In vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with tissue conditioner on Candida albicans.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify in vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil mixed with different tissue conditioners on the Candida albicans strain.


METHODS
Microbiological tests were used to isolate Candida albicans from patients with denture stomatitis. The in vitro antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia against Candida albicans was determined when it was applied directly and when it was mixed with tissue conditioners (Fitt, Lynal, Coe-Comfort). The responses of 27 denture stomatitis patients treated with Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), Nystatin mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), and Coe-Comfort (Control Group, n = 9), were evaluated over a period of 12 days.


RESULTS
In the in vitro study, Coe-Comfort or Fitt conditioners mixed with 1 mL, 20% (vol/vol) of Melaleuca alternifolia oil exhibited a total inhibition of Candida albicans. Patients treated with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort showed a significant decrease in palatal inflammation compared with those treated with Coe Comfort (P = .001). In addition, a significant inhibition of C. albicans growth was observed with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort compared with only Coe-Comfort (P = .000004).


CONCLUSIONS
M. alternifolia oil mixed with Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner is effective in treating denture stomatitis.
Catalán
Alfonso
A
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile. acatalan@udec.cl
Pacheco
Juan G
JG
Martínez
Alejandra
A
Mondaca
Maria A
MA
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects*; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D031650:Melaleuca; D008875:Middle Aged; D009761:Nystatin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014016:Tissue Conditioning, Dental
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D009761:Nystatin; C043685:Coe Comfort; D020947:Tea Tree Oil