(Last Updated On: September 30, 2019)

The battle against superbugs like MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections rages on. However, researchers have determined that oils derived from plants such as Tea Tree oil outperform the commonly used antiseptic chlorhexidine and even ethanol in the inhibition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Researchers test plant oils

The researchers – from Australia’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital – tested a number of extracts derived from plants, including Tea Tree oil, Lemongrass oil, and Eucalyptus oil – against several of the most deadly antibiotic-resistant superbugs. These included Klebsiella pneumoniae, MRSA – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, VRE – vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. The testing was carried out in a laboratory.

The researchers also tested the same bacteria strains against the two most popular antiseptic products used to disinfect hands, hospital equipment and bedsides – chlorhexidine and ethanol, commonly termed rubbing alcohol. The concentration of these were standard issue – 0.1% chlorhexidine and 70% ethanol. The researchers also tested olive oil – as olive oil is also used in some settings to repel bacteria.

The researchers measured what is referred to as the zone of inhibition. This is the distance to which a substance will repel the bacteria – preventing microbiological activity. A larger zone of inhibition relates to a stronger antiseptic/antibiotic agent.

Three oils proved successful

The researchers found that the three most active plant oils – Lemongrass, Eucalyptus and Tea tree – had significantly large zones of inhibition. These were significantly greater than those resulting from the application of the 0.1% chlorhexidine and 70% ethanol, as well as the olive oil.

In fact, the 0.1% chlorhexidine and 70% ethanol showed “notably lower or no efficacy in regard to growth inhibition of strains” according to the researchers.

In particular, the research found that Lemongrass oil significantly inhibited gram-positive bacteria while Tea Tree significantly inhibited gram-negative bacteria.

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are gram-negative bacteria while Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species are gram-positive.

The researchers wrote in their conclusion:

“As proven in vitro, plant-derived antiseptic oils may represent a promising and affordable topical agent to support surgical treatment against multi-resistant and hospital-acquired infections.”

Tea Tree oil – an Ancient Aboriginal Treatment

Tea Tree oil has been used for centuries by Aboriginal peoples of Australia – primarily in the New South Wales and Queensland regions where the Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is indigenous. The oil was used as a topical antiseptic for a variety of wounds and skin issues. Samoan and Maori indigenous peoples also used Tea tree from other Melaleuca species for its antiseptic properties.

Tea tree oil is typically made through steam distillation of the Melaleuca’s potent leaves.

Numerous studies have shown that Tea tree oil is significantly antibiotic and antifungal. Other research has found it useful against MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have found it removes MRSA infections from the nasal region – matching the effectiveness of mupirocin nasal ointment treatment.

Other research has found Tea tree is effective against toenail fungus (onychomycosis), athletes feet (tinea pedis), external/oral candidiasis and dandruff – instigated by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast species.

REFERENCES:

Warnke PH, Lott AJ, Sherry E, Wiltfang J, Podschun R. The ongoing battle against multi-resistant strains: in-vitro inhibition of hospital-acquired MRSA, VRE, Pseudomonas, ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella species in the presence of plant-derived antiseptic oils. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2013 Jun;41(4):321-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2012.10.012.

Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62.

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