Exploring Tea Tree Oil's Potential in Combatting Fungal Infections

Review Article

Abstract

Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree, is a shrub native to Australia, particularly New South Wales' north-east coast. Due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, Aborigines employ it in traditional medicine. Terpinen-4-ol in Melaleuca alternifolia has many antibacterial and antifungal properties. Non-toxic, biodegradable, and easily accessible, it is a useful therapeutic product. In traditional medicine, it treats skin infections, acne, vaginal fungus, throat infections, and cold sores. However, high tea tree oil popularity has raised worries about adulteration, driving the development of analytical tools to distinguish authentic from adulterated products. Skin mycoses are a growing danger, according to the WHO's Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Infections afflict 20-25% of the world's population. Several WHO and UN guidelines on health and the environment focus on environmental factors and illness burden. Fungal infections, which can harm humans and the environment, are rising due to climate change. Climate change increases endemic mycosis' global footprint, susceptibility to fungal infection, and selection for pathogenic characteristics. Compared to allopathic drugs, herbal treatments are safer, more effective, and cheaper. Additionally, herbal medications offer superior therapeutic outcomes and fewer side effects than allopathic treatments. Herbal skin treatments have several benefits. Their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing capabilities help treat complex skin and soft tissue infections. Modern pharmaceuticals are more expensive and have more negative effects than these natural cures for skin diseases. Due to its synergistic properties and long history of use, herbal remedies are a sensible and efficient treatment for different skin problems