In Vitro Susceptibilities of Lactobacilli and Organisms Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis to Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil

Assessing the antibiotic potential of essential oils against Haemophilus ducreyi

“…L. reuteri was chosen as a representative of the many Lactobacillus species that make up the vaginal flora. The susceptibility of L. reuteri is unknown, although Lactobacillus strains are resistant to tea tree oil concentrations up to 2.0% [11]. …”

A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization

“…There is little published evidence on the value of its use in contemporary medical settings. Its use has been advocated in past decades for furunculosis, 6 superficial fungal infections, 7,8 anaerobic vaginosis, 9,10 and eradication of head lice. In November 2000, a review of evidence for the efficacy against MRSA 11 failed to include any clinical data.…”

Common Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Yeast Vaginitis and Bacterial Vaginosis: A Systematic Review

“…In 1991, Blackwell (39) reported a case of chronic bacterial vaginosis successfully treated with tea tree oil in a vaginal pessary. Since then, multiple in vitro studies have shown tea tree oil to inhibit both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria (37,38). In addition, the data also show that all lactobacilli species tested were appreciably more resistant to the tea tree oil than the organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis.…”

“…Tea tree oil contains Terpinen-4-ol and other terpenes, which are responsible for the majority of its antimicrobial action (36). The mechanism is thought to be the disruption of the cell membrane, allowing potassium ion leakage, which leads to loss of chemiosmotic control and, therefore, causes rupture and destruction of the bacterial or fungal cell walls (37,38). In 1991, Blackwell (39) reported a case of chronic bacterial vaginosis successfully treated with tea tree oil in a vaginal pessary.…”