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PubMed2004

Prevalence of botanical extract allergy in patients with contact dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Botanical extracts are used widely in over-the-counter products. They are primarily added for fragrance and their purported healing properties. Numerous case reports of allergic contact allergy to botanical extracts have been published; however, little is known regarding the prevalence of allergic reactions to botanical extracts. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic patch-test reactions to a collection of botanical extracts in patients referred for patch testing. METHODS: A total of 140 patients were patch-tested to a study tray containing 47 botanical extracts. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) a high-risk group consisting of 21 patients with a clinical diagnosis of contact allergy who were using botanical products and whose contact dermatitis was not fully explained by testing to standard allergens and (2) a control group consisting of 119 patients with no history of botanical extract use and who were being evaluated in a contact dermatitis clinic. RESULTS: Ten of 21 patients (47.6%) in the high-risk group had at least one relevant botanical extract positive reaction. Only 4 patients (3.4%) in the control group had a relevant positive reaction. Four patients in the high-risk group had more than one relevant botanical reaction. Tea tree oil caused the most common relevant positive reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Contact allergy to botanicals was common in this highly selected group of patients. Contact dermatitis patients who use botanical products and whose reactions are not fully explained by standard patch testing may benefit from more extensive patch testing to botanical extracts.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials.

Traditional medicine has made use of many different plant extracts for treatment of fungal infections and some of these have been tested for in vitro antifungal activity. This systematic review evaluates antifungal herbal preparations that have been tested in controlled clinical trials. Four electronic databases were searched for controlled clinical trials of antifungal herbal medicines. Data were extracted in a standardized manner by two independent reviewers and are reviewed narratively. Seven clinical trials met our inclusion criteria. Tea tree oil preparations were tested in four randomized clinical trials and some positive outcomes were attributed to the intervention in all trials. Solanum species (two trials) and oil of bitter orange preparations (one trial) were compared with conventional treatments. In all cases encouraging results were reported. There are few controlled clinical trials of herbal antifungal medicines. The most thoroughly clinically tested is tea tree oil, which holds some promise. All herbal remedies require further investigation in rigorous clinical trials.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2001

In-vitro and in-vivo anti-Trichophyton activity of essential oils by vapour contact.

The minimum inhibitory doses (MIDs) of essential oils by vapour contact to inhibit the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum on agar medium were determined using airtight boxes. Among seven essential oils examined, cinnamon bark oil showed the least MID, followed by lemongrass, thyme and perilla oils. Lavender and tea tree oils showed moderate MID, and citron oil showed the highest MID, being 320 times higher than that of cinnamon bark oil. The MID values were less than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values determined by agar dilution assay. Furthermore, the minimum agar concentration (MAC) of essential oils absorbed from vapour was determined at the time of MID determination as the second antifungal measure. The MAC value by vapour contact was 1.4 to 4.7 times less than the MAC remaining in the agar at the time of MIC determination by agar dilution assay. Using selected essential oils, the anti-Trichophyton activity by vapour contact was examined in more detail. Lemongrass, thyme and perilla oils killed the conidia, inhibited germination and hyphal elongation at 1-4 micrograms ml-1 air, whereas lavender oil was effective at 40-160 micrograms ml-1 air. The in-vivo efficacy of thyme and perilla oils by vapour contact was shown against an experimental tinea pedis in guinea pigs infected with T. mentagrophytes. These results indicated potent anti-Trichophyton action of essential oils by vapour contact.

Agar↗
PubMed2001

In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of beta-triketones admixed to Melaleuca oils.

The in vitro antibacterial properties of mixtures of Australian tea tree oil and niaouli oil after adding the beta-triketone complex isolated from manuka oil were tested. MIC and MBC values for four different bacteria were determined applying the broth dilution method. Both Melaleuca oil mixtures showed good antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis, exceeding the effectiveness of myrtol, which is well established in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis and sinusitis. The death kinetics of S. aureus were determined to draw subtle comparisons between the mixtures. The kill rate data indicated that both Melaleuca oil mixtures achieved a complete kill within 240 min.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and its components.

