Effectiveness of 100% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) versus salicylic acid + lactic acid solution in the treatment of common warts: A randomized controlled trial

Background@#Common warts are a common malady among patients. Not only does it affect the person physically but also mentally and socially. Several treatment modalities are available; however, the major concerns are the treatment cost and adverse effect profile. Salicylic + lactic acid (SLA) solution is one of the standard treatment modalities owing to its strong keratolytic properties; however, its cost and adverse effects limit its use among patients. A cost-effective and safe alternative treatment is ideal to bring about a more favorable clinical outcome and better patient satisfaction. 100% tea tree oil (TTO) solution was used in this study due to its natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.@*Objective@#The study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of 100% TTO versus SLA solution in the treatment of common warts.@*Methods@#A total of 17 patients with a total of 74 warts were included in the study. Each wart was assigned to either of the two treatment groups. the SLA group and the 100% TTO group. A treatment period of 6 weeks was used to assess the effectiveness of both treatment groups.@*Results@#The study showed no significant difference between the SLA solution and 100% TTO in the treatment of common warts. The 100% tea tree group reported lesser adverse effects. Both treatment groups reported favorable treatment satisfaction.@*Conclusion@#100% TTO is a potentially safe and cost-effective alternative in the treatment of common warts.

Tea tree oil, a vibrant source of neuroprotection via neuroinflammation inhibition: a critical insight into repurposing Melaleuca alternifolia by unfolding its characteristics / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Over the past few decades, complementary and alternative treatments have become increasingly popular worldwide. The purported therapeutic characteristics of natural products have come under increased scrutiny both in vitro and in vivo as part of efforts to legitimize their usage. One such product is tea tree oil (TTO), a volatile essential oil primarily obtained from the native Australian plant, Melaleuca alternifolia, which has diverse traditional and industrial applications such as topical preparations for the treatment of skin infections. Its anti-inflammatory-linked immunomodulatory actions have also been reported. This systematic review focuses on the anti-inflammatory effects of TTO and its main components that have shown strong immunomodulatory potential. An extensive literature search was performed electronically for data curation on worldwide accepted scientific databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and esteemed publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, Frontiers, and Taylor & Francis. Considering that the majority of pharmacological studies were conducted on crude oils only, the extracted data were critically analyzed to gain further insight into the prospects of TTO being used as a neuroprotective agent by drug formulation or dietary supplement. In addition, the active constituents contributing to the activity of TTO have not been well justified, and the core mechanisms need to be unveiled especially for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects leading to neuroprotection. Therefore, this review attempts to correlate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of TTO with its neuroprotective mechanisms.

Evaluación de las características fisicoquímicas y de la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite del árbol de té contra Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) ATCC 6919 / Evaluation of tea tree oil physicochemical features and its antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) ATCC 6919

Resumen: Introducción. El aceite del árbol de té es un aceite esencial reconocido por sus propiedades antimicrobianas. Objetivos. Evaluar la composición, características y efecto antimicrobiano del aceite al 2 % del árbol de té y su concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) contra Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes). Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó el quimiotipo en tres lotes diferentes de este aceite mediante cromatografía de gases, así como su actividad antimicrobiana en concentración al 2 % v/v y la CIM contra C. acnes mediante ensayo de difusión en agar (guía M11-A8 CLSI). Resultados. Los lotes evaluados presentaron los quimiotipos ajustados a la norma ISO 4730, lo que indicó la alta calidad del producto. Los lotes contenían de 30 a 40 % de terpinen-4-ol, compuesto que favorece la actividad antimicrobiana, la cual presentó en todos los lotes un efecto dependiente de la concentración contra C. acnes, con una inhibición del crecimiento microbiano en concentración al 2 % v/v en todas las pruebas. La concentración inhibitoria mínima fue de 0,25 % v/v. La actividad antimicrobiana del aceite del árbol de té contra este microorganismo ya ha sido reportada con una concentración inhibitoria mínima entre 0,05 y 1,25 % v/v, rango que cobija la obtenida en este estudio. Conclusiones. Los resultados evidenciaron la gran calidad de este producto y su capacidad como agente antibacteriano contra C. acnes. Se deben hacer estudios con otros aislamientos del microorganismo provenientes de pacientes con acné vulgar para confirmar su actividad general y la de cada uno de sus componentes.

Abstract: Introduction: Tea tree oil is an essential oil recognized for its antimicrobial properties. Objective: To evaluate the composition, features, and antimicrobial effect at 2% v/v, and its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes). Materials and methods: Three different batches of tea tree oil were evaluated. We characterized its chemotype by gas chromatography and its 2% v/v antimicrobial activity against C. acnes by agar diffusion assay (guide M11-A8 CLSI). Results: The three batches of oil had the chemotypes required by the ISO 4730 standard, which indicates that it is a high-quality product. Additionally, they had 30% to 40% of terpinen-4-ol, a compound that favors its antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity against C. acnes for all batches had a concentration-dependent effect with microbial growth inhibitory activity in all assays at 2% v/v. The MIC obtained against C. acnes for all batches was 0.25% v/v. The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against this microorganism has been previously reported with a MIC between 0.05% and 1.25% v/v, a range that covers the one obtained in this study. Conclusion: These results show the high quality of the oil and its capacity as an antibacterial agent against C. acnes. New studies should be conducted to confirm its activity and that of its components in isolates of the microorganism from patients with acne vulgaris.

