Difference between revisions of "Melaleuca" - New World Encyclopedia

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Over 230 species
 
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'''''Melaleuca''''' is a [[genus]] of [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s in the myrtle family [[Myrtaceae]]. There are 236 described species of Melaleuca, all of which occur in [[Australia]]. About 230 species are [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to Australia, the few remaining species occur in [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]] and [[New Caledonia]]. The best-accepted common name for ''Melaleuca'' is simply '''melaleuca'''; however most of the larger species are also known as '''paperbarks''', and the smaller types as '''honey myrtles'''.  
+
'''''Melaleuca''''' is a [[genus]] of [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s in the myrtle family [[Myrtaceae]]. There are 236 described species of Melaleuca, all of which occur in [[Australia]]. About 230 species are [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to Australia, the few remaining species occur in [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]], and [[New Caledonia]]. The best-accepted common name for ''Melaleuca'' is simply '''melaleuca'''; however most of the larger species are also known as '''paperbarks''', and the smaller types as '''honey myrtles'''.  
  
−
One well-known melaleuca, the [[Ti tree]] (aka tea tree), ''[[Melaleuca alternifolia]]'', is notable for its [[essential oil]] which is both [[antifungal drug|anti-fungal]], and [[antibiotic]], while safely useable for topical applications. This is produced on a commercial scale, and marketed as [[Tea Tree Oil]].  
+
One well-known melaleuca, the [[Ti tree]] (or "tea tree"), ''[[Melaleuca alternifolia]]'', is notable for its [[essential oil]], which is both [[antifungal drug|anti-fungal]] and [[antibiotic]], while safely useable for topical applications. This is produced on a commercial scale, and marketed as tea tree oil or melaleuca oil.
 +
 
 +
Melaleucas are popular garden plants, both in Australia and other tropical areas worldwide. In [[Hawaii]] and the [[Florida everglades]], ''[[Melaleuca quinquenervia]]'' (Broad-leaved Paperbark) was introduced in order to help drain low-lying swampy areas. It has since gone on to become a serious [[invasive species|invasive weed]]. Melaleuca populations have nearly quadrupled in southern Florida over the past decade.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
  
−
The '''Myrtaceae''' or '''Myrtle family''' are a family of [[dicotyledon]] [[plant]]s, placed within the order [[Myrtales]]. [[Myrtle]], [[clove]], [[guava]], [[feijoa]], [[allspice]], and [[eucalyptus]] belong here. All species are woody, with [[essential oil]]s, and flower parts in multiples of four or five. One notable character of the family is that the [[phloem]] is located on both sides of the [[xylem]], not just outside as in most other plants. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[evergreen]], alternate to mostly opposite, simple, and usually with an entire (not toothed) margin. The [[flower]]s have a base number of five petals, though in several genera the petals are minute or absent. The [[stamen]]s are usually very conspicuous, brightly coloured and numerous.
+
The [[genus]] ''Melaleuca'' is part of the ''Myrtaceae'' or ''myrtle family'', a family of [[dicotyledon]] [[plant]]s, placed within the order [[Myrtales]]. [[Myrtle]], [[clove]], [[guava]], [[feijoa]], [[allspice]], and [[eucalyptus]] also belong here. All species are woody, with [[essential oil]]s, and flower parts in multiples of four or five. One notable character of the family is that the [[phloem]] is located on both sides of the [[xylem]], not just outside as in most other plants. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[tree#Evergreen versus deciduous|evergreen]], alternate to mostly opposite, simple, and usually with an entire (not toothed) margin. The [[flower]]s have a base number of five petals, though in several genera the petals are minute or absent. The [[stamen]]s are usually very conspicuous, brightly colored and numerous.
−
 
 
  