Antioxidant activity of Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) was determined using two different assays. In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, 10 microL/mL crude TTO in methanol had approximately 80% free radical scavenging activity, and in the hexanal/hexanoic acid assay, 200 microL/mL crude TTO exhibited 60% inhibitory activity against the oxidation of hexanal to hexanoic acid over 30 days. These results were equivalent to the antioxidant activities of 30 mM butylated hydroxytoluene in both tests at the same experimental conditions. This indicated that the TTO could be a good alternative antioxidant. Inherent antioxidants, i.e., alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpinolene, and gamma-terpinene, in the crude TTO were separated and identified chromatographically using silica gel open chromatography, C(18)-high-pressure liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antioxidant activities decreased in the following order in both assays: alpha-terpinene > alpha-terpinolene > gamma-terpinene.

Aldehydes↗
PubMed2002

Complementary/alternative medicine in dermatology: evidence-assessed efficacy of two diseases and two treatments.

The objective of this article is to provide a brief, but critical, overview of the evidence related to complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use, and to offer valid and useful information for dermatologists in clinical practice. Systematic literature searches were conducted on these databases: Medline, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CISCOM and AMED (until October 2000). Where appropriate, the evaluation of the published literature was based on systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. After scanning the literature it was decided to focus on a selection of two conditions (atopic dermatitis and chronic venous insufficiency) and two treatment modalities (aloe vera gel and tea tree oil). Data for the life-time prevalence of CAM use by patients with dermatological disease ranges between 35 to 69%. The most popular modalities include herablism and (other) dietary supplements, while atopic dermatitis is one of the conditions most frequently treated with CAM. For patients with atopic dermatitis the evidence relates to autogenic training, hypnotherapy, diet, herbal medicine, and dietary supplements. Compelling evidence of effectiveness exists for none of these therapies. However, some promising data have been reported for those with a psychological component: autogenic training, biofeedback and hypnotherapy. For chronic venous insufficiency there is relatively convincing evidence for the effectiveness of oral horse chestnut seed extract. The data for aloe vera gel and tea tree oil indicate that for neither is there compelling evidence of effectiveness. The use of CAM treatments is not free of risk; direct and indirect risks associated with CAM must be considered.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2006

The effect of German chamomile (Marticaria recutita L.) extract and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia L.) oil used as irrigants on removal of smear layer: a scanning electron microscopy study.

AIM: To compare the cleaning effectiveness of chamomile hydroalcoholic extract and tea tree oil to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution as an intracanal irrigant for the removal of the smear layer. METHODOLOGY: Forty extracted, single-rooted, mature, permanent, human teeth were allocated at random into one of three experimental groups of ten teeth and two control groups of five teeth. For each tooth, the pulp chamber was accessed and the canal prepared using K-type files and Gates-Glidden burs, using a step-back technique; the apical stop was prepared to a size 30. Each canal was subsequently irrigated with one of the following solutions: distilled water (as a negative control), 2.5% NaOCl + 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (as a positive control), chamomile or tea tree oil or 2.5% NaOCl. Each tooth was split longitudinally and prepared for examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The quantity of smear layer remaining on the three levels of each canal (coronal, middle and apical) was examined using magnifications of 2000 and 5000x. The data were analysed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULTS: The most effective removal of smear layer occurred with the use of NaOCl with a final rinse of 17% EDTA (negative control) followed by the use of a chamomile extract. Chamomile extract was found to be significantly more effective than distilled water and tea tree oil (P < 0.008). The use of a 2.5% NaOCl solution alone, without EDTA and that of tea tree oil, was found to have only minor effects. There was no statistical difference between distilled water, 2.5% NaOCl and tea tree oil. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of chamomile to remove smear layer was superior to NaOCl alone but less than NaOCl combined with EDTA.

Dentin↗
PubMed1998

An investigation of the actions of the essential oils of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), Myrtaceae on guinea-pig smooth muscle.

