EVALUATION OF ANTI- BACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND CYTOTOXICITY POTENTIAL OF TEA TREE AGAINST SELECTED ORAL PATHOGENS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7492/7pbwf279Keywords:
Tea tree oil, oral pathogens, antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial resistance, oral healthcare, natural therapeutics, medicineAbstract
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the adverse effects associated with conventional antimicrobial agents have prompted interest in plantderived alternatives for the management of oral infections. Tea tree oil, extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, possesses well-documented antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it a promising candidate for oral healthcare applications. However, its antibacterial efficacy against oral
pathogens and cytotoxic safety profile require further evaluation before clinical implementation. Tea tree demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against
selected oral pathogens, exhibiting concentration-dependent inhibition zones and reduced microbial growth. Among the tested organisms, greater susceptibility
was observed in cariogenic bacteria, while variations in antimicrobial sensitivity were noted across species. MIC and MBC findings indicated effective
antimicrobial action at lower to moderate concentrations.Tea tree exhibited promising antibacterial activity against selected oral pathogens and demonstrated
acceptable cytotoxicity profiles at controlled concentrations. These findings support its potential application as a natural antimicrobial adjunct in oral healthcare
formulations such as mouthwashes, gels, and local drug delivery systems.