Antibiofilm efficacy of tea tree oil and of its main component terpinen-4-ol against Candida albicans

Abstract Candida infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The increase in its incidence has been associated with resistance to antimicrobial therapy and biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tea tree oil (TTO) and its main component - terpinen-4-ol - against resistant Candida albicans strains (genotypes A and B) identified by molecular typing and against C. albicans ATCC 90028 and SC 5314 reference strains in planktonic and biofilm cultures. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and rate of biofilm development were used to evaluate antifungal activity. Results were obtained from analysis of the biofilm using the cell proliferation assay 2,3-Bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Terpinen-4-ol and TTO inhibited C. albicans growth. CLSM confirmed that 17.92 mg/mL of TTO and 8.86 mg/mL of terpinen-4-ol applied for 60 s (rinse simulation) interfered with biofilm formation. Hence, this in vitro study revealed that natural substances such as TTO and terpinen-4-ol present promising results for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

The sensitivity of Demodex canis (Acari: Demodicidae) to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia - an in vitro study / A sensibilidade do Demodex canis (Acari: Demodicidae) ao óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia - um estudo in vitro

Abstract The essential oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (tea tree oil) has been effective in previous studies, in the treatment of infestation by Demodex mites in humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro acaricidal effect of this herbal medicine on Demodex canis. For the parasitological examination, samples were collected from a dog's skin and examined using optical microscopy. Only samples with intact mites and with evident movement of chelicerae and tarsi were selected. Twenty-one samples were tested with the oil, in seven different concentrations: 100%; 50%; 25%; 12.5%; 6.25%; 5.0% and 3.13%. Three samples were tested with the positive control amitraz, and three with the negative control neutral shampoo. The interval between the time the solution was added and the moment the movement of the last mite ceased defined the survival time in the sample. By comparing the times at different concentrations and controls, the results showed that the higher the concentration of the oil, the more quickly its lethal effect occurred, and that the survival times in the controls were longer than in the different concentrations of melaleuca oil.

Resumo O óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (óleo da árvore do chá) foi eficaz em estudos anteriores, no tratamento da infestação por ácaros Demodex em humanos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o tempo do efeito acaricida, in vitro, desse fitoterápico sobre Demodex canis. Para o exame parasitológico, amostras foram coletadas da pele de um cão e examinadas por microscopia óptica. Apenas amostras com ácaros íntegros e com evidente movimentação de quelíceras e tarsos foram selecionadas. Vinte e uma amostras foram direcionadas para teste com o óleo, em sete concentrações diferentes: 100%; 50%; 25%; 12,5%; 6,25%; 5,0% e 3,13%. Três amostras foram testadas com o controle positivo, amitraz, e três com o controle negativo, xampu neutro. O intervalo entre o momento em que a solução foi adicionada e o instante em que cessou o movimento do último ácaro definiu o tempo de sobrevivência na amostra. Os tempos nas diferentes concentrações e nos controles foram comparados. Quanto mais alta a concentração do óleo, mais rapidamente ocorreu seu efeito letal. Os tempos de sobrevivência nos controles foram maiores que nas diferentes concentrações do óleo de melaleuca.

Basil, tea tree and clove essential oils as analgesics and anaesthetics in Amphiprion clarkii (Bennett, 1830) / Óleos essenciais de manjericão, melaleuca e cravo como anestésicos e analgésicos em Amphiprion clarkii (Bennett, 1830)

Abstract In this study were evaluated the anaesthesia and analgesic effects of clove Eugenia caryophyllata, tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and basil Ocimum basilicum essential oils (EO) during handling of yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii. Juveniles (3.70 ± 0.75 cm and 1.03 ± 0.50 g; mean ± standard deviation) were submitted to concentrations of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 µl L-1 of clove, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 µl L-1 of basil and 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 µl L-1 of tea tree oils (n=10/concentration), previously defined in pilot tests. Individually and only once, fish from each treatment were placed in a glass recipient containing 1 L of seawater at a temperature of 25 °C, salinity of 35 g L-1 and the specific concentration of diluted EO (stock solution). Control (only seawater) and blank (seawater and ethanol at the highest concentration used to dilute the oils) treatments were also conducted. After reaching the stage of surgical anaesthesia, fish were submitted to biometry and a sensibility test. After that, they were transferred to clean seawater for anaesthesia recovery. The times of induction needed to reach each anaesthesia stage and anaesthesia recovery were recorded. Animals were observed for 72 hours after the procedures. All the EO provoked anaesthesia and analgesic effects in A. clarkii, but basil oil is not recommended because it caused involuntary muscle contractions and mortality in 100% and 12% of fish, respectively. The lower concentrations that promote suitable induction and recovery times are 50 µl L-1 of clove oil and 500 µl L-1 of tea tree oil. However, due to its complementary high analgesic efficiency, clove oil is recommended as the ideal anaesthetic for A. clarkii.

