Narrow-leaved paperbark
Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree, is a plant native to Australia. Traditionally, its use has not been well-documented in specific medical or health practices. Scientific evidence suggests that essential oil-based dentifrices containing Melaleuca alternifolia can reduce Candida albicans load without significantly affecting cell viability or metabolism. There is also some indication that tea tree oil may be associated with a modest reduction in acne severity, though the long-term effects and broader clinical applications remain to be fully explored. The essential oil has shown potent repellency and contact toxicity against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, which could have implications for integrated pest management strategies. In terms of antimicrobial activity, Melaleuca alternifolia oil demonstrated favourable drug-like properties but results are still preliminary. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been noted to date.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The use of essential oil-based dentifrices with Melaleuca alternifolia reduced C. albicans load without significantly affecting cell viability or metabolism.
- Current evidence suggests that tea tree oil is associated with a modest reduction in acne severity and generally acceptable short-term tolerability.
- TTO showed good antimicrobial activity against tested microbial strains and demonstrated favourable drug-like properties, though results are preliminary.
- Melaleuca alternifolia oil and its major constituents showed potent repellency and contact toxicity against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, with mixed results indicating potential for integrated pest management.
- Terpinen-4-ol showed potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and interacted strongly with its outer membrane protein OmpX.
Frequently asked questions
What is Narrow-leaved paperbark?
Narrow-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Narrow-leaved paperbark?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Narrow-leaved paperbark; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The use of essential oil-based dentifrices with Melaleuca alternifolia reduced C. albicans load without significantly affecting cell viability or metabolism.
How strong is the evidence for Narrow-leaved paperbark?
The strongest finding for Narrow-leaved paperbark carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Narrow-leaved paperbark safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Narrow-leaved paperbark in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Narrow-leaved paperbark interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Narrow-leaved paperbark in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Narrow-leaved paperbark?
Narrow-leaved paperbark is also known as: arbre à thé.
Is Narrow-leaved paperbark a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 In vitro and in silico validation of the therapeutic potential of Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil through GC/MS integrated profiling, and molecular dynamic simulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In Silico Analysis of Terpinen-4-ol as a Sustainable Anti-Biofilm Agent Targeting E. coli Outer Membrane Protein OmpX. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Behavioral Responses and Contact Toxicity of Australian Tea Tree Oil and Its Major Constituents Against the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Efficacy and Safety of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil for Acne-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Clinical trial