Acaricidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil

Abstract

Tea Tree oil (TTO) contains beneficial properties such as antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Whereas, the medium chain fatty acids in Virgin Coconut oil (VCO) able to protect hair follicles from heat, restoring hair's moisture and other damage. This paper describes the physical properties of seven hair shampoo formulations containing differing amount of TTO and VCO. The essential oils (TTO) applied in these formulations were extracted from fresh tea trees using steam distillation method and the VCO was produced from fermentation of fresh mature kernel coconut. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted to determine the essential oil components of TTO and fatty acid composition of VCO. The shampoo formulations were subjected to evaluation of several parameters namely organoleptic, pH, viscosity, total solid content, foam stability, and dirt dispersion. The results show that the TTO was composed of terpene hydrocarbons with terpinene-4-ol as the major component; meanwhile lauric acid is major component of VCO. All the shampoo formulations were acid-balanced with pH range between 6.23 -6.43; total solid contents were between 29.92 -35.61%; stable foaming with the same foam volume for 4 minutes and no dirt was observed. Rheological test showed formulation with 6% TTO (0% VCO) has pseudo-plastic behavior and relatively lower total solid content which are desirable attributes in hair shampoo. Overall, TTO-and VCO-containing shampoo formulations showed ideal physicochemical properties for hair cleansing and treatments.

In vitro activity of ten essential oils against Sarcoptes scabiei

“…In another study, clove oil also showed toxicity against house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [27]. The lethal time of 5% tea tree oil was reported 180 min [18], whereas in our investigation, all mites died after 90 and 30 min of exposure to 5 and 10% tea tree oil, respectively. Furthermore, our findings showed no scabicidal effect with cade oil which was previously demonstrated effective against head lice and poultry red mites [14, 28].…”

An exploratory study to assess the activity of the acarine growth inhibitor, fluazuron, against Sarcoptes scabei infestation in pigs

“…We have previously investigated the acaricidal activity of natural product extracts of tea-tree oil and clove oil and their active components using in vitro studies of mites collected from pigs with experimental scabies infestation [5]. These studies have shown potential useful acaricidal activity of essential oils- tea-tree ( Melaleuca alternifola ) and clove ( Eugenia caryophyllata ), and their active components [6,7]. …”

A Novel Clinical Grading Scale to Guide the Management of Crusted Scabies

“…Local policies encourage the hospitalization of patients with crusted scabies for clinical management, as well as environmental health input to address the risk of ongoing transmission in an index patient's household. The standard treatment protocol for crusted scabies includes prolonged hospitalization in a single room with contact precautions, the use of topical benzyl benzoate plus 5% tea tree oil 2–3 times per week [14], multiple doses of oral ivermectin (as described below), topical keratolytics, systemic antibacterial drugs where judged clinically necessary, and attention to medical comorbidities.…”