Tea tree oil reduces the swelling associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the anti-inflammatory activities of tea tree oil (TTO) in vivo.


METHODS
Mice were sensitized to a chemical hapten, trinitrochlorobenzene, on their ventral skin and 7 days later challenged (or re-exposed) on their dorsal skin with the same hapten.


RESULTS
TTO applied 30 min before or up to 7 h after to the same dorsal site as hapten challenge caused a significant reduction in skin swelling after 24 h. TTO reduced oedema but not the influx of inflammatory cells. This finding was supported by the inability of TTO to suppress TNFalpha-induced E-selectin expression by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. TTO did not suppress irritant- or ultraviolet B-induced oedema.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical TTO, specifically the TTO components, terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol can regulate the oedema associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response.
Brand
C
C
Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Flinders Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Grimbaldeston
M A
MA
Gamble
J R
JR
Drew
J
J
Finlay-Jones
J J
JJ
Hart
P H
PH
D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004396:Coloring Agents; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004487:Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006416:Hematoxylin; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010853:Picryl Chloride / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D020947:Tea Tree Oil; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D006416:Hematoxylin; D010853:Picryl Chloride