Antifungal activity of tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia against Trichophyton equinum: an in vivo assay.
Abstract: Dermatophytes are a group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic molds, some of which are responsible for ringworm. Among them Trichophyton equinum, which mostly infects equids, can cause extensive outbreaks in stud farms. The conventional treatment of equine trichophytosis is topic, based upon medicated shampoos to reduce the spread of infection among the animals. Nevertheless the popularity of phytotherapy is at an all-time peak, and the interest for natural alternatives or complements to conventional drug therapy is challenging both in human and veterinary field. Among herbal remedia Tea Tree Oil (TTO) shows a wide range of antimicrobial activities. A randomized open clinical trial was carried out on 60 thoroughbred breeding horses affected by equine ringworm. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 subjects. Diagnostic criteria were the presence of clinical signs and positive T. equinum culture. Specificity control using TTO mixture in 5 not dermatophyte affected animals was achieved also. The antimycotic activity against T. equinum of a mixture containing 25% TTO in sweet almond oil, was evaluated in vivo treating 30 subjects, the others were administered enilconazole 2% solution. The animals of both groups were topically treated twice a day for 15 days with a 25% mixture of TTO diluted in sweet almond oil and every 3 days, four times with enilconazole rinses, respectively. The clinical and mycological outcome were evaluated at day 30 from the start of the treatments. Data analysis was performed by chi square test. All the treated animals showed complete clinical and aetiological healing. Part of control subjects also, showed an improvement and none of them exacerbate the lesions. This therapeutic protocol appears to be effective and versatile, being applicable immediately after physical examination, prior to have the laboratory response. It could be an alternative for practitioners interested in herbal medicines, contributing to fulfill the gap existing between in vitro and clinical studies.
Publication Date: 2009-04-28 PubMed ID: 19403294DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.03.013Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
Summary
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The research paper investigates the efficacy of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) in treating ringworm infections in horses, caused by Trichophyton equinum, a type of mold. Their study concludes that a blend of 25% TTO diluted in sweet almond oil can be an effective, natural alternative to conventional antifungal medication.
Background
- The paper focuses on dermatophytes, which are a group of molds that can break down and consume keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
- A common disease caused by dermatophytes is ringworm, an infection that forms a circular, ring-like rash on the skin. Particularly, the study focuses on Trichophyton equinum, a strain that primarily infects horses, which is a recurring issue in breeding horse farms.
- The typical treatment is a topical application of anti-fungal shampoos. However, with the rising interest in natural therapies, researchers are exploring effective alternatives to conventional drugs, both in human and animal medicine.
Methodology
- The study is a randomized open clinical trial with 60 thoroughbred breeding horses affected by ringworm. The horses were divided into two groups of 30 each.
- The control group was treated with the conventional approach using enilconazole 2% solution. A second set of horses were topically treated with a 25% mixture of TTO diluted in sweet almond oil.
- All horses underwent treatment twice daily for 15 days. Observations and results were taken at the end of the treatment period on the 30th day.
Results
- The results showed complete clinical and aetiological healing in all treated animals. Part of the control group also showed an improvement, and none exhibited a worsening condition.
- The trial verifies that the TTO and sweet almond oil mixture worked effectively against the Trichophyton equinum infection. Moreover, it happened to be a versatile option, allowing for quick application just after physical examination and before laboratory response.
Significance
- This study opens doors for further exploration in the field of herbal medicines as potential alternatives to standard treatments. It also contributes to bridging the gap between in-vitro (lab-based) experiments and live clinical studies.
Cite This Article
APA
Pisseri F, Bertoli A, Nardoni S, Pinto L, Pistelli L, Guidi G, Mancianti F.
(2009).
Antifungal activity of tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia against Trichophyton equinum: an in vivo assay.
Phytomedicine, 16(11), 1056-1058.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.03.013 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Scuola di Omeopatia Cimi-koinè, Roma, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use
- Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Melaleuca
- Phytotherapy
- Tea Tree Oil / therapeutic use
- Tinea / drug therapy
- Tinea / veterinary
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