The two New Zealand tea-tree oils, Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium J.R. et G. Forst) and Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides (A. Rich) J. Thompson), Myrtaceae have been used as folk medicines for treating diarrhoea, colds and inflammation but their pharmacological action has not been investigated. Their mode of action was therefore studied on the field-stimulated guinea-pig ileum. Both Manuka and Kanuka oils induced a spasmolytic effect but Kanuka produced an initial contraction. The spasmolytic action of both oils was the result of a post-synaptic mechanism. Action involving adrenoceptors or cGMP was not considered likely, neither did the oils behave like calcium- or potassium-channel openers. There is some evidence that Manuka acts through cAMP whereas the mode of action of Kanuka is as yet undetermined. The results indicate that the use of these oils as relaxants in aromatherapy might be valid, although their mode of action is not identical.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

The dispersion of natural oils in de-gassed water.

Recent studies have demonstrated that pure hydrocarbon oils can be dispersed in water as fine droplets without the use of additives. The high interfacial tension between hydrocarbons and water is expected to cause cavitation between oil droplets during separation. This cavitation is aided by dissolved atmospheric gases present in both the oil and water. Their removal allows oil droplets to be readily dispersed in water. In this paper we report on the effect of the de-gassing process on the dispersion of several natural, water immiscible oils. These natural, mixed oils are eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree oil. Although these oils are mixtures and in some cases not as hydrophobic as those used in the earlier studies, the effect of de-gassing substantially enhances their dispersion, producing micron-sized droplets without the need for additives. Dispersions of these natural oils in pure water have a wide range of uses where purity is an advantage, for example, in skin cleaning products and oral sprays.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE, are an increasing problem world-wide, causing intractable wound infections. Complex phytochemical extracts such as tea tree oil and eucalypt-derived formulations have been shown to have strong bactericidal activity against MRSA in vitro. Polytoxinol (PT) antimicrobial, is the trade name of a range of antimicrobial preparations in solution, ointment and cream form. METHODS: We report the first use of this drug, administered percutaneously, via calcium sulphate pellets (Osteoset,TM), into bone, to treat an intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Over a three month period his symptoms resolved with a healing response on x-ray and with a reduced CRP.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1994

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils and essential oil components towards oral bacteria.

A method for reproducibly determining minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of plant extracts towards fastidiously and facultatively anaerobic oral bacteria, predicated upon measurements of optical densities in microtitre plate wells, was devised. The antimicrobial properties of some botanical oils were surveyed; of these, Australian tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and sage oil proved to be the most potent essential oils, whereas thymol and eugenol were potent essential oil components.

Actinomyces viscosus↗
PubMed2005

Suppression of neutrophil accumulation in mice by cutaneous application of geranium essential oil.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that essential oils suppressed the adherence response of human neutrophils in vitro and that intraperitoneal application of geranium oil suppressed the neutrophil accumulation into peritoneal cavity in vivo. Usually, essential oils are applied through skin in aromatherapy in inflammatory symptoms. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of cutaneous application of essential oils on the accumulation of neutrophils in inflammatory sites in skin of mice. METHODS: Inflammation with accumulation of inflammatory cells was induced by injection of curdlan, a (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in skin or peritoneal cavity of mice. Essential oils were applied cutaneously to the mice immediately and 3 hr after intradermal injection of curdlan. The skin with inflammatory lesion was cut off 6 hr after injection of curdlan, and the homogenates were used for myeloperoxidase (MPO: a marker enzyme of neutrophil granule) assay. RESULTS: The MPO activity of the skin lesion induced by curdlan was suppressed dose-dependently by cutaneous application of geranium oil. Other oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oils also suppressed the activity, but their activities seemed weaker than geranium. Juniper oil didn't suppress the activity CONCLUSION: Cutaneous application of essential oils, especially geranium oil, can suppress the inflammatory symptoms with neutrophil accumulation and edema.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, part 1.

Many herbal medicines have been used for centuries but have only recently been subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny. Fever-few, milk thistle, tea tree oil, and valerian are considered safe for use by most patients. All four appear to provide some benefits in treating or preventing illness, but the supporting evidence is inconclusive in some cases.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed2003

Compound tincture of benzoin: a common contact allergen?

