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POWERFUL ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF CERTAIN NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS

Introduction

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil are particularly renowned for their skin health benefits, specifically their antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This brief post discusses how these oils can help keep your skin healthy by highlighting the evidence behind their efficacy against microbes that cause diseases of the skin, including herpes simplex virus (the cause of herpes gladiatorum), Staphylococcus aureus (a cause of impetigo), and the fungi that cause ringworm.

 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is a powerful essential oil known for its wide range of medicinal properties.  In laboratory studies, it has shown promise in inhibiting the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes herpes gladiatorum.  Its antiviral components help create a hostile environment for the virus, thereby preventing infection, and its topical application may reduce the risk of viral outbreaks1. Tea tree oil is also effective against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause bacterial skin infections such as impetigo. The compounds within tea tree oil disrupt the cell membranes of the bacteria, causing the cell to lyse or breakdown and die. Regular use of tea tree oil can prevent the colonization and growth of bacteria on the skin, thereby preventing certain infections, such as boils or abscess, and impetigo2. Tea tree oil is especially potent against dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for ringworm. Using tea tree oil can inhibit fungal growth and prevent the onset of fungal infections. Its antifungal properties make it a useful preventative measure for conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. Scientific studies have demonstrated that tea tree oil effectively inhibits the growth of dermatophytes and other pathogenic fungi, supporting its use as a preventative treatment3.  Furthermore, tea tree oil has potent anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce skin inflammation, redness, and swelling.  This can further prevent the progression of infections and aid in maintaining healthy skin4.

 

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, is another essential oil with significant health benefits for the skin.  Eucalyptus oil has also been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against HSV, potentially reducing viral load (amount of virus available to cause infection) and outbreak frequency. Regular application of eucalyptus oil can create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing the virus from establishing an infection5.  Eucalyptus oil is also effective against bacteria causing skin infections. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to disrupt bacterial biofilms (clusters of bacteria attached to each other and surfaces) and inhibit bacterial growth, making it useful in preventing wounds from becoming infected and also promoting faster healing6.  In addition to the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties mentioned above, eucalyptus oil has antifungal properties that can combat dermatophytes and other fungi that cause ringworm. Topical use/application of eucalyptus oil can prevent fungal spores from taking hold on the skin, thus decreasing the risk ringworm/fungal infection7.  Finally, eucalyptus oils have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, which promotes faster healing and helps prevent an infection from taking hold the establishment of infections8.

 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil, which is derived from the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, is also well-known for its therapeutic benefits for the skin. Research suggests that rosemary oil may have antiviral effects against HSV, and by using it regularly, individuals can help prevent herpes gladiatorum outbreaks9.It is also effective against staph and other bacteria associated with skin infections. Its antibacterial components help prevent the spread of bacteria and support skin healing, making it a powerful preventative measure against infections10. It can also inhibit fungal growth, preventing infections such as ringworm from developing11. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary oil can help reduce skin inflammation and promote healing, making it a valuable addition to skin care regimens for preventing inflammatory conditions that could lead to infections12.

 

Conclusion

Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil offer a range of benefits for preventing skin infections. By incorporating these essential oils into daily skin care routines or after training sessions, you can harness their natural antimicrobial properties to help maintain healthy skin.

 

By: Ryan Roberts, MD, PharmD

 

References
  1. Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2003). “Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.” Journal of Applied Microbiology, 95(4), 853-860. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02059.x
  2. Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1999). “Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts.” Journal of Applied Microbiology, 86(6), 985-990. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00780.x
  3. Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2002). “In vitro activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against dermatophytes and other filamentous fungi.” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 50(6), 1019-1020. doi:10.1093/jac/dkf275
  4. Hart, P. H., Brand, C., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., Prager, R. H., & Finlay-Jones, J. J. (2000). “Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), suppresses inflammatory mediator production by activated human monocytes.” Inflammopharmacology, 8(3), 193-200. doi:10.1007/s10787-000-0019-4
  5. Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). “Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils.” Phytotherapy Research, 24(5), 673-679. doi:10.1002/ptr.2955
  6. Cox, S. D., Mann, C. M., & Markham, J. L. (2001). “Interactions between components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.” Journal of Applied Microbiology, 91(3), 492-497. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.2001.01485.x
  7. Silva, J., Abebe, W., Sousa, S. M., Duarte, V. G., Machado, M. I., & Matos, F. J. (2003). “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2-3), 277-283. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.007
  8. Juergens, U. R., Engelen, T., Racké, K., Stöber, M., Gillissen, A., & Vetter, H. (2004). “Anti-inflammatory activity of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.” Respiratory Medicine, 98(3), 185-194. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2003.10.003
  9. Santoyo, S., Cavero, S., Jaime, L., Ibáñez, E., Senoráns, F. J., & Reglero, G. (2005). “Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil obtained via supercritical fluid extraction.” Journal of Food Protection, 68(4), 790-795. doi:10.4315/0362-028X-68.4.790
  10. Bozin, B., Mimica-Dukic, N., Samojlik, I., & Jovin, E. (2007). “Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) essential oils.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(19), 7879-7885. doi:10.1021/jf0715323
  11. Pintore, G., Usai, M., Bradesi, P., Juliano, C., Boatto, G., Tomi, F., … & Casanova, J. (2002). “Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. oils from Sardinia and Corsica.” Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 17(1), 15-19. doi:10.1002/ffj.1031
  12. Altinier, G., Sosa, S., Aquino, R. P., Mencherini, T., Loggia, R. D., Tubaro, A., & Lauro, M. R. (2007). “Characterization of topical anti-inflammatory compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis L.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(5), 1718-1723. doi:10.1021/jf062896s