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CAS: Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number
Background
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an
Australian native plant. Tea tree oil is considered to have antibacterial,
antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in
tea tree oil; patients allergic to tea tree oil do not react to patch tests
with freshly distilled tea tree oil.
Synonyms
Uses
Antibacterial / decolonizing agent (also to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while the commensal flora of the skin is less susceptable.
Cross-Reactions
Turpentine, essential oils
Unusual Reactions
Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation. Safety data on tea tree oil used on open wounds are not available. Systemic toxicity is comparable to that of eucalyptus oil and ingestion of 10-25 ml has resulted in ataxia, drowsiness, disorientation or coma for 2 days; recovery was full without complications.
References
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Carson CF, Riley TV, Cookson BD. Efficacy and safety of tea tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. J Hosp Inf 1998;40:175-8 |
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Hausen BM, Reichling J, Harkenthal M. Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in tea tree oil. Am J Contact Dermatitis 1999;10:68-77 |
08-01-2012
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