−
The species are [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s growing (depending on species) to 2–30 m tall, often with flaky, exfoliating [[bark]]. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[evergreen]], alternately arranged, ovate to lanceolate, 1-25 cm long and 0.5-7 cm broad, with an entire margin, dark green to grey-green in colour. The [[flower]]s are produced in dense clusters along the stems, each flower with fine small petals and a tight bundle of stamens; flower colour varies from white to pink, red, pale yellow or greenish. The [[fruit]] is a small capsule containing numerous minute [[seed]]s.
+
''Melaleuca'' species are [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s growing (depending on species) to 2–30 meters tall, often with flaky, exfoliating [[bark]]. The [[leaf|leaves]] are evergreen, alternately arranged, ovate to lanceolate, 1-25 cm long and 0.5-7 cm broad, with an entire margin, dark green to grey-green in color. The [[flower]]s are produced in dense clusters along the stems, each flower with fine small petals and a tight bundle of stamens; flower colour varies from white to pink, red, pale yellow or greenish. The [[fruit]] is a small capsule containing numerous minute [[seed]]s.
  
−
''Melaleuca'' is closely related to ''[[Callistemon]]'', the main difference between the genera is that the [[stamen]]s are generally free in ''Callistemon'' but grouped into bundles in ''Melaleuca''.
+
''Melaleuca'' is a genus that is closely related to ''[[Callistemon]]'', the main difference between the genera is that the [[stamen]]s are generally free in ''Callistemon'' but grouped into bundles in ''Melaleuca''.
  
 
In the wild, ''Melaleuca'' plants are generally found in open forest, woodland or shrubland, particularly along watercourses and the edges of swamps.  
 
In the wild, ''Melaleuca'' plants are generally found in open forest, woodland or shrubland, particularly along watercourses and the edges of swamps.  
  
 
==Melaleuca alternifolia==
 
==Melaleuca alternifolia==
−
'''''Melaleuca alternifolia''''', commonly known as '''Narrow-leaved Paperbark''', '''Narrow-leaved Tea-tree''', '''Narrow-leaved Ti-tree''', or '''Snow-in-summer''', is a [[species]] of [[tree]] or tall [[shrub]] in the [[plant]] [[genus]] ''[[Melaleuca]]''. Native to [[Australia]], it occurs on the north coast and adjacent ranges of [[New South Wales]].
+
'''''Melaleuca alternifolia''''', commonly known as '''narrow-leaved paperbark''', '''narrow-leaved tea-tree''', '''narrow-leaved ti-tree''', or '''snow-in-summer''', is a [[species]] of ''Melaleuca'' that is renowed for its [[essential oil]]s. It is native to [[Australia]]. It is the most important species for commercial production of [[Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)]], a [[topical]] [[antibacterial]] and [[antifungal]] agent used in a range of products including antiseptics, deodorants, shampoos and soaps.
−
 
 
−
Characteristic of the myrtle family [[Myrtaceae]], it has [[essential oils]]. It is the most important species for commercial production of [[Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)]], a [[topical]] [[antibacterial]] and [[antifungal]] used in a range of products including antiseptics, deodorants, shampoos and soaps.
 
  
−
This plant is commonly used as a [[herbal lotion]].
+
The name "tea tree" was given in 1770 by the British explorer Captain James Cook and his crew (Longe 2005). The crew used them originally for tea, but later mixed them with spruce leaves as a beer (Longe 2005). The tea-tree or ti tree is not actually very usable for making tea. Some felll that the name actually came for the brown coloration of many water courses caused by shed leaves from this species and other similar species trees. The name "tea tree" is also used for a related genus, ''[[Leptospermum]]''. Both ''Leptospermum'' and ''Melaleuca'' are [[myrtle]]s of the family, ''[[Myrtaceae]]''.
−
 
 
−
One well-known melaleuca, the [[Ti tree]] (aka tea tree), ''[[Melaleuca alternifolia]]'', is notable for its [[essential oil]] which is both [[antifungal drug|anti-fungal]], and [[antibiotic]], while safely useable for topical applications. This is produced on a commercial scale, and marketed as [[Tea Tree Oil]]. The Ti tree is not actually usable for making tea, but presumably named for the brown colouration of many water courses caused by shed leaves from this species and other similar species trees, for a famous example see [[Brown Lake (Stradbroke Island)]]). The name "tea tree" is also used for a related genus, ''[[Leptospermum]]''. Both Leptospermum and Melaleuca are [[myrtle]]s of the family, ''[[Myrtaceae]]''.
 
