Melaleuca alternifolia(Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 1 January 2006
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Society for Microbiology in Clinical Microbiology Reviews
- Vol. 19 (1), 50-62
- https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.19.1.50-62.2006
Abstract
SUMMARY: Complementary and alternative medicines such as tea tree (melaleuca) oil have become increasingly popular in recent decades. This essential oil has been used for almost 100 years in Australia but is now available worldwide both as neat oil and as an active component in an array of products. The primary uses of tea tree oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the oil and its components, as well as clinical efficacy. Specific mechanisms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action are reviewed, and the toxicity of the oil is briefly discussed.Keywords
This publication has 124 references indexed in Scilit:
- Is tea tree oil an important contact allergen?Contact Dermatitis, 2004
- Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampooJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002
- Death Kinetics ofStaphylococcus aureusExposed to Commercial Tea Tree Oils s.l.Journal of Essential Oil Research, 2001
- Screening for Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oils on Selected Bacteria, Fungi and VirusesJournal of Essential Oil Research, 2000
- Skin Irritancy of Tea Tree OilJournal of Essential Oil Research, 1997
- Antiviral Activity of the Essential Oil ofMelaleuca alternifolia(Maiden amp; Betche) Cheel (Tea Tree) Against Tobacco Mosaic VirusJournal of Essential Oil Research, 1995
- Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifoliaJournal of Applied Bacteriology, 1995
- Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) dermatitisJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1994
- Monographs on fragrance raw materialsFood and Cosmetics Toxicology, 1975
- Monographs of fragrance raw materialsFood and Cosmetics Toxicology, 1975