Resumo Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos anestésicos e analgésicos dos óleos essenciais (OE) de cravo Eugenia caryophyllata, melaleuca Melaleuca alternifolia e manjericão Ocimum basilicum durante manejo de peixes-palhaços Amphiprion clarkii. Juvenis (3.70 ± 0.75 cm e 1.03 ± 0.50 g; média ± desvio padrão) foram submetidos às concentrações de 40, 50, 60, 70 e 80 µl L-1 de cravo, 150, 200, 250, 300 e 350 µl L-1 de manjericão e 200, 300, 400, 500 e 600 µl L-1 de melaleuca (n=10/concentração), previamente definidas em testes pilotos. Individualmente e somente uma vez, os peixes de cada tratamento foram colocados em recipiente de vidro contendo 1 L de água salgada, em temperatura de 25 °C, salinidade de 35 g L-1 e a concentração específica de OE diluída (solução estoque). Tratamentos controle (apenas água marinha) e branco (água marinha e a maior concentração de etanol utilizada para diluição dos óleos) também foram conduzidos. Após atingirem o estágio de anestesia cirúrgica, os peixes foram submetidos à biometria e teste de sensibilidade. Em seguida, foram transferidos para água marinha limpa. Os tempos necessários para atingir cada estágio anestésico e recuperação foram registrados. Os animais foram observados por 72 horas após os procedimentos. Todos os OE provocaram anestesia e analgesia em A. clarkii, porém o óleo de manjericão não é recomendado, pois causou contrações musculares involuntárias e mortalidade em 100% e 12% dos animais, respectivamente. As menores concentrações que promovem indução anestésica e recuperação em tempos adequados são 50 µl L-1 de óleo de cravo e 500 µl L-1 de óleo de melaleuca. Entretanto, devido à sua alta eficiência analgésica complementar, o óleo de cravo é recomendado como o anestésico ideal para A. clarkii.

Analysis of pH and release of calcium of association between melaleuca alternifolia oil and calcium hydroxide / Análise de pH e liberação de cálcio da associação entre óleo de melaleuca alternifólia e hidróxido de cálcio

Introduction: The use of intracanal medications with antimicrobial properties is essential for decontaminating root canals during endodontic treatment. Calcium hydroxide is used for this because of its excellent properties. Melaleuca alternifolia oil has shown medicinal importance by demonstrating antifungal and bactericidal action against proven human pathogens. Objective: To evaluate the physical and chemical aspects such as pH and calcium release, of Melaleuca alternifolia oil associated with calcium hydroxide, during different time intervals. Material and method: Calcium hydroxide powder was added to vehicles to reach a concentration of 72mg / 0.1mL. Three groups were formed: Group I: Calcium Hydroxide + Distilled Water; Group II: Calcium hydroxide + Propylene Glycol; Group III: Calcium hydroxide + Melaleuca oil. The pH of each group was measured after time intervals of 10 minutes; 24 and 48 hours; 7, 15 and 30 days after tooling by a pH meter. Calcium release was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry equipped with a calcium hollow cathode lamp. Data were statistically analyzed by using the Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn test. Result: Group II showed high pH, similar to group III that remained uniform at 15 and 30 days. Calcium release that began after 24 hours, was similar in Groups II and III, and showed a peak release in 48 hours. Conclusion: The association of Melaleuca oil with calcium hydroxide showed good results in the pH and calcium release analyses, and showed action similar to that of propylene glycol + calcium hydroxide.

Introdução: O uso de medicações intracanais com propriedades antimicrobianas é fundamental para descontaminação dos canais radiculares durante o tratamento endodôntico. O hidróxido de cálcio é utilizado como medicação intracanal por apresentar excelentes propriedades. O óleo de Melaleuca alternifólia apresenta importância medicinal demonstrando ação antifúngica e bactericida comprovada contra patógenos humanos. Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos físico-químicos da associação do óleo de Melaleuca Alternifólia com hidróxido de cálcio, como: pH e liberação de cálcio durante diferentes períodos. Material e método: O pó do hidróxido de cálcio foi adicionado aos veículos até a concentração de 72mg/0,1mL. Foram divididos três grupos: Grupo I: Hidróxido de Cálcio + Água Destilada; Grupo II: Hidróxido de Cálcio + Propilenoglicol; Grupo III: Hidróxido de Cálcio + Óleo de Melaleuca. O pH de cada grupo foi medido após 10 minutos, 24, 48 horas, 7, 15 e 30 dias após a espatulação por um pHmetro. A liberação de cálcio foi analisada através da espectrometria de absorção atômica equipada com uma lâmpada cátodo para cálcio. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Kruskall-Wallis e Dunn. Resultado: O grupo II apresentou pH elevado, semelhante ao grupo III, permanecendo uniforme aos 15 e 30 dias. A liberação de cálcio iniciou em 24 horas, de forma semelhante nos grupos II e III e seu pico de liberação deu-se em 48 horas. Conclusão: A associação do Óleo de Melaleuca com hidróxido de cálcio apresentou bons resultados quanto à análise de pH e liberação de cálcio, demonstrando ação semelhante ao propilenoglicol + hidróxido de cálcio.