  
 
In Australia, ''Melaleuca'' species are sometimes used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of [[Hepialidae|hepialid]] [[moth]]s of the genus ''[[Aenetus]]'' including ''[[Aenetus ligniveren|A. ligniveren]]''. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down.  
 
In Australia, ''Melaleuca'' species are sometimes used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of [[Hepialidae|hepialid]] [[moth]]s of the genus ''[[Aenetus]]'' including ''[[Aenetus ligniveren|A. ligniveren]]''. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down.  
  
−
Melaleucas are popular garden plants, both in Australia and other tropical areas worldwide. In [[Hawaii]] and the [[Florida]] [[everglades]], ''[[Melaleuca quinquenervia]]'' (Broad-leaved Paperbark) was introduced in order to help drain low-lying swampy areas. It has since gone on to become a serious [[invasive species|invasive weed]]. Melaleuca populations have nearly quadrupled in southern Florida over the past decade, as can be noted on [[IFAS]]'s [http://biscuitgis.com/srfer/ SRFer Mapserver]
 
−
 
−
== Uses ==
 
 
===Traditional Aboriginal uses===
 
===Traditional Aboriginal uses===
−
[[Australian Aborigines|Aborigines]] used the leaves traditionally for many [[bush medicine|medicinal]] purposes, including chewing the young leaves to alleviate [[headache]] and for other ailments.
+
For thousands of years, [[Australian Aborigines|Aborigines]] used the [[leaf|leaves]] traditionally for many [[bush medicine|medicinal]] purposes, including chewing the young leaves to alleviate [[headache]] and for other ailments. They would also use the leaves as an antiseptic and antifungal by crushing the leaves and making a mudpack (Longe 2005).  
  
−
The softness and flexibility of the paperbark itself made it an extremely useful tree to Aboriginal people. It was used to line [[coolamon (vessel)|coolamons]] when used as cradles, as a [[bandage]], as a sleeping mat, and as material for building [[humpy|humpies]]. It was also used for wrapping food for cooking (in the same way aluminium foil is today), as a disposable raincoat, and for tamping holes in canoes. In the [[Gadigal]] language, it is called ''Bujor''. <ref> http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/information_about_plants/botanical_info/aboriginal_bush_foods </ref>
+
The softness and flexibility of the paperbark itself made it an extremely useful tree to Aboriginal people. It was used to line [[coolamon (vessel)|coolamons]] when used as cradles, as a [[bandage]], as a sleeping mat, and as material for building [[humpy|humpies]]. It was also used for wrapping food for cooking (in the same way aluminium foil is today), as a disposable raincoat, and for tamping holes in canoes.  
  
 
===Modern uses===
 
===Modern uses===
 +
The medicinal properties of ''Melaleuca alternifolia'' were unknown outside the Australian aboriginal people until the early 1920's (Longe 2006). At this time, an Australian chemist, Dr. Arthur Penfold, researched its antiseptic properties, and in 1929 he published, with F. R. Morrison, ''Australian Tea Trees of Economic Value'' (Longe 2006).
 +
 +
 
Scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil made from ''Melaleuca alternifolia'' is a highly effective [[topical]] [[antibacterial]] and [[antifungal]], although it may be toxic when ingested internally in large doses or by children.  In rare cases, topical products can be absorbed by the skin and result in toxicity.  
 
Scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil made from ''Melaleuca alternifolia'' is a highly effective [[topical]] [[antibacterial]] and [[antifungal]], although it may be toxic when ingested internally in large doses or by children.  In rare cases, topical products can be absorbed by the skin and result in toxicity.  
  

Revision as of 23:34, 30 August 2007

Melaleuca
M. armillaris foliage and flowers
M. armillaris foliage and flowers
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Melaleuca
L. nom. cons.
Species

Over 230 species

Melaleuca is a genus of shrubs and trees in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. There are 236 described species of Melaleuca, all of which occur in Australia. About 230 species are endemic to Australia, the few remaining species occur in Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. The best-accepted common name for Melaleuca is simply melaleuca; however most of the larger species are also known as paperbarks, and the smaller types as honey myrtles.

