Tea Tree Oil Research Articles (Page 1)

Skin and hair infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens pose significant health risks, which are exacerbated by the rising prevsalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antimicrobial potential of plant-based oil blends against selected pathogens that affect the skin and hair. Phytochemical screening of individual plant oils, including garlic, tea tree, black seed, rosemary, moringa, lavender, sesame, coconut, and palm kernel oils, revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides, which contribute to their antimicrobial properties. Three oil formulations (A, B, and C) were developed and assessed for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Malassezia globosa using the disk diffusion assay and the 96-well plate method. The results showed that all formulations exhibited varying antimicrobial activity, with Formulation A demonstrating the highest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (23.3±7.8 mm), while Formulation B showed the strongest activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (10.9±12.7 mm), Trichophyton tonsurans (28.1±9.8 mm), and Malassezia globosa (12.7±0.6 mm). However, none of the formulations exhibited a bactericidal or fungicidal effect at the tested concentration. Each antimicrobial test was carried out in duplicate. GC-MS analysis of Formulation B, which showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, identified 21 bioactive constituents, including terpenes, esters, aldehydes, and fatty acids, which may contribute to its antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that the formulated plant-based oil blends have potential as natural antimicrobial agents, capable of inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth, in addition to their use in skin and hair treatments. However, further optimization and in vivo studies are necessary to assess their therapeutic efficacy and potential application in skin and hair care formulations.

Effect of tea tree oil on mosquito repellency characterization of cotton fabric

Traditional wound treatment involves protecting the wound with dressing and administering antibiotics to prevent tissue infection due to bacteria. However, these methods are inadequate due to the side effects of antibiotics on healthy cells and microbial resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, new strategies involving the application of natural resources such as essential oils as antimicrobial agents in combination with biomaterials as wound dressings have been tested in the treatment of wounds. Furthermore, oxygen (O2)-releasing biomaterials have attracted great interest due to the important role of O2 in wound healing processes. However, the co-application of O2 and essential oil as antimicrobial and cell-promoting agents has not been studied. In this context, we report a novel biomaterial capable of co-delivering O2 and natural antimicrobial tea tree oil (TTO) for 15 and 5 days, respectively. The biomaterial consists of an alginate scaffold (Alg-PMOF-O) containing O2-carrying nanomaterial, laponite and TTO. In vitro bacterial experiments have shown that O2 release from Alg-PMOF-O is an additional parameter acting as an antibacterial agent to inhibit bacterial growth but is not sufficient alone to inhibit bacteria. 5 µL of TTO in Alg-PMOF-O is necessary to suppress both E. coli and S. aureus over a 1-day incubation period. The effect of TTO and O2 alone or in combination on cell viability is examined using WST-1 and PrestoBlue assays. According to the WST-1 and PrestoBlue tests, the combined application of TTO and O2 does not show any toxic effect on fibroblast cells under normoxic conditions during the 5-day incubation period. Under hypoxic conditions, the WST-1 test shows no toxic effect after only 1 day of incubation, while the PrestoBlue test shows no toxicity under hypoxia during both 1 and 5 days of incubation. On the other hand, the combined application of TTO and O2 indicates toxic effects on cancer Malme-3M cells during both normoxic and hypoxic conditions over 1 and 5 days of incubation. This effect is confirmed by both the WST-1 and PrestoBlue tests. The overall results demonstrate that Alg-PMOF-O exhibits antibacterial activity while having a lower toxic effect on fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions, and therefore has potential for use as wound dressing.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria around knee implants significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life and mobility, necessitating innovative solutions to combat infections. This study explores the antimicrobial efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Utilizing bioassay preparation methods and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, we found that tea tree oil notably inhibited S. aureus growth, while Geranium oil effectively targeted S. epidermidis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed substantial morphological alterations in both bacterial strains following treatment with the essential oils. Twenty compounds were identified by GC/MS chemical profiling in tea tree oil, with α-pinene (21.6%), γ-terpinene (21.1%), and terpinen-4-ol (17.3%) being the main ingredients. Forty compounds were found in Geranium oil, with citronellol (42.2%), geraniol (30.5%), and linalool (9.8%) constituting the majority. Our findings suggest that incorporating these essential oils into orthopaedic implants could significantly enhance their antibacterial effectiveness, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments and potentially reducing infection rates associated with knee implants. This research not only contributes to the understanding of natural antimicrobial agents but also paves the way for their practical application in clinical settings, addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Denture hygiene is crucial for preventing oral infections, with Candida albicans being a common fungal pathogen that can colonize denture surfaces. This in vitro study evaluated the adherence of C. albicans on two denture base materials—polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—and assessed the antifungal efficacy of various chemical and natural cleansers. A total of 100 polished specimens were inoculated with C. albicans and treated with chemical agents (Listerine at 2%, 20%, 50%; Corega®, Block Drug Company, Jersey City, NJ, USA); Protefix®, Queisser Pharma, Flensburg, Germany and natural products (15% apple vinegar, 2% tea tree oil, 2% peppermint oil) for different durations (5, 15, 30, 480 min). Chlorhexidine (2%) and untreated samples served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Corega® and 15% vinegar eliminated C. albicans within 5 min on both materials. 50% Listerine was effective after 5 min on PMMA but required 480 min on polyamide. Protefix® showed full efficacy in 5 min on PMMA and 30 min on polyamide. Tea tree oil required 30–480 min for activity, while peppermint oil showed minimal effect throughout. Under the tested conditions, Corega® appeared most effective. Natural cleansers, particularly vinegar and tea tree oil, also showed considerable anticandidal potential, suggesting they may serve as alternative agents for denture hygiene applications.