Antibacterial Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree essential oil) on Bacteria of the Dental Biofilm

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of tea tree EO on Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), S. salivarius (ATCC 7073) and Lactobacillus rhaminosus (ATCC 9595). Material and Methods: The antibacterial activity of M. alternifolia EO was evaluated by the broth dilution method, by which minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were determined. Serial dilutions range from 70243.90 µg/mL to 26.14 µg/mL. The MIC evaluation was performed in 96-well microplates, in which 100 µL of Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), 100 µL of the EO dilution and 5 µL of the inoculum (final concentration = 5x105 CFU/mL) were inserted. After 24 h of incubation, MIC was determined as the lowest concentration capable of inhibiting microbial growth, identified by the resazurin reaction (100 µg/mL). CBM was identified by the absence of subculture growths (50 µL) of dilutions equal to or greater than MIC. Tests were performed in triplicate and at three different times (n = 9). Pharmacological controls (0.05% and 0.12% Chlorhexidine), growth and sterility were used to validate the results. Results: The MIC of M. alternifolia compared to S. mutans, S. salivarius and L. rhaminosus was 1940.16 µg/mL, 3977.34 µg/mL and 3977.34 µg/mL, respectively. The MBC values were 70243.90 µg/mL, 3977.34 µg/mL and 34265.31 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oil of M. alternifolia presented antibacterial activity against the microorganisms evaluated when in high concentration.

A double-blind randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of 5% tea tree oil cleanser versus mild cleanser in the treatment of mild-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis

Background@#Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease characterized by erythema, scaling, pruritus over the areas of the scalp, face, ears, sternum and upper back. Tea tree oil is rich in terpene alcohols such as terpinen-4-ol which is thought to be the active germicidal component. @*Objective@#To determine the efficacy of 5% tea tree oil cleanser in the treatment of mild-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis and to determine the adverse side effects. @*Methods@#Forty-five patients with clinical signs of seborrheic dermatitis were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: mild cleanser and the 5% tea tree oil group. This study was done as a double-blind randomized controlled trial for 4 weeks. The parameters - area involved, erythema, scaling, and Seborrehea Area and Severity Index were taken at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, the difference of the two groups were compared using paired t-test. @*Results@#After 4 weeks, significant clinical improvement of the area involved, erythema, and scaling and the reduction of Seborrhea Area and Severity@*Conclusion@#The use of 5% tea tree oil cleanser provides significant improvement in the treatment of mild-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis with no adverse side effects.

In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria

ABSTRACT Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Conclusion M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

Antibacterial Effect of Tea Tree Ingredient for Denture Cleaners / 치위생과학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of tea tree oil in denture cleaners. A self-curing denture resin was used to make the experimental specimen (12 mm×2 mm). A saline solution was used as the control. To observe surface changes after cleaning, the microhardness and color of the experimental specimen's surface were analyzed. For the antibacterial activity test, Candida albicans was used. The microhardness and color of the surface remained unchanged after cleaning. The result of the antibacterial activity test revealed that the tea tree oil-containing solutions had a more enhanced antibacterial effect than did the saline solution. Therefore, these results suggest that the tea tree oil-containing solution is a promising denture cleaners.

Electron Microscopic Alterations in Pediculus humanus capitis Exposed to Some Pediculicidal Plant Extracts

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation is an important public health problem in Egypt. Inadequate application of topical pediculicides and the increasing resistance to the commonly used pediculicides made the urgent need for the development of new agents able to induce irreversible changes in the exposed lice leading to their mortality. The aim of the present work is to evaluate pediculicidal efficacy of some natural products such as olive oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and ivermectin separately in comparison with tetramethrin-piperonyl butoxide (licid), as a standard pediculicide commonly used in Egypt. The effects of these products were evaluated by direct observation using dissecting and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Results showed that after 1 hr exposure time in vitro, absolute (100%) mortalities were recorded after exposure to 1% ivermectin and fresh concentrate lemon juice. The mortalities were decreased to 96.7% after exposure to tea tree oil. Very low percentage of mortality (23.3%) was recorded after 1 hr of exposure to extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand, the reference pediculicide (licid) revealed only mortality rate of 93.3%. On the contrary, no mortalities were recorded in the control group exposed to distilled water. By SEM examination, control lice preserved outer smooth architecture, eyes, antenna, respiratory spiracles, sensory hairs, and legs with hook-like claws. In contrast, dead lice which had been exposed to pediculicidal products showed damage of outer smooth architecture, sensory hairs, respiratory spiracles and/or clinching claws according to pediculicidal products used.

A comparative study of the effectiveness of tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris among Filipino teenagers and adults in Metro Manila / The Health Sciences Journal

Introduction@#The researchers aimed to determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in comparison to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne. This study also aimed to identify the side effects of both treatment modalities.@*Methods@#Using a randomized single blinded controlled clinical trial, teenagers and young adults with mild acne vulgaris were allocated to receive tea tree oil gel or benzoyl peroxide for four weeks. The effectiveness of the agents was measured using the Investigator's Global Assessment Scale. Posttreatment scores were compared with the baseline within groups. The difference was compared between the two study arms. Adverse reactions to the two agents were also noted.@*Results @#Both tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide groups showed a significant decrease in the posttreatment lesion counts compared to the baseline, however when the mean differences were compared between groups, the difference was not significant.@*Conclusion@#Tea tree oil is comparable to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne vulgaris among teenagers and young adults.

Antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca sp. oil against clinical isolates of antibiotics resistant Staphylococcus aureus

PURPOSE: To extract the Melaleuca sp. oil and to assess its in vitro inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from lower limb wounds and resistant to several antibiotics. METHODS: A total of 14 test-tubes containing Mueller-Hinton broth were used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The following concentrations of the Melaleuca sp. oil were added to the first 11 tubes: 8; 4; 2; 1; 0.5; 0.2; 0.1; 0.05; 0.025; 0,0125 and 0.00625%. The 12th and 13th tubes, with and without oil, were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. The experimental study was carried out in triplicate at 37ºC for 18 hours. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), able of killing all the microorganisms, was also determined. Two S. aureus isolates were obtained from lower limb wounds of female patients and the identification of the microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus) and the test for susceptibility to the antimicrobial agents were carried out by automation using the apparatus MicroScan(r). After identification, the isolates were preserved in liquid Trypticase Soy medium, and inoculated for determination of the MIC and MBC. RESULTS: The MIC was 0.2% and the MBC was 0.4%. CONCLUSION: The Melaleuca sp. oil showed antimicrobial properties in vitro against strains isolated from lower limb wounds which were resistant to multiple antibiotics. .

Óleo de melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche, Cheel) no controle de cercosporiose em beterraba / Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden& Betche, Cheel) in control of Cercospora beticola Sacc. on Beet

RESUMO O óleo volátil da melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche, Cheel) possui atividade antimicrobiana podendo causar efeitos sobre as plantas. Avaliou-se a inibição do óleo em Cercospora beticolaSacc., e seu efeito no aumento da produção e qualidade de raízes de beterraba. As doses foram de 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00% do óleo, além das testemunhas composta pelo meio de cultura Batata Dextrose Ágar (BDA) no experimento in vitro, e água no experimento in vivo. As plantas foram pulverizadas duas vezes por semana. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. O índice de infecção das folhas foi determinado por escala diagramática além do peso e diâmetro das raízes. Os resultados de inibição do crescimento micelial para as doses do óleo foram 0; 56; 87; 83 e 99%, e os índices de infecção: 77,08; 35,62; 21,04; 19,37 e 20,00%, respectivamente, para a testemunha e as doses 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00% do óleo. Somente na concentração de 0,80% o óleo proporcionou relação positiva entre o ganho de peso e o diâmetro das raízes. O óleo de Melaleuca foi eficaz no controle de C. beticola e, como consequência, houve produção de raízes de beterraba com melhor desenvolvimento.

ABSTRACT The volatile oil from Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche Cheel.) has antimicrobial properties and can promote several effects on plant cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of the oil in Cercospora beticola Sacc. and if it favors the growth and development of beet root. The doses were 0.13, 0.67, 0.8 and 1% of oil, besides the control PDA (potato-dextrose-agar) in vitro (laboratory condition) and with water as treatment control in vivo (field conditions). The plants were sprayed twice a week. The treatments were completely randomized and the averages were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The infection rate of leaves was measured by diagrammatic scale besides the weight and diameter of tubers. The inhibition results of the radial growth by oil treatments were 0; 56, 87, 83 and 99%, while the infection rate showed: 77.08, 35.62, 21.04, 19.37 and 20% respectively to the control and to the oil concentration of 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00%. Only at concentration of 0.8% the tea tree oil showed a positive relationship between tuber´s weight and tuber´s diameter gains. It can be concluded that tea tree oil is effective to controlling C. beticola, and also promotes an increase on development in beet tubers.

Avaliação antibacteriana do extrato de melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) frente à cepa de Staphylococcus aureus / Antibacterial evaluation of melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) extract in face of Staphylococcus aureus strain

O uso de óleos essenciais para o tratamento de patologias de pele vem crescendo a cada dia, são facilmente comercializados para diferentes fins. Este trabalho visou a comparação e comprovação do efeito antimicrobiano do óleo essencial comercial de Melaleuca alternifolia e do óleo extraído direto da planta frente a cepa de Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-25923). Para os testes foram escolhidos dois óleos comerciais tratados neste estudo como A e B e a extração do óleo da planta nas diferentes sazonalidades. A técnica utilizada para os testes foi a do poço por Pour Plate. A cultura bacteriana foi inoculada em placas de meio Ágar Mueller Hinton (MHA). A inoculação se deu com uma suspensão de colônias seguindo a escala de McFarland em salina estéril com concentração de 0,9 %. A cada placa contendo o meio de cultura adicionou-se 1ml dessa suspensão do inoculo, em seguida foram realizados os poços com adição de 20 µl de óleo, estes conservados em estufa a 37°C por 24 horas. Como controle positivo foi utilizado discos do antibiótico Eritromicina comercial. Todos os testes foram realizados e analisados em duplicata. Para a análise foram medidos o diâmetro dos halos de todas as amostras, os quais apresentaram uma discreta inibição. Conclui-se que o óleo essencial extraído em junho obteve maior inibição, sendo mais efetivo em Staphylococcus aureus do que os óleos comerciais A e B.