One well-known melaleuca, the Ti tree (or "tea tree"), Melaleuca alternifolia, is notable for its essential oil, which is both anti-fungal and antibiotic, while safely useable for topical applications. This is produced on a commercial scale, and marketed as tea tree oil or melaleuca oil.

Melaleucas are popular garden plants, both in Australia and other tropical areas worldwide. In Hawaii and the Florida everglades, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved Paperbark) was introduced in order to help drain low-lying swampy areas. It has since gone on to become a serious invasive weed. Melaleuca populations have nearly quadrupled in southern Florida over the past decade.

Description

The genus Melaleuca is part of the Myrtaceae or myrtle family, a family of dicotyledon plants, placed within the order Myrtales. Myrtle, clove, guava, feijoa, allspice, and eucalyptus also belong here. All species are woody, with essential oils, and flower parts in multiples of four or five. One notable character of the family is that the phloem is located on both sides of the xylem, not just outside as in most other plants. The leaves are evergreen, alternate to mostly opposite, simple, and usually with an entire (not toothed) margin. The flowers have a base number of five petals, though in several genera the petals are minute or absent. The stamens are usually very conspicuous, brightly colored and numerous.

Melaleuca species are shrubs and trees growing (depending on species) to 2–30 meters tall, often with flaky, exfoliating bark. The leaves are evergreen, alternately arranged, ovate to lanceolate, 1-25 cm long and 0.5-7 cm broad, with an entire margin, dark green to grey-green in color. The flowers are produced in dense clusters along the stems, each flower with fine small petals and a tight bundle of stamens; flower colour varies from white to pink, red, pale yellow or greenish. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous minute seeds.

Melaleuca is a genus that is closely related to Callistemon, the main difference between the genera is that the stamens are generally free in Callistemon but grouped into bundles in Melaleuca.

In the wild, Melaleuca plants are generally found in open forest, woodland or shrubland, particularly along watercourses and the edges of swamps.

Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as narrow-leaved paperbark, narrow-leaved tea-tree, narrow-leaved ti-tree, or snow-in-summer, is a species of Melaleuca that is renowed for its essential oils. It is native to Australia. It is the most important species for commercial production of Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil), a topical antibacterial and antifungal agent used in a range of products including antiseptics, deodorants, shampoos and soaps.

The name "tea tree" was given in 1770 by the British explorer Captain James Cook and his crew (Longe 2005). The crew used them originally for tea, but later mixed them with spruce leaves as a beer (Longe 2005). The tea-tree or ti tree is not actually very usable for making tea. Some felll that the name actually came for the brown coloration of many water courses caused by shed leaves from this species and other similar species trees. The name "tea tree" is also used for a related genus, Leptospermum. Both Leptospermum and Melaleuca are myrtles of the family, Myrtaceae.

In Australia, Melaleuca species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths of the genus Aenetus including A. ligniveren. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down.

Traditional Aboriginal uses

For thousands of years, Aborigines used the leaves traditionally for many medicinal purposes, including chewing the young leaves to alleviate headache and for other ailments. They would also use the leaves as an antiseptic and antifungal by crushing the leaves and making a mudpack (Longe 2005).

The softness and flexibility of the paperbark itself made it an extremely useful tree to Aboriginal people. It was used to line coolamons when used as cradles, as a bandage, as a sleeping mat, and as material for building humpies. It was also used for wrapping food for cooking (in the same way aluminium foil is today), as a disposable raincoat, and for tamping holes in canoes.

Modern uses

The medicinal properties of Melaleuca alternifolia were unknown outside the Australian aboriginal people until the early 1920's (Longe 2006). At this time, an Australian chemist, Dr. Arthur Penfold, researched its antiseptic properties, and in 1929 he published, with F. R. Morrison, Australian Tea Trees of Economic Value (Longe 2006).


Scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil made from Melaleuca alternifolia is a highly effective topical antibacterial and antifungal, although it may be toxic when ingested internally in large doses or by children. In rare cases, topical products can be absorbed by the skin and result in toxicity.

The oils of Melaleuca can be found in organic solutions of medication that claims to eliminate warts, including the Human papillomavirus. No scientific evidence proves this claim (reference: "Forces of Nature: Warts No More").

