelatin/whitlockite composite coatings for biofilm protection and bone tissue regeneration

This work presents a design of experiment (DoE) approach to optimize the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) parameters for chitosan (CS), gelatin (Gel), and whitlockite (WH) composite coatings on titanium substrate. The suspension for EPD was prepared by dissolving CS and Gel in acetic acid and WH nanoparticles (NPs) were dispersed in ethanol. Afterward, both (CS, Gel solution, and WH suspension) were mixed and the suspension stability was evaluated using zeta potential. Deposition parameters like voltage, concentration of WH, and time were optimized using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array with four control factors. The statistical data obtained confirmed that a higher time with average voltage and WH concentration is ideal to achieve deposits with maximum yield and minimum signal-to-noise ratio. Tea tree oil (TTO) in different concentrations was added to these optimized conditions. Different physiochemical characterization like x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in-vitro degradation, surface adhesion, and wettability tests were done to evaluate the coating stability, adhesion, surface and chemical properties. The obtained data confirmed that coatings were mechanically strong, chemically stable, and possessed good adhesion strength to the substrate. To further confirm the bone tissue regeneration potential of the coatings, in-vitro bioactivity, cell viability, and cell proliferation tests were done. The obtained data confirmed that CS/Gel/WH composite is highly bioactive and promotes osseointegration. TTO at lower concentrations facilitates cell proliferation but it is toxic at higher concentrations. TTO interacted with the coating matrix via non-covalent interactions that resulted in its slow and sustained release over 28 days. TTO showed antibacterial effect when tested with E. coli bacteria. Hence, in this work, experimental, statistical, physiochemical, and biological analyses are discussed in detail based on the current knowledge of WH coatings and the effect of TTO on cytocompatibility as well as biofilm prevention.

Acne treatment using tea tree oil, aloe vera, lavender, and calendula: The perception of pharmacy students

Skin acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. In this paper, the use tea tree oil, aloe vera, lavender, and calendula for skin acne is reviewed along with a survey of the views of first-year pharmacy students on these products. The survey included 5 knowledge-based and 5 opinion-based questions, focusing on skin acne remedies. The survey enrolled 10 male and 29 female participants. The response rate for the demographic questions was 100%. In the knowledge-based and opinion survey questions, 34 participated for a response rate of about 87%. For the knowledge-based questions, the correct average response rate was 75.9%, with one question scoring 14.7% correct rate. The highest correct response rate was 97.1%. Opinion-based questions revealed a positive attitude towards herbal skin acne remedies with approximately 37.4% expressing strong agreement. On average, over 93% of the respondents agreed with the positive aspects of the products. Nearly 53% strongly believed that lavender has therapeutic properties such as promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This survey provided valuable pharmacy students’ insights into the potential of herbal remedies for skin acne properties.

Effects of Plant Essential Oil Treatment on the Growth of Pathogenic Fungi and the Activity of Defense-Related Enzymes of Fungi-Inoculated Blueberry

Fungal decay is one of the most significant causes of postharvest losses of blueberries, with Botrytis rot caused by Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria rot caused by Alternaria alternata being the two most destructive fungal diseases. Plant essential oil has attracted the extensive attention of scholars due to its natural antifungal and anti-corrosion effects. In this study, the effects of fumigation treatment with plant essential oils on the growth of pathogenic fungi in blueberry fruits in vitro and the activity of defense-related enzymes of fungi-inoculated blueberry were evaluated. The results showed that, of the six natural plant essential oils of cinnamon, oregano, clove, tea tree, pomelo peel, and rosemary, oregano essential oil had the most efficient inhibitory effect on Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in PDA. After fumigating inoculated blueberry fruits with concentration gradients of 0, 30, 60, and 90 μL/L of oregano essential oil, it was found that the activity of defense-related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), chitinase (CHI), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU) in the inoculated blueberry fruits was induced and enhanced to varying degrees throughout the entire storage period, effectively enhancing the resistance of blueberry fruits to pathogenic fungi and reducing the postharvest decay caused by Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. The optimal concentration for the fumigation treatment with oregano essential oil is 60 μL/L. This study provides a theoretical basis for the postharvest application of oregano essential oil in blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.