The use of essential oils for the treatment of skin diseases is growing. They are easily marketed for different purposes. This study sought to compare and prove the antimicrobial effect of the commercial essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and oil directly extracted from the plant with the strain of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). For the tests, two commercial oils were chosen, treated in this study as A and B, and the oil extracted from the plant in the different seasonalities. The technique used for the tests was the Pour Plate well. The bacterial culture was inoculated onto plates with Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA). Inoculation took place with the suspension of colonies following the McFarland scale in 0.9% sterile saline solution. A total of 1 ml of this inoculum suspension was added to each plate containing the culture medium, then the wells were used with the addition of 20 µl of oil. These were stored at 37 °C for 24 hours. Antibiotic erythromycin commercial discs were used as positive control. All tests were performed and analyzed in duplicate. For the analysis, the diameters of all samples were measured, which showed a slight inhibition. It can be concluded that the essential oil extracted in June presented higher inhibition, being more efficient against Staphylococcus aureus than commercial oils A and B.

Efeito do óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia e de seu principal componente Terpinen-4-ol sobre isolados clínicos de Candida albicans resistentes / Effect of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its main component Terpinen-4-ol against clinical isolates of Candida albicans resistant

O óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) é um extrato de ação antifúngica e preventiva em escala farmacêutica ou cosmética. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do TTO e Terpinen-4-ol sobre isolados clínicos de Candida albicans. Este estudo foi realizado em três fases: 1- Identificação da CIM (Concentração Inibitória Mínima) e CFM (Concentração Fungicida Mínima) do TTO (0,25 a 2%) e Terpinen-4- ol (0,11 a 0,95%) sobre C. albicans na forma planctônica. 2- Análise das diferentes concentrações do óleo sobre biofilme monoespécie de C. albicans por meio da contagem das UFC/mL e avaliação da atividade metabólica das células pelo método colorimétrico de XTT. 3- Análise da ação inibitória das soluções de TTO e Terpinen-4- ol sobre biofilmes de C.albicans (cepa padrão e isolados clínicos) formados em corpos de prova de resina acrílica termopolimerizável previamente cobertos com saliva humana, por meio do teste de XTT e por microscopia confocal de varredura à laser (MCVL). A nistatina (Sigma) foi utilizada como controle positivo. Os resultados mostraram que isolados de C. albicans planctônicos foram sensíveis ao TTO 1%, Terpinen-4-ol 0,47% e Nistatina 8 ?g/mL. As menores concentrações fungicidas para os isolados foram TTO 2 %, Terpinen-4-ol 0,95 % e Nistatina 16 ?g/mL. Quando analisado em biofilme através da quantificação (UFC/mL) e teste de XTT as concentrações de TTO 2 % e Terpinen-4-ol 0,95 % foram eficazes quando comparado ao controle, sendo que as amostras da genotipagem A2 e B1 foram as mais resistentes. Os resultados de MCVL mostraram que todos os biofilmes desenvolvidos em corpos de resina acrílica apresentaram-se semelhantes à ação da Nistatina. Os extratos avaliados apresentaram ação antifúngica para os isolados clínicos e podem ser considerados tratamento alternativo para paciente com candidíase.

The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) is an extract of antifungal action and preventive in pharmaceutical or cosmetic scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TTO and Terpinen-4-ol against clinical isolates of Candida albicans. This study was conducted in three phases: 1- Identification of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and CFM (Minimum Fungicidal Concentration) of TTO (0.25 to 2%) and Terpinen-4-ol (0.11 to 0.95 %) on C. albicans in planktonic form . 2- Analysis of different concentrations of oil on C. albicans biofilm single species by counting CFU/mL and evaluation of the metabolic activity of cells by XTT colorimetric method. 3- Analysis of the inhibitory action of TTO and Terpinen-4-ol solutions on C. albicans biofilms (standard strain and clinical isolates) formed in specimens of polymerizable resin acrylic microwave previously coated with human saliva , by means of the XTT test and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) . The nystatin (Sigma) was used as a positive control. The results showed that isolates of C. albicans planktonic were sensitive to TTO 1%, Terpinen-4-ol 0.47% and Nystatin 8 mg/mL. The smaller fungicidal concentrations for the isolates were TTO 2%, Terpinen-4-ol 0.95% and Nystatin 16 mg / mL. When analyzed by quantifying biofilm (CFU / ml) and XTT test, the concentrations TTO 2% and Terpinen-4-ol 0.95% were effective when compared to the control, and genotyping of samples A2 and B1 were more resistant. The CLSM results showed that all biofilms developed in bodies of acrylic resin were similar to the action of Nystatin. The extracts showed antifungal action for the clinical isolates and can be considered an alternative treatment for patients with candidiasis

Avaliação comparativa ?in vivo? da eficácia do óleo de melaleuca, clorexidina e listerine sobre streptococcus mutans e microrganismos totais na saliva / ?In Vivo? Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Melaleuca Oil, Chlorhexidine and Listerine against Streptococcus mutans and Total Microorganisms in Saliva

Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia dos enxaguatórios bucais: clorexidina 0,12%, Listerine e óleo de Melaleuca Alternifolia 0,5% e 2% sobre os níveis salivares de Streptococcus mutans e microrganismos totais. Métodos: O estudo foi um ensaio clínico, controlado, duplo cego e emparelhado. Para tanto foram selecionados 26 voluntários com idade entre 21 - 35 anos. Foi coletada de cada participante, no baseline, a quantidade de 1 mL de saliva não estimulada, 1 e 15 min após os bochechos com as seguintes soluções: água destilada estéril, digluconato de clorexidina 0,12%, Listerine (©Johnson & Johnson do Brasil), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Sigma-Aldrich St Louis, MO, USA) nas concentrações de 0,5% e 2%. Os participantes fizeram uso de todos os enxaguatórios bucais pesquisados, com intervalo de 15 dias entre cada solução. Imediatamente após o bochecho, foi coletada a saliva e realizadas as diluições seriadas, seguidas de plaqueamento em meio de cultura Agar sangue para o crescimento de microrganismos totais e SB-20 (Agar Sacarose Bacitracina) para S. mutans, mantidos por 48h a 37°C em microaerofilia. Após o período de incubação, as colônias foram contadas e transformadas em unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC/mL). Resultados: A clorexidina mostrou ação antimicrobiana na redução dos microrganismos totais e S. mutans, enquanto a ação do óleo Melaleuca Alternifolia 0.5% foi semelhante à água destilada. O listerine e o óleoMelaleuca Alternifolia 2% apresentaram redução microbiana, respectivamente, de 11% e 9% para microrganismos totais, entretanto para S. mutans o listerine reduziu os níveis em 20% e o óleo Melaleuca Alternifolia 2% em 11%. Conclusão: O bochecho único com clorexidina 0,12% é eficaz na redução de níveis de microrganismos totais e S. mutans presentes na saliva. Ao comparar a clorexidina com o listerine e óleo Melaleuca Alternifolia 0,5% e 2% nas mesmas condições a eficácia da ação destas soluções é diminuída.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of the mouthwashes 0.12% chlorhexidine, Listerine, and 0.5% and 2% Melaleuca Alternifolia oil against the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and total microorganisms.Methods: This study was double-blind controlled and paired clinical assay. Twenty-six volunteers aged 21 to 35 years old were enrolled. At baseline, 1 mL of unstimulated saliva was collected from each subject, 1 and 15 min after mouthrinsing with the following solutions: sterile distilled water, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, Listerine (©Johnson & Johnson do Brasil), 0.5% and 2% concentrations of Melaleuca Alternifolia (Sigma-Aldrich). The volunteers used all the evaluated mouthrinses with a 15-day interval between the solutions. Immediately after rinsing, saliva was collected and serial dilutions were performed, followed by plating in blood agar culture medium for growth of total microorganisms and SB-20 (Sucrose-Bacitracin agar) for growth of S. mutans, and incubation at 37 °C for 48 h in microaerophilia. After incubation, the number of colonies was counted and expressed as colony forming units (UFC/mL).Results: Chlorhexidine showed antimicrobial action by reducing total microorganisms and S. mutans, while the action of 0.5% Melaleuca Alternifolia was similar to that of distilled water. Listerine and 2%Melaleuca Alternifolia oil reduced total microbial counts by 11% and 9% respectively, and S. mutans by 20% and 11%.Conclusion: A single rinse with 0.12% chlorhexidine is effective in reducing the levels of total microorganisms and S. mutans present in saliva. Under the same testing conditions, Listerine and 0.5% and 2%Melaleuca Alternifolia oil presented lower efficacy than chlorhexidine.

Comparison of hand hygiene antimicrobial efficacy: Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus triclosan / Comparação da eficácia antimicrobiana na higienização das mãos: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia versus / Comparación de la eficacia antimicrobiana en la higienización de las manos: aceite esencial de Melaleuca alternifolia versus triclosan

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hand hygiene performed with two different soap formulations: 0.3% Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus 0.5% triclosan, and to compare them with two reference hygiene procedures: the official methodology procedure (soft soap) versus the draft version of the procedure (soft soap + propan-2-ol). METHOD: using the European EN 1499 method, logarithmic reduction factors were determined for the number of colony forming units of Escherichia coli K12 before and after hand hygiene of 15 volunteer subjects, and compared using the one-tailed Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: referring to the soft soap, there was no difference between the performance of soap with 0.3% M. alternifolia and soap containing 0.5% triclosan. The soft soap + propan-2-ol proved to be more effective than the other hand hygiene procedures. CONCLUSION: studies to verify the therapeutic efficacy of essential oil in hand hygiene can improve adherence to this practice. .

OBJETIVOS: os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a eficácia da higienização das mãos, realizada com duas formulações diferentes de sabonetes: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia a 0,3% versus triclosan a 0,5%, e compará-las com duas higienizações de referência: procedimento da metodologia oficial (soft soap) versus procedimento da versão draft (soft soap+propan-2-ol). MÉTODO: utilizando-se a metodologia europeia EN 1499, foram determinados fatores de redução logarítmica do número de unidades formadoras de colônia de Escherichia coli K12, antes e após a higiene das mãos, de 15 sujeitos voluntários e comparados pelo teste de Wilcoxon unicaudal. RESULTADOS: tomando como referência o soft soap, não houve diferença entre o desempenho do sabonete com M. alternifolia a 0,3% ou sabonete contendo triclosan a 0,5%. O soft soap+propan-2-ol demonstrou ser mais eficaz em relação aos demais procedimentos de higienização das mãos. CONCLUSÃO: estudos que verifiquem a eficácia terapêutica de óleo essencial na higienização das mãos podem melhorar a adesão a essa prática. .