Molecular study on the effect of Tea Tree Oil and its polymer on gene expression of serine protease autotransporter genes of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Background: The increasing environmental burden of plastic and Styrofoam waste has intensified the global demand for biodegradable and renewable alternatives in food packaging. Institutional canteens, which generate large volumes of disposable tableware, represent a critical area for implementing sustainable materials. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural by-product rich in lignocellulosic fibers, offers significant potential as a biodegradable substrate when combined with natural biopolymeric binders such as corn starch. Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate a biodegradable plate fabricated from sugarcane bagasse and corn starch, assessing its mechanical strength, moisture absorption, and biodegradability to determine suitability for institutional food service applications. Methods: Four plate specimens (11.5 cm diameter, 0.1 cm thickness) were fabricated using a composite mixture containing 56 g dried bagasse fibers and 35 g corn starch, with additions of rose extract, glycerin, tea tree oil, and vegetable oil for improved flexibility. Mechanical performance was assessed through tensile testing using a calibrated Newton meter, while water absorption was measured after five-minute immersion in 250 mL of distilled water. Biodegradability was evaluated under soil burial conditions for up to eight days, and functional usability was tested through user evaluation with standard food loads. Results: The mean corrected tensile load was 3.15 N, corresponding to a mean tensile strength of 1.26 × 10⁵ Pa (0.126 MPa). Moisture absorption averaged 14.89 mL, equivalent to 5.95% of initial volume, indicating moderate hydrophilicity. Complete biodegradation occurred within eight days under natural soil conditions, with oven-baked samples decomposing faster than air-dried ones. User assessments confirmed adequate mechanical support for food items, including up to three pizza slices without deformation. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse–starch composites can serve as cost-effective, eco-friendly substitutes for conventional disposable plates. Although mechanical performance and biodegradability were satisfactory, further optimization of compaction pressure and adhesive concentration is needed to minimize porosity and moisture uptake, enhancing the material’s long-term stability and market potential.

This study systematically analyzed five common acne-fighting ingredients, investigating their mechanisms of action, onset times, and side effects. The subjects included salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, sulfur, and retinol. Results were derived through literature review and data synthesis. Findings indicate these ingredients exhibit differences in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, keratolytic, and sebum-regulating properties, with varying efficacy and onset times. Salicylic acid acts rapidly with low irritation, benzoyl peroxide demonstrates the strongest antibacterial activity, tea tree oil is suitable for sensitive skin, while sulfur and retinol show significant efficacy in deep sebum regulation. Limitations include the absence of long-term clinical data and insufficient consideration of individual skin type variations. Future research may explore ingredient combinations, personalized skin type studies, clinical trials, novel drug development, or systemic optimization of current acne treatment strategies. These findings not only guide acne ingredient selection and personalized care but also establish a scientific foundation for new formulation development.

Gerbera jamesonii L.is a commercially important ornamental crop, but its production is severely constrained by leaf blight caused by Alterneria alternata, leading to 40-60 % yield and quality losses. Increasing concerns over fungicide resistance and chemical residues necessitate sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of selected Phyto-extracts and Essential oils against Alterneria alternata. The poisoned food technique was used to assess the efficacy of six Phyto-extracts (nettle grass, vach, bitter melon, jatropha, turmeric, and garlic) at 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations, and six essential oils (thyme, lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree, moringa, and ginger) at 200, 400, and 600 ppm. Among Phyto-extracts, garlic extract at 15% showed the highest inhibition of mycelial growth (74.22%), followed by turmeric (59.21%) and vach (51.70%). Among essential oils, thyme oil at 600 ppm exhibited the highest antifungal activity (93.42%), followed by tea tree (78.43%) and ginger oil (76.69%). The findings demonstrate the significant antifungal potential of garlic extract and thyme oil against A. alternata, supporting their use as plant-based biofungicides. This study provides a baseline for incorporating phyto-extracts and essential oils into integrated, eco- friendly disease management strategies for sustainable gerbera cultivation.

