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Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation.
K J Koh1, A L Pearce, G Marshman
1Department of Dermatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Tea tree oil, derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, experimentally reduced histamine-induced skin inflammation. This study demonstrates tea tree oil
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Tea tree oil is a popular antimicrobial derived from Melaleuca alternifolia.
- It is increasingly used for conditions like tinea pedis and acne.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil.
- To assess its effect on histamine-induced skin weal and flare.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven volunteers received intradermal histamine injections.
- Tea tree oil or paraffin oil was applied topically to assess effects on weal and flare.
- Measurements included flare area and weal volume over one hour.
Main Results:
- Paraffin oil had no significant effect on histamine-induced responses.
- Tea tree oil did not alter flare area but significantly decreased weal volume.
- A significant reduction in weal volume was observed 10 minutes post-application (P = 0.0004).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first experimental evidence of tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory effects.
- Tea tree oil can reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation, specifically weal formation.