Aims: This study compared the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifo
lia (tea tree) oil with that of some of its components, both individually a
nd in two-component combinations.
Methods and Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration and time-kill assays
revealed that terpinen-4-ol, the principal active component of tea tree oil
, was more active on its own than when present in tea tree oil. Combination
s of terpinen-4-ol and either gamma -terpinene or p-cymene produced similar
activities to tea tree oil. Concentration-dependent reductions in terpinen
-4-ol activity and solubility also occurred in the presence of gamma -terpi
nene.
Conclusions: Non-oxygenated terpenes in tea tree oil appear to reduce terpi
nen-4-ol efficacy by lowering its aqueous solubility.
Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings explain why tea tree o
il can be less active in vitro than terpinen-4-ol alone and further suggest
that the presence of a non-aqueous phase in tea tree oil formulations may
limit the microbial availability of its active components.