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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used traditionally in Australia for its antimicrobial properties, and there is scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness against certain fungal infections. The primary active component, terpinen-4-ol, has demonstrated antifungal activity in vitro against dermatophytes (the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail infections) and Candida species. Several small clinical trials have investigated tea tree oil for conditions like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology (1992) found that a 10% tea tree oil cream was as effective as tolnaftate, a standard antifungal, in alleviating symptoms of athlete’s foot. Another study (Journal of Family Practice, 1994) found that a 100% tea tree oil solution led to clinical improvement in onychomycosis, though cure rates were lower than with conventional therapy. However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate, with most studies being small and some having methodological limitations. Adverse reactions such as skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis have also been reported. In summary, while there is some clinical and laboratory evidence supporting the use of tea tree oil for superficial fungal infections, more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to firmly establish its efficacy and safety.

More about Tea Tree Oil
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Ajoene
Ajuga
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Ampelopsis
anamu
Ardisia
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
basil
bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
Brazilian peppertree
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
Centipeda
chalcone
chamomile
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl caprylate caprate
glyceryl monolaurate
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
green tea
Hedyotis
henna
Herb Robert
Houttuynia
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Labdanum
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Menthol oil
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
polyphenols
Propolis
rosemary
rue
sage
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Sophora
Stereospermum
Storax
Sumac
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinolene
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Undecylenic acid
Violet
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Wrightia tinctoria
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene

Products containing Tea Tree Oil

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