Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Herbal Medicine, cilt.54, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Introduction Tea tree oil (TTO), mainly derived from Melaleuca alternifolia , is widely used in herbal medicine for its antimicrobial effects, particularly in treating acne and dermatophytic infections. With increasing clinical use, ensuring TTO quality is essential for efficacy and safety. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and antimicrobial, anti-acne, and antidermatophytic activities of commercially available TTO. Methods Twelve commercial TTO obtained from pharmacies, herbal stores, and health product retailers, along with one organic pure TTO reference, were analyzed following the European Pharmacopoeia 8.0 monograph criteria. Quality assessments included visual inspection, solubility and staining tests, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activities were tested against Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919 and dermatophyte strains Trichophyton rubrum RSKK 486, Epidermophyton floccosum RSKK 3027, and Microsporum gypseum NCPF 580 using standard microbiological methods. Results Only the organic TTO complied with the compositional requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) monograph, based on GC-MS analysis. Commercial samples showed significant deviations in chemical composition and physicochemical properties, exhibiting markedly lower antimicrobial and antidermatophytic activities compared to the organic reference. Conclusion This study shows only the organic TTO fulfilled ISO standards and EP compositional requirements, with notably higher antimicrobial activity against dermatophytes and C. acnes. These findings reveal concerns about the quality and potential adulteration of commercial TTO products. Ensuring product authenticity and adherence to standards is critical for their safe and effective use in managing acne and dermatophytosis. Strengthened quality control and regulatory measures are necessary to protect public health and support therapeutic applications.