Safety and efficacy evaluation of tea tree oil for acne

• Main Authors: Li-Wei Chen, 陳立偉
• Other Authors: Ching-Chiung Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/73455271094338431742

碩士 === 臺北醫學大學 === 生藥學研究所 === 96 === Tea tree oil (TTO) is one of the essential oils that are popularly used in cosmetics and mending agents. TTO, the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, is used in aromatherapy and has been investigated as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. However, TTOs can cause skin irritation at high concentrations. In this study, we explored the safety and efficient dosage of TTO and investigated the mechanism of TTO-induced skin irritation between with its components. The clinical trial literatures with randomized and double blinding design were very rare and Jadad score very low. Therefore, we executed following animal experimental research. Tea tree oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and five brands commercial TTOs were purchased in Taiwan market. All compositions fit with International Standard 4730 guideline for TTO. In the followings, we established anti-Staphylococcal activity and safety evaluation for skin irritations of TTOs in rats. The antibacterial effects of 12 kinds of TTO’s components, extracted and commercial TTOs were measured by agar well diffusion method. Terpinolene (MIC 6.25%, MBC 100%), α-terpinene (MIC 6.25%, MBC 25%), and α-terpineol (MIC 10%, MBC 40%) were the major components in TTOs and exhibited most potent antibacterial activity. According to the above results, we designed the formulated TTOs. Formulated TTOs were more effect than extracted TTO but not as well as commercial one. Allergic contact dermatitis model was established by neomycin irritations. The extracted TTO showed significant skin irritation at more than 2%/site, 1,8-cineole and terpinen-4-ol no significant dermal toxicity. Continued smear 2%/site TTO on Wistar rats skin for 28 days, GOT, GPT, BUN and creatinine of rats in serum did not significantly changed. We suggested TTO did not damage in the function of liver and kidney under 2%/site smear on skin for 28 days. According to efficacy and safety literature review of evidence-based medicine and experimental research of TTO for acne treatment, TTOs were ability for Staphylococcus aureus inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity. Topical used with low dose of TTOs rather than oral administration will not cause harm to health.