Positive Health Online

Abstract

BANES-MARSHALL and colleagues, Department of Microbiology, Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, Northamptonshire, UK, evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal activities of tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) in vitro against microorganisms isolated from leg ulcers and pressure sores .

Background

Methodology

Activity of TTO was measured as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) or fungicidal (MFC) concentration. Microorganisms tested included: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S aureus, faecal streptococci, beta-haemolytic streptococci, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas spp. and coliform bacilli ; and 11 Candida spp. isolated from skin and vaginal swabs.

Results

In an agar dilution assay, the MICs of TTO in were 0.5-1.0% (v/v) in 88 out of 90 microorganism isolates and >2% (v/v) for P aeruginosa . Using a broth microdilution method, MIC and MBC/MFC were 3% and 4% (v/v) respectively in 64 out of 80 isolates . The microorganisms most susceptible to TTO were S aureus and Candida spp, with MICs and MBCs of 0.5% and 1% respectively. The most resistant microbes were P aeruginosa and the faecal streptococci isolates, with MICs and MBCs of >8%.

Conclusion

References

Banes-Marshall L et al. In vitro activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against bacterial and Candida spp. isolates from clinical specimens. British Journal of Biomedical Science 58 (3): 139-45. 2001.