The modern cosmeceutical industry is experiencing rapid growth in demand for natural ingredients, particularly essential oils, necessitating the development of reliable and standardized methods for evaluating their quality, authenticity, and safety. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary technological and biomaterial science approaches to quality control of popular essential oils, specifically lavender and tea tree oil, which are widely used in cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical products.The research is based on the requirements of current European regulatory documents, particularly Regulation (EC) No 655/2013, which establishes clear guidelines for providing scientifically substantiated evidence of cosmetic ingredients' efficacy, stability, and safety. Special attention is given to the problem of essential oil adulteration, which includes common practices such as dilution with cheaper vegetable oils, partial or complete substitution of natural bioactive compounds with synthetic analogues, and the use of technical additives to in-crease product volume. The study revealed that lavender oil fully complies with the international standard ISO 3515:2017 regarding chemical composition and physicochemical proper-ties. In contrast, some tea tree oil samples contained significant adulterants of soybean oil, substantially deviating from the requirements of ISO 4730:2017. The obtained results demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed integrated approach, combining advanced chemical, spectroscopic, and biological analytical methods. This research holds significant practical value for the cosmeceutical industry by providing a scientifically validated algorithm for detecting adulterated products and emphasizing the critical importance of continuous quality monitoring throughout all stages of the production process. The findings may serve as a foundation for developing new, more stringent quality control standards for essential oils in cos-metic, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical applications, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficacy of final products.

Demodex-associated blepharitis (DAB) is a common condition in our society. Patients report not only uncomfortable and bothersome symptoms but also decreased self-esteem and confidence. Because of its nonspecific signs, pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals patients consult. What is most concerning is that DAB can cause serious complications within the eye, such as dry eye syndrome, corneal scarring, or recurrent styes and chalazia. Therefore, we aimed to compile both standard and innovative therapies and compare their effectiveness and safety. As shown, standard methods remain the recommended approach. Alongside antiparasitic agents such as metronidazole or ivermectin, education and improved eyelid hygiene are crucial. However, in recent years, promising new treatments for Demodex blepharitis have emerged, such as Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution 0.25%, which has shown positive results in clinical trials. Mechanical techniques, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and eyelid peeling procedures such as Blepharoexfoliation, have also demonstrated promise. Due to the notable effects of tea tree oil, studies have explored the lethal effects of other essential oils, such as sage, peppermint, and bergamot oils. These are just a few of the interesting examples discussed in this paper.

The Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly) Bactrocera tryoni is the most economically destructive tephritid pest in eastern Australia, inflicting substantial damage to diverse fruit and vegetable crops. Broad-spectrum, persistent, synthetic insecticides have been used to manage tephritid fruit flies. However, the adverse effects of these insecticides on human health, the environment, and nontarget organisms, as well as regulatory restrictions, have prompted the search for alternative control methods. This study explores the potential of essential oils as alternatives by evaluating their toxicity and behavior-modifying properties against adult Queensland fruit flies. We evaluated 16 essential oils for contact and fumigation toxicity, oviposition inhibition, and repellence. The chemical profiles of the essential oils were analyzed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and antennal responses were assessed by gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection. Chamomile, lemon-scented tea tree, and citronella exhibited notable contact toxicity (ED50 0.054 to 0.068 mg/µl) after a 24-h exposure, while garlic, aniseed, pennyroyal, basil, and peppermint exhibited high fumigation toxicity (ED50 3.293 to 4.950 µl/liter air) over the same period. Aniseed, cumin, and pennyroyal essential oils repelled both Queensland fruit fly sexes in 4-arm olfactometer assay. Aniseed, basil, chamomile, citronella, cumin, dill, garlic, lemon-scented tea tree, pennyroyal, peppermint, thyme, and yarrow essential oils inhibited oviposition. This study demonstrates essential oils as toxicants, oviposition deterrents and repellents, offering promising alternatives to conventional pest control methods for managing Queensland fruit fly populations.

Tea oil tree (Camellia oleifera), a woody oil crop native to Southern China, relies on insect pollination for fruit and seed production. However, its nectar is toxic to honey bees (Apis spp.) due to their inability to digest the oligosaccharide present in the nectar. This toxicity raises concerns about the trade-off between the benefits of pollination and the risks posed by exposures to toxic nectar. We aimed to investigate whether tea oil tree yield is enhanced by honey bee pollination, while also examining the impact of nectar toxicity and exploring potential mitigation methods. We evaluated the fruit set, seed yield, and oil quality of the crop with or without eastern honey bee (A. cerana) pollination during 2019-2022. We also characterized nectar oligosaccharide compositions collected from both flowers and bee hives. We administered α-galactosidase (an enzyme to promote oligosaccharide digestion) onto bee larvae fed with crop nectar. We found that A. cerana could significantly enhance fruit set and seed yield. The administration of α-galactosidase could enhance larval survivorship challenged by nectar toxicity. The effectiveness of honey bee pollination can vary between years, with warmer temperatures significantly enhancing honey bee pollination benefits. The results suggest that a decision to use honey bees for pollinating tea oil trees should involve consideration of the impact of local weather conditions, as low temperatures may compromise pollination benefits while increasing risks posed by toxic nectar. The administration of digestive enzymes to honey bees shows potential for mitigating natural toxins in tea oil tree nectar.

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture has accelerated research into eco-friendly plant health management, particularly through natural substances rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, various substances, including essential oils, extracts from Aloe vera, artichoke and ornamental plants, by-products from beer and coffee processing, and selected commercial formulations including biostimulants and a plant strengthener, were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties and ability to trigger plant defenses. Notably, Agapanthus spp. exhibited strong antifungal activity against the fungus Botrytis cinerea (Bc), while thyme, tea tree, and lavender essential oils were effective against both Bc and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Greenhouse trials on tomato plants demonstrated the protective effects of A. vera gel and ornamental plant extracts against Bc and Potato virus Y (PVY), while coffee and artichoke extracts were effective against Pst. An alginate-based formulation containing thyme oil showed enhanced in planta efficacy against the three pathogens. Gene expression analyses revealed early upregulation of PR-1 and PR-4, especially with alginate treatments and A. vera gel at 12 h post-treatment (hpt) while coffee extract triggered the strongest late response at 72 hpt. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived substances in promoting sustainable plant disease management through both direct antimicrobial action and immune system activation.

Polyvinyl alcohol/cassia gum active films loaded with tea tree oil microcapsules: characterization, release kinetics and application in Agaricus bisporus preservation

Metabolomic study of tea tree oil and Melaleuca spp. using HPTLC, LC-MS and GC-MS

Essential oils play important roles in the modern food industry as additives and spices. At the same time, most essential oils have broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties and can be used as natural antimicrobial materials. However, the application of essential oils is limited due to their strong volatility and insolubility in aqueous substrates. In this study, we used ultrasonic emulsification, carboxymethyl chitosan, and Tween 80 to formulate tea tree essential oil (TTO) nanoemulsions with high stability. With a minimum diameter of about 51 nm (PDI = 0.236 ± 0.021) post-emulsification, the TTO nanoemulsions disperse effectively in the drainage system and exhibit good stability after 14 days of storage. In addition, the bioactivity (antibacterial and antioxidant) of TTO nanoemulsions was significantly enhanced following emulsification, as evidenced by MIC and DPPH assays, indicating that nano-emulsification is beneficial to the development of various essential oils. TTO nanoemulsions can be used as a new food preservative to control the growth of bacteria and prevent the deterioration of food via oxidation.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the microbial and sensory properties of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets by applying tea tree oil. The samples are divided into 3 groups. 1st group (the control group), 2nd group, 1% tea tree oil applied group (B), 3rd group 3% tea tree oil applied (C) group. The fillets were stored at 4±1ºC for 12 days. Fillets were then subjected to pH, microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, yeast-mould) and sensory (appearance, general acceptability, odor and color) analysis. It was found that the use of tea tree oil in rainbow trout fillets had a significant (p<0.01) effect on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, yeast-mould counts and pH values. In terms of the sensory parameters, the most liked group was the control group. As a result of the research, it was determined an inhibitory effect on bacteria depending on the concentration of tea tree oil.

Introduction: Natural extracts have a long history in traditional medicine for oral care. This review evaluates their integration into modern dentistry, driven by consumer demand for holistic therapies and concerns over synthetic agents. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (up to 2024). The search focused on keywords related to natural extracts, phytotherapy, and dental conditions. Inclusion criteria prioritized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and mechanistic studies relevant to human dentistry. Data on mechanisms, applications, and challenges were thematically extracted and synthesized. Results: Numerous extracts, including tea tree oil, aloe vera, neem, and green tea, demonstrate significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Evidence supports their use in managing gingivitis, periodontitis, caries, and oral lesions. Innovations like nano-encapsulation and integration into biomaterials are enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Discussion: While promising, the widespread adoption of natural extracts is hindered by challenges in standardization, regulatory oversight, and the need for larger-scale clinical trials. Potential side effects and drug interactions require careful consideration by clinicians. Conclusion: Natural extracts represent a valuable and evolving component of dental therapy. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive, evidence-based resource to guide clinical decision-- making and direct future research in natural dental therapies.

Chitosan membrane tailored for topical acne treatment by incorporating Pickering encapsulated tea tree oil based on organosilane-modified palygorskite.