Positive Health Online

Abstract

ERNST and HUNTLEY, Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK. E.Ernst@ex.ac.uk conducted a systematic review (23 references) on tea-tree oil.

Background

Tea tree oil (TTO) is immensely popular for various topical applications. In vitro studies have repeatedly demonstrated that it has antibiotic activity. This article was an attempt to systematically review the evidence from randomized clinical trials for or against effectiveness of external TTO in dermatological conditions.

Methodology

Six electronic databases were searched. Methodological quality was assessed by Jadad score. Data were extracted and validated in a standardized fashion by two independent reviewers.

Results

Four trials were located. They suggest that TTO may be effective as a treatment of acne and fungal infections. The adverse effects of TTO are usually mild and transient. They mainly consist of allergic reactions.

Conclusion

The authors concluded that, so far, there is no compelling evidence to show that TTO is efficacious in any dermatological condition. However, in view of promising findings, TTO deserves to be investigated more closely.

References

Ernst E and Huntley A. Tea tree oil: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Forschende Komplementarmedizin 7(1): 17-20. Feb 2000.