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Research: HAMMER and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 107
Abstract
HAMMER and co-workers, Microbiology Discipline, School of Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, khammer@cyllene.uwa.edu.au, have studied the anti-fungal effects of tea tree oil on the yeast strains Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Background
The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of tea tree oil on yeast strains.
Methodology
Yeast cells were treated with tea tree oil or components thereof for up to 6 hours. During this time, alterations in cell membrane permeability were assessed, and membrane fluidity was measured. The effects of tea tree oil on glucose-induced medium acidification were quantified.
Results
The treatment of C. albicans with tea tree oil or components at concentrations between 0.25 and 1% induced membrane permeability and fluidity increases. Membrane fluidity was also increased when the cells were treated for 24 hours with 0.016 – 0.06% tea tree oil. Glucose-induced acidification of the medium was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion
The results from this study support the hypothesis that tea tree oil exerts its anti-fungal effect by altering membrane properties and compromising the functions of cell membranes.
References
Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 53 (6): 1081-1085, Jun 2004.
