Melaleuca alternifolia

Researchers have identified several antifungal herbs that are effective against tinea pedis (athlete s foot), such as tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum). 

Tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifolia Topical antimicrobial Contact dermatitis For topical use only do not take orally. 

Fig. 2.9 Compounds 41-43 from Melaleuca alternifolia Compounds 44-49 from Isotachis lyallii...

Part II. The occurrence of physiological forms. Pages 18-19 in Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel. In Researches on Essential Oils of the Australian Flora., Vol. I, Part II. Museum of Technology and Applied Science, Sydney. 

Other assays have been used to evaluate the antioxidant activity against H202 of several plant-based products, namely, fruit juices from different cultivars of berries (Wang and Jiao 2000), fractions rich in phenolics isolated from the aqueous by-products obtained during the milling of oil palm fruits (Balasundram and others 2005), cherry laurel fruit and its concentrated juice (Liyana-Pathirana and others 2006), and strawberries and blackberries treated with methyl jasmonate, allyl isothiocyanate, essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, and ethanol (Chanjirakul and others 2007). 

Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. (2004) Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Antimicrob Chemother 53 1081-1085. 

Leach DN, Wyllie SG, Hall JG, Kyratzis I, Enantiomeric composition of the principal components in the oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, J Agric Food Chem 41 1627-1632, 1993. 

Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves and twig tips of Melaleuca alternifolia L., and other Melaleuca species, which are trees growing in Australia (Myrtaceae). It is a pale to light yellow liquid with an earthy, spicy odor. 

Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden et Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora E Mueller and other species Terpinen-4-ol (min. 30), 1,8-cineole (max. 15), y-terpinene (10-28), a-terpinene (5-13), a-terpineol (1.5-8)... 

EO of Melaleuca alternifolia and eucalyptus exhibited a high level of antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in a viral suspension test [125]. Also, Santolina insularis EO... 

The essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae) are recommended for many medicinal and cosmetic purposes. More than 100 varieties of Melaleuca are known, having considerable differences in their essential oil composition (Fig. 17.10). In order to standardise the essential oil quality, minimum and maximum conditions are given by DAC (Deutscher Arzneimittel-Codex) and ISO 4730 (1996). 

Tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel, Melaleuca linariifolia Sm., Melaleuca dissitiflora Mueller Eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus globulus Lab ill., Eucalyptus fructicetorum R v. Mueller ex Miquel, Eucalyptus smithii R. T. Baker... 

Russell MF, Southwell lA. Monoterpenoid accumulation in 1,8-cineole, terpi-nolene and terpinen-4-ol chemotypes of Melaleuca alternifolia seedlings. Phytochemistry 2003 62 683-689. 

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Uses Rx of superficial wounds (bacterial, viral, fungal, insect bites, minor burns, cold sores, acne Action Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans Available forms Topical creams, lotions, oint, oil apply topically PRN Notes/SE Ataxia, contact dermatitis, D, drowsiness, GI mucosal irritation Interactions Effects OF drugs that affect histamine release EMS effects of Benadryl Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Uses Anxiolytic, antispasmodic, dys-menorrheal, restlessness, sedative Action Inhibits uptake stimulates release of GABA, which T GABA concentration extracellularly causes sedation Available forms Ext 400-900 mg PO 30 min < hs, tea 2-3 g (1 tsp of crude herb) qid, PRN, tine 3-5 mL (1/2-1 tsp) (1 5 ratio) PO qid, PRN Efficacy Probably effective sedative (reduces sleep latency) Notes/SE GI upset, HA, insomnia, N/V, palpitations, restlessness, vision changes Interactions T Effects OF barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiates, EtOH, catnip, hops, kavakava, passion flower, skullcap effects OF MAOIs, phenytoin, warfarin EMS T Effects of benzodiazepines and opiates abruptly D/C may cause withdrawal symptoms... 

Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae) fresh leaf 1.8... 

Both Australia and New Zealand have indigenous tea trees in the family Myrtaceae, which were reputedly used for brewing tea by Captain Cook. There is, however, no resemblance between real tea Camellia sinensis, Camelliaceae, and the taste or odor of these species. The Australian tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia and other Melaleuca species has strong antimicrobial potential (see Lis-Balchin et al., 2000, for a review and references). 

Lis-Balchin, M., Hart, S.L., and Deans, S.G., Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea-tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand, Phytother. Res., 14, 623-629, 2000. 

Tea tree is a misleading name. Tea tree is the general name given to all melaleuca trees (of the family Myrtaceae), usually associated with Australia. The species Melaleuca alternifolia is the one producing the essential oil. Many chemotypes exist and standards set for composition may encourage adulteration. 

The tea tree, or sometimes ti-tree, is actually a general name for members of the Melaleuca plant genus. The term tea tree comes from local usage as a type of herbal tea prepared from the leaves. Melaleuca alternifolia is a worldwide top-selling essential oil. Other oils from this family include cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi) and niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora), which are distinctive essential oils with their own characteristics. 

The Australian standard for Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil sets levels for 1,8-cineole that should not exceed 15% and for terpineol-4 that should not be less than 30%. The components of this type of tea tree oil vary considerably owing to the existence of different varieties of the same plant species there are also many chemotypes and it has been shown that even trees growing next to each other can produce oils with differing composition. Imposing chemical standards can encourage adulteration commonly oils of various cultivars and species are blended and terpineol-4 is often added. 

BWTEA060207 Essentially Oils Ltd Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel TEATREE... 

Figure 7.14 Tea tree. Analysis of Melaleuca alternifolia, showing a typical composition.

Melaleuca alternifolia is generally considered to be nontoxic and nonirritant. However, it may cause sensitization in some individuals and several components have been found to be responsible. One of these, 1,8-cineole, is restricted by regulation to a maximum of 15% as it is a sensitizing substance. 

A more detailed examination of Melaleuca alternifolia is shown in Box 7.14. This information, in this format, is aimed at healthcare professionals. 

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) Eucalyptus species (eucalyptus) Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) Oenothera biennis (evening primrose)... 

The undiluted essential oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), which contains the sesquiterpene viridiflorene and the monoterpenoids eucalyptol, Umo-nene, and terpinen-4-ol, has been used as a topical natural cure for bacterial and fungal skin infections. 

Crawford GH, Sciacca JR, James WD. Tea tree oil cutaneous effects of the extracted oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Dermatitis 2004 15(2) 59-66. 

Fritz TM, Burg G, Krasovec M. Dermatite de contact aller-gique aux cosmetiques a base de Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). [Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics containing Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil).] Ann Dermatol Venereol 2001 128(2) 123-6. 

Tea tree oil is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant that is native to Australia. It is considered to have antibacterial properties, including an effect on methicil-lin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while the commensal flora of the skin seem to be less susceptible (1). In addition, it is said to have antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, and has been increasingly incorporated into cosmetics for aromatherapy. 

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