OBJETIVOS: este estudio objetivó evaluar la eficacia de la higienización de las manos realizada con dos fórmulas diferentes de jabones: aceite esencial de Melaleuca alternifolia al 0,3% versus triclosan al 0,5%, y compararlas con dos higienizaciones de referencia: procedimiento de la metodología oficial (soft soap) versus procedimiento de la versión draft (soft soap + propan-2-ol). MÉTODO: utilizando la metodología europea EN 1499, fueron determinados factores de reducción logarítmica del número de unidades formadoras de colonia de Escherichia coli K12 antes y después de la higiene de las manos de 15 sujetos voluntarios y comparados por el test de Wilcoxon de una sola cola. RESULTADOS: Tomando como referencia el soft soap, no hubo diferencia entre el desempeño del jabón con Melaleuca alternifolia al 0,3% o jabón conteniendo triclosan al 0,5%. El soft soap + propan-2-ol se demostró más eficaz en relación a los demás procedimientos de higienización de las manos. CONCLUSIÓN: estudios que verifiquen la eficacia terapéutica de aceite esencial en la higienización de las manos pueden mejorar la adhesión a esa práctica. .

Caracterização da ação modulatória de citocinas inflamatórias pelo óleo de Melaleuca alternifolia e seus componentes (terpinen-4ol e alfa-terpineol) em macrófagos humanos ativados por lipopolissacarídeos de Porphyromonas gingivalis e Escherichia coli / Characterization of modulatory action of inflammatory cytokines by Melaleuca alternifolia oil and its components (terpinnen-4ol and alpha-terpineol) in human macrophages activated lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli

O óleo de Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) tem propriedades antimicrobianas e somado a isso, sugere-se que apresente características anti-inflamatórias. Este estudo investigou o potencial do TTO e seus componentes (terpinen-4-ol e alfa-terpineol) em modular citocinas e os mecanismos intracelulares participantes desta ação. Células monocíticas (U937) foram diferenciados em macrófagos com 40ng/mL de 12-miristato 13-acetato de forbol. A citotoxicidade dos óleos foi determinada com o ensaio de redução de Metil-tetrazolium (MTT). A habilidade em modular a produção das citocinas após o estímulo com LPS de Porphyromonas gingivalis (agonista de TLR2) e Escherichia coli (agonista de TLR4), foi estabelecida por meio de ensaios ELISA. Os efeitos dos compostos testados, na ativação de vias de sinalização intracelular, foram avaliados por western blot. As concentrações selecionadas pelo MTT foram: 0,015% e 0,004% para o TTO, 0,059% e 0,0073% para o terpinen-4-ol e 0,0064% e 0,0007% para alfa-terpineol. A influência do TTO na produção de citocinas foi mais marcante após estímulo de TLR4, com diminuição de IL-1ß, IL-6 e IL-10. O terpinen-4-ol reduziu a produção de INF-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 e IL-17 após ativação tanto TLR4 quanto TLR2. O alfa-terpienol atua após ativação de TLR2 e 4 inibindo a produção de IL-1ß, IL-6 e IL-10. Nenhuma das vias analisadas (NF-kB, ERK, p38 MAP-Kinase) sofreram interferência dos óleos. O TTO tem ação modulatória inibindo produção de citocinas inflamatórias e o terpinen-4-ol é o seu maior componente ativo, entretanto este mecanismo não ocorre via inibição de NF-kB, ERK e p38 MAP-Kinase

The oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) has antimicrobial properties, coupled with this, it is suggested that it also has antiinflammatory characteristics. This study investigated the potential of TTO and its components (terpinen-4-ol and alphaterpineol) and cytokines in modulating the intracellular mechanisms that participate in this action. Monocytic cells (U937) were differentiated into macrophages with 40ng/mL 12-myristate 13-acetate phorbol. The olil cytotoxicity was determined with the reduction assay Methyl-tetrazolium (MTT). The ability to modulate cytokine production after stimulation with LPS of porphyromonasgingivalis (TLR2 agonist) and Escherichia coli (TLR4 agonist), was established by ELISA assays. The effects of the tested compounds, the activation of intracellular signaling pathways were evaluated by western blot. The concentrations selected by the MTT were 0.015% and 0.004% for the TTO, 0.059% and 0.0073% to terpinen-4-ol and 0.0064% and 0.0007% for alpha-terpineol. The influence of TTO in cytokine production was more marked after TLR4 stimulation, with decreased IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10. The terpinen-4-ol reduced the production of INF-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 activation after both TLR4 as TLR2. The alpha-terpienol acts upon activation of TLR2 and four inhibiting the production of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10. None of the analyzed pathways (NF-kB, ERK, p38 MAP-Kinase) suffered interference oils. The TTO has modulatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and terpinen-4-ol is your greatest asset component however, this mechanism does not occur via inhibition of NF-kB, ERK and p38 MAP-kinase