In vitro susceptibility of Madurella mycetomatis, prime agent of Madura foot, to tea tree oil and artemisinin.
OBJECTIVE
Eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis is treated with surgery and high doses of itraconazole and ketoconazole. These agents are toxic, and new therapies are required.


METHODS
MICs were determined for artemisinin and tea tree oil, two natural herbal compounds.


RESULTS
Artemisinin was not active against M. mycetomatis, but tea tree oil did inhibit its growth. Since tea tree oil's prime component easily penetrates the skin, tea tree oil could be a useful agent in the treatment of eumycetoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Tea tree oil is active in vitro against M. mycetomatis.
van de Sande
Wendy W J
WW
Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. w.vandesande@erasmusmc.nl
Fahal
Ahmed H
AH
Riley
Thomas V
TV
Verbrugh
Henri
H
van Belkum
Alex
A
D037621:Artemisinins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020461:Madurella / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008271:Mycetoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000494:pharmacology*
D037621:Artemisinins; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D020947:Tea Tree Oil; C031327:artemisinin