Tea tree

Tea Tree

Latin name: Melaleuca leucadendron (Linn.)

Sanskrit/Indian name: Kayaputi, Kajuput

General information:

The essential oil of the Cajuput Tree is obtained by using steam to distill the plant leaves. Traditionally, the leaves of this plant have been used for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections. Recent studies have revealed its antifungal property, making it an important ingredient in treating scalp infections like dandruff.  Cajuput Oil is also helpful in treating respiratory problems.

Tea tree

Therapeutic constituents:

Ursolic acid isolated from chloroform extract and piceatannol and oxyresveratrol from methanolic extract, are identified as active compounds1.Ursolic acid isolated from the chloroform extract and piceatannol and oxyresveratrol isolated from the methanolic extract, are identified by Cajuput Oil as active compounds (Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 39. 1991). The constituents alpha-terpineol and linalool exhibit antimicrobial activity (cited in Rational Phytotherapy).

 

Pharmacology

The Essential oil exhibited anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifebrile, antibacterial and expectorant activities. It has anti-dandruff activity.

 

Toxicology

No adverse effect was reported on the usage of this plant.

 

Key therapeutic benefits:

It acts as an anthelmintic. It is also effective against lice.Common sore throats, coughs, runny nose and severe respiratory ailments such as asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis can be treated with Cajuput Oil.The oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, which quickly heal superficial wounds.

 

Used in Orgado Fem Org

 

References

  1. Pharm. Bull., 1991, 39, 3276.