Melaleuca oils are the active ingredient in Burn-Aid, a popular minor burn first aid treatment (an offshoot of the brandname Band-Aid).

Melaleuca oils (tea tree oil) is also used in many pet fish remedies (such as Melafix and Bettafix) to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Bettafix is a lighter dilution of tea tree oil while Melafix is a stronger dilution. It is most commonly used to promote fin and tissue regrowth. The remedies are often associated with Betta fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) but are also used with other fish.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden color essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil is believed to have beneficial cosmetic and medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal action).

The term "tea tree oil" is somewhat of a misnomer since Melaleuca alternifolia is a paperbark rather than a tea tree (genus Leptospermum). Tea tree oil should also not be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera.

History and extraction

Terpinen-4-ol

Indigenous Australians have used oil extracted from the tree's needles for hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years. Currently, tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves. Among over 98 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial actions.

Although tea tree oil is normally extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia commercially, it can also be extracted from Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia. Tea tree oil is defined by international standard ISO 4730 ("Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type"), which specifies levels of 14 components which are needed to define the oil as "tea tree oil."

Medicinal use

Tea tree oil has been recognized as a potent antiseptic in Australia anecdotally for much longer than there has been scientific evidence. However, recent studies support a role for tea tree oil in skin care and treatment of various ailments.

Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin.[1] In vivo, shampoo with 5% tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the most common cause of the condition.[2]

Tea Tree Oil is used in medically used cosmetic products also. Some references are there to suggest its role as antiviral.

Effectiveness of topical tea tree oil preparations for Candidiasis is supported by their ability to kill Candida in vitro.[3]

In the treatment of moderate acne, topical application of 5% tea tree oil has shown an effect comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide, albeit with slower onset of action.[4]

Tea tree oil is also effective for treating insect bites, boils and minor wounds. [5] It has also been known to help soothe sunburns, poison ivy, ear infections, and bee stings. [6]

Diluted solutions of tea tree oil are sold as remedies which claim to treat bacterial and fungal infection in pet fish.

Pets: Skin problems, wounds, insect bites and stings, and ringworm can all be treated with tea tree oil or products made with tea tree oil. There are some cases where pure tea tree oil placed on the skin of the animal can cause irritation (recovering quickly after discontinuing). Therefore, test the treatment first by applying only to a small area of the animal's skin. [7]

Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing tea tree oil are shown to be effective for a number of oral problems. Some of these include, halitosis (bad breath), gum disease, and canker sores. [8] [9] [10]

There is some limited research that has shown that tea tree oil may have anti-viral activity, especially with the Herpes virus (cold sores, chicken pox and shingles blisters, warts, etc.) [11]

Safety

Melaleuca oil is used almost exclusively externally.

Data on oral use of tea tree oil in humans in large quantities is sparse aside from several anecdotal reports of side effects following oral ingestion [12]. Symptoms may include ataxia and drowsiness. A relatively small number of people report an allergic reaction to tea tree oil which could consist of a minor skin irritation. In a study of 725 consecutive patients, patients were patch tested with undiluted, 1 % and 0.1 % Tea Tree Oil. For pure undiluted tea tea oil, less than 6% of the patients observed positive reactions of skin irritation. Only 1 of 725 patients observed a positive reaction of skin irritation with the 1% dilution. None of the 725 patients observed adverse reactions with the 0.1 % dilution.[13].

A case study reported in a recent publication showed a possible association between repeated topical application of products containing lavender oil with prepubertal gynecomastia (abnormal breast development in young boys). The study involved just three individuals. All three cases included the use of lavender oil. In one of the three cases, a product was used that contained lavender oil as well as tea tree oil, and other ingredients. The prepubertal gynecomastia reversed after discontinuing use of products containing lavender oil. In the same paper, results from cell culture assays indicated that both essential oils exhibit weak estrogenic properties. Researchers indicated that other components in these products may also have contributed to the gynecomastia, but those components were not yet tested. Researchers also noted that estrogenic activities have also been reported for many other commonly used essential oils as well as foods such as almonds and peanuts.[14] Other articles have cast doubt as to the conclusions of the article and dismissed the study as having used "poor methodology".[15][16]

As with many antibiotics, if used in 4% concentrations or below it may activate stress reactions in bacteria which can cause them to become less sensitive to antibiotics in vitro.[17] Tea tree oil is not recommended for use in the ears.[18]

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Nenoff P, Haustein UF, Brandt W (1996). Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro. Skin Pharmacol. 9 (6): 388-94. PMID 9055360.
  2. ↑ Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 47 (6): 852-5. PMID 12451368.
  3. ↑ Hammer K, Carson C, Riley T (1998). In-vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and tea tree oil products, against Candida spp.. J Antimicrob Chemother 42 (5): 591-5. PMID 9848442.
  4. ↑ Bassett I, Pannowitz D, Barnetson R (1990). A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne.. Med J Aust 153 (8): 455-8. PMID 2145499.
  5. ↑ Clark, S. T. (1994). The Great Melaleuca Fact Book, 54. 
  6. ↑ Clark, S. T. (1994). The Great Melaleuca Fact Book. 
  7. ↑ Small, B.E.J. (1981). Tea Tree Oil. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
  8. ↑ Shemesh, A. and Mayo, W.L. (1991). A Natural Antiseptic and Fungicide. International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
  9. ↑ Walsh, L.J. and Longstaff, J. (1987). The Antimicrobial Effects of an Essential Oil on Selected Oral Pathogens. Periodontology 8: 11-15.
  10. ↑ Shapiro, S., Meier, A. and Guggenheim, B. (1994). The Anti-microbial Activity of Essential Oils and Essential Oil Components Towards Oral Bacteria,". Oral Microbiology Immunology 9:4: 202-208.
  11. ↑ Bishop, C.D. (1995). Anti-viral Activity of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Journal of Essential Oil Research: 641-644.
  12. ↑ Morris M, Donoghue A, Markowitz J, Osterhoudt K (2003). Ingestion of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy.. Pediatr Emerg Care 19 (3): 169-71. PMID 12813303.
  13. ↑ Lisi P, Melingi L, Pigatto P, Ayala F, Suppa F, Foti C, Angelini G (2000). Prevalenza della sensibilizzazione all´olio essenziale di Melaleuca. Ann Ital Dermatol Allergol 54: 141-144.
  14. ↑ Henley D, Lipson N, Korach K, Bloch C (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. N Engl J Med 356 (5): 479-85. PMID 17267908.
  15. ↑ Cosmetics and Toiletries Magazine
  16. ↑ Essential Oils Not Linked to Breast Growth in Young Boys
  17. ↑ Tea tree oil can lead to antibiotic resistance
  18. ↑ eDrugDigest


Weeds

Melaleucas were introduced to Florida in the United States in the early 20th century to assist in drying out swampy land and as garden plants. They have become very effective at drying wetlands and are now considered to be an ecological weed, especially in the Florida Everglades.[1]

  • Paperbark02.jpg

    A Melbourne paperbark

  • A paperbark in Melbourne

  • Melaleuca quinquenervia bark showing the papery exfoliation from which the common name 'paperbark' derives

  • Paperbark trees in Tasmania after sunset

  • 19th century illustration of Melaleuca leucadendra

References

  1. ↑ Melaleuca. Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group Least Wanted. National Park Service (United States) (27 June 2006). Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  • Takarada K et al. (2004). A comparison of the antibacterial efficacies of essential oils against oral pathogens. Oral Microbiol. Immunol. 19 (1): 61-64.
  • Hammer KA et al. (2003). Susceptibility of oral bacteria to Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in vitro. Oral Microbiol. Immunol. 18 (6): 389-392.
  • Hammer KA et al. (2003). Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. J. Appl. Microbiol. 95 (4): 853-860.
  • Oliva B et al. (2003). Antimycotic activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its major components. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 37 (2): 185-187.
  • Mondello F et al. (2003). In vitro and in vivo activity of tea tree oil against azole-susceptible and -resistant human pathogenic yeasts. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 51 (5): 1223-1229.

See also

  • List of Melaleuca species
  • Melaleuca Inc.

External links

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