Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is widely recognized for its antifungal properties, and its use in treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot, nail fungus, and ringworm is supported by scientific research. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that tea tree oil possesses significant antifungal activity against a variety of dermatophytes, yeasts, and other fungi. The main active component, terpinen-4-ol, is believed to disrupt fungal cell membranes, leading to cell death.

Clinical studies, though generally small in scale, provide moderate evidence for efficacy. For example, randomized controlled trials have shown that topical application of tea tree oil can improve symptoms of athlete's foot and onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) compared to placebo, although it tends to be less effective than standard antifungal medications. A 2002 study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology found that a 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution was more effective than placebo for treating toenail onychomycosis, but complete cure rates were low.

Overall, tea tree oil has both traditional and scientific support for use against mild to moderate superficial fungal infections. However, evidence is not as robust or consistent as for conventional antifungal agents, and tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Further large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify its efficacy and safety profile for fungal infections.

More about Tea Tree
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

Ajoene
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
basil
beta-pinene
bisabolol
black walnut
caprylic acid
chamomile
cinnamon
turmeric
goldenseal
green tea
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
monolaurin
oregano
oregon grape
phenolic compounds
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
undecylenic acid
neem tree
nut grass
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
pau d'arco
lemongrass
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Ampelopsis
Allyl Sulfide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Alantolactone
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Borate
Black Nightshade
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Curry leaf
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Citral
Centipeda
Chalcone
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Dianthus
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Geraniol
Gnaphalium
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
Garlic
Glyceryl caprylate caprate
Glechoma hederacea
Geranial
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Henna
Herb Robert
Indian Fagonia
Jojoba Oil
Kefir
Lebbek
Litsea
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Lodhtree
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Liverwort
Linalool
Labdanum
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Melia
Mangostin
Mahonia
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Naphthoquinones
Oroxylum indicum
Onosma bracteatum
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Phlorotannins
Plumbago zeylanica
Plectranthus amboinicus
Polygodial
Rue
Sophora
Self-Heal
Salvia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Sumac
Sulfur
Storax
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Thymol
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Tulbaghia
Tea Tree Oil
Thiosulfinate
Terpinolene
Violet
Wrightia tinctoria
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Zingiberene

Products containing Tea Tree

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.