The results of patch testing to compound tincture of benzoin in 477 patients performed at the Contact Dermatitis Clinic at the Skin and Cancer Foundation in Melbourne during 1999 are presented. There have been fewer than 30 reported cases of contact allergy from compound tincture of benzoin, and none in the last decade. Our results showed 45 out of the 477 patients had a positive reaction to compound tincture of benzoin, which was the third most common allergen in our series. Of these 45 patients, 14 had strong positive reactions, but only two definitely recalled exposure to compound tincture of benzoin and these were clinically relevant. Twenty-eight of these patients had cross-reactions to similar allergens (fragrance mix, balsam of Peru, colophony and tea tree oil). Of the 14 patients with a strong positive reaction to compound tincture of benzoin, 11 had at least one other positive cross-reaction to the above allergens. This may explain the high frequency of reaction to compound tincture of benzoin found in our study.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies in vitro on the relative efficacy of current acaricides for Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

Resistance of Sarcoptes scabiei to various topical therapies has been described, but clinical assessment of treatment failure is problematic and in-vitro assays are generally not available. We describe a simple in-vitro analysis used to evaluate the relative efficacy of a range of topical, oral, and herbal treatments available in Australia for the treatment of scabies. S. scabiei var. hominis mites were collected from skin scrapings obtained from 7 crusted scabies patients over a period of 2 years (1997 and 1998). Larvae, nymphal instars, and adult mites were tested within 3 h of collection and continuously exposed to selected commercially available treatment products until death, with the elapsed time recorded. Neem was the only product to show little acaricidal activity. Survival curves indicated that, of the other agents, 5% permethrin (Lyclear) had the slowest killing time, with 35% of mites still alive after 3 h, and 4% still alive after 18-22 h of constant exposure. In contrast, no mites were alive after 3 h exposure to 25% benzyl benzoate (Ascabiol), 1% lindane (Quellada), 5% tea tree oil and 100-8000 ng/g of ivermectin (Equimec). Despite the slower killing time with 5% permethrin, there was no evidence of any mite tolerance in vivo or treatment failure in any patients or contact cases.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Common complementary and alternative therapies for yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review.

UNLABELLED: This article is a systematic review of the literature regarding the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. A search was conducted of all published literature on conventional search engines (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Registry, CINAHL, LILACS) and alternative medicine databases (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Longwood Herbal Taskforce, and Alternative Medicine Alert), for all studies of the five most commonly used CAM treatments of vaginitis. Inconsistencies in definition of vaginitis, type of intervention, control groups, and outcomes prevented performance of a meta-analysis, and paucity of high-quality studies made ranking by evidence-based scales unsuitable. Lactobacillus recolonization (via yogurt or capsules) shows promise for the treatment of both yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis with little potential for harm. Boric acid can be recommended to women with recurrent vulvovaginal Candidal infections who are resistant to conventional therapies, but can occasionally cause vaginal burning. Because of associated risks in the absence of well-documented clinical benefits, douching remains a practice that should not be recommended for the treatment of vaginitis. Finally, tea tree oil and garlic show some in vitro potential for the treatment of vaginitis, but the lack of in vivo studies preclude their recommendation to patients for the time-being. The available evidence for CAM treatments of vaginitis is of poor quality despite the prevalent use of these therapies. Well-designed randomized, controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of these therapies for vaginitis are needed before any reliable clinical recommendations can be made. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to list the most common complementary and alternative medicine therapies for vaginitis, summarize the data surrounding the efficacy of each therapy, describe the adverse affects of each therapy, and outline which therapies are recommended and not recommended for vaginitis.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed2004

Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil.

BACKGROUND: In aromatherapy, essential oils are used as anti-inflammatory remedies, but experimental studies on their action mechanisms are very limited. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To assess their anti-inflammatory activities, the effects of essential oils on neutrophil recruitment in mice were examined in vivo. METHOD: The effect of essential oils on leukocyte and neutrophil recruitment induced 6 h after intraperitoneal injection of casein in mice was examined. RESULTS: Leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity in mice was suppressed by intraperitoneal injections of geranium, lemongrass and spearmint oils at the dose of 5 microl/mouse, but was not by tea tree oil. This recruitment was inhibited dose-dependently by geranium oil. The suppression of leukocyte recruitment resulted from inhibition of neutrophil accumulation. CONCLUSION: Some essential oils used as anti-inflammatory remedies suppress neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity in mice.

Animals↗