Tea tree oil action on human corneal epithelial cells biological activity

In ophthalmology, tea tree oil is used as an anti-infective and wound-healing compound. It is also effective in combating parasitic eyelid infections. Unfortunately, it has been linked to corneal epithelial defects when it contacts the ocular surface.

It was shown that concentrations of TTO exceeding 0.01% may have adverse effects on corneal epithelial cells, reducing cell viability. The IC50 (MTT assay) was 0.055% and the IC50 (NR uptake assay) was 0.1%. Cell death occurred primarily through apoptosis. Flow cytometry revealed that TTO increased the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) threefold by the tested cells at TTO concentrations of 0.01%. However, TTO reduced ROS levels in cells previously preincubated with phorbol ester (PMA). TTO concentrations below 0.01% did not affect the level of nitric oxide (NO) released by cells. TTO concentrations (up to 0.01%) increased the number of cells in the sub-G1 and triggered an 5-6% increase in the G1 and 15% decrease in the G2 phase. Moreover, these concentrations increased the level of IL-1β twofold and IL-6 2.5-fold compared to the untreated control measured by ELISA.

We detected that the threshold concentration of TTO that can be considered safe for human corneal epithelial cells is 0.01% in in vitro tests. Higher concentrations were toxic to corneal epithelial cells, leading to their morphological and metabolic changes.