Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia Common name: Tea Tree, Pla Read More
Botanical Name: |
Melaleuca
alternifolia |
Common name: |
Tea Tree, |
Plant family: |
Myrtaceae |
Genus: |
Melaleuca |
Appearance/Color: |
A thin, clear, pale yellow liquid. |
Odor: |
A middle note with a medium aroma, Tee Tree has a fresh, slightly
medicinal scent with characteristic woody, camphoraceous notes. |
Blends With: |
Cinnamon Bark,
Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Rosemary
and Thyme. |
Origin: |
Australia |
Source: |
Leaves |
Method of Extraction |
Supercritical CO2 Extraction |
Supercritical
CO2 extraction is an efficient separation method, to separate active
ingredients from plant material. Supercritical solvent extraction is one of the
gentlest, most flexible, dynamic and nature friendly techniques used for the
extraction of spices, herbs and flowers using food grade CO2. These
are the products extracted at ambient temperatures and at high pressures to
avoid loss of aroma and degradation of actives. Apart from being solvent
residue free, supercritical fluid extraction is a green process, highly rated
for its eco-friendliness. The low viscosity and high diffusivity of
supercritical fluid enhances the penetrating power based on the high mass
transfer of solutes into the fluid.
Supercritical
extraction using CO2 is considered organic compatible and widely
used in the manufacturing of organic certified products. Kancor, with its
global sourcing capabilities, more than two decades of expertise in CO2
extraction and wide range of products, offers an edge over others in this world
of discerning tastes. Supercritical CO2 extraction is known for
producing a high-quality product primarily because the CO2 gas can
reach its supercritical point at pressures and temperatures that don’t damage
the cannabinoids and terpenes being harvested.
The main source of commercially
produced tea tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia is an efficacious
natural antiseptic once heralded as 'a medicine chest in a bottle'. The
genus Melaleuca belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and includes
about 250 species (including the paperbarks, some of which are cultivated as
ornamentals). Most Melaleuca species are restricted to
Australia. M. alternifolia bears fluffy, white masses of flowers from
spring to early summer, and its narrow leaves help distinguish it from the
similar species M. linariifolia, which has wider leaves and
flattish-spherical fruits.
Traditionally, the crushed leaves
of Melaleuca alternifolia were used by Australian Aborigines
to treat skin infections. Today, M. alternifolia is
commercially cultivated (especially in north-east New South Wales) for tea tree
oil, an essential oil which is used as an antiseptic in skin care products, in
the perfume industry, and in soaps and mouthwashes. The oil is effective
against bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and is used in products to
treat such conditions as athlete's foot, warts, acne and vaginal infections.
Tea tree oil is also used for treating respiratory problems, such as asthma and
bronchitis.
Tea Tree Essential Oil in
Pharma
Tea tree oil was usually used to treat minor cuts, burns, acne, athlete's
foot, mild fungal nail infections, vaginal yeast infections, and lung problems
(when they add the oil to a bath or vaporizer). Although there is little
research on tea tree oil, some studies suggest that it is safe and often
effective for the prevention and treatment of infections. Tea tree oil can kill
bacteria and fungi. It comes from the evergreen leaves of the Melaleuca
alternifolia tree. Tea tree oil has been used as complementary therapy in
surgery, burn care, and dental care. Numerous tea tree oil body care products
are available, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, topical (used on
the skin) cream, and essential oil.
Tea tree is a member of a highly
aromatic family, the myrtacea family, including myrtle, bay laurel, and
sassafras for a start. These plants produce fragrant oils that both speed skin
healing and kill off any bugs trying to cause skin infections. Tea tree is an
excellent alternative to antibiotic cream and one that should be used to replace
those nasty creams. This member of the fragrant family is native to
Australia. It was used by the aborigines to treat wounds,
cuts and abrasions long before the white man happened onto those
shores. When the convicts made their way to the outback, they quickly
learned of the wound antiseptic uses of this native plant. Like
many other members of the myrtaceae family. A relatively new oil at the
turn of this century, tea tree oil gained popularity during the Second World
War. It was used by the British Navy to keep wounds from becoming infected.
Beyond this, it was used in ammunition factories in Australia to keep workers
hands free from infection following factory accidents. Early in this century
doctors learned that when one applied tea tree to a wound, it did not become
infected.
COMMON USAGE
·
Antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial
·
Stimulates immune system
·
Colds, glandular fever, cystitis, urinary
infections
·
Open blocked noses
·
Chronic and acute infections
·
Gargle for sore throats
·
Douche for thrush and itchy vaginal infections
·
Acne
·
Hair rinse
Ingredients:
S.No |
Key Constituents |
Strength (%) |
1 |
Terpinen-4-ol |
30.0-48.0 |
2 |
g-terpinene |
10.0-28.0 |
3 |
1,8-cineole tr |
15.0 |
4 |
a-terpinene |
5.0-13.0 |
5 |
a-terpineol |
1.5-8.0 |
6 |
p-cymeme |
0.5-8.0 |
7 |
a-pinene |
1.0-6.0 |
8 |
Terpinolene |
1.5-5.0 |
9 |
Sabinene tr |
3.5 |
10 |
(P)-aromadendrene tr |
3.0 |
11 |
d-cadinene tr |
3.0 |
12 |
Ledene (viridiflorene) tr |
3.0 |
13 |
(P)-limonene |
0.5-1.5 |
14 |
Globulol tr |
1.0 |
15 |
Viridiflorol tr |
1.0 |
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Safety Summary
·
Hazards skin sensitization.
·
Cautions Old or oxidized oils should be
avoided.
·
Maximum dermal use level 15%
Systemic Effects
·
Skin corrosion/irritation: No Additional Data Available.
·
Reproductive toxicity: Not specified
·
STOT-single exposure: Not specified
·
STOT-related exposure: Not specified
·
Interactive effects Not specified
·
Aspiration Hazard: No Data Available
ECOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
·
Toxic
to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.
·
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
o
PBT: Not applicable.
o
vPvB: Not applicable.
·
Persistence and degradability No further
relevant information available.
·
Bio-accumulative potential No further relevant information
available.
·
Mobility in soil No further relevant information
available.