Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil is the essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat various skin conditions and infections. It is also a popular ingredient in skin and hair products.

Mechanism of Action:

• Terpinen-4-ol, a major constituent of tea tree oil, exhibited antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Terpin-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, and alpha-pinene also had antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes.

• Terpinen-4-ol suppressed inflammatory mediator production by activating human monocytes. A tea tree oil concentrate pre-vented influenza virus from entering the host cells by disturbing the normal viral membrane fusion procedure.

• Other in vitro studies indicate that tea tree oil has weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties that may alter the estro-gen and androgen signaling pathways. At the same time, the notion that tea tree oil has hormone-modulating properties has been challenged, and further confirmatory research is needed. Skin irritation following use of tea tree oil is due to its auto-oxidation and formation of epoxide intermediates via arene-epoxidation reactions catalyzed by human cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Dosage:

• The recommended dose for acne is: Apply 5% gel to affected areas daily. The recommended dose for nail fungus (Onychomycosis) is: Apply 100% solution twice daily for 6 months.

• The recommended dose for athlete's foot is: Apply 10% cream topically twice a day for 1 month OR apply 25% or 50% solution twice a day for 1 month. Tea tree oil 100% solution can be applied to cuts, scrapes, burns, abrasions, insect bites, and stings.

Evidence:

• In vitro studies suggest wide-spectrum antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal.

• anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Animal studies also suggest cytotoxic effects.

• Preliminary studies in humans suggest various topical tea tree oil formulations may help treat acne, athlete's foot, fungal nail infections, histamine-induced skin inflammation, warts, cold sores, chalazia, and dermatitis. However, additional studies are needed to confirm under what conditions topical applications may be effective.

Precautions:

• Tea tree oil should not be taken orally, as severe side effects have occurred.

• Side effects of tea tree oil may be local irritation and inflammation at the application area.

Interactions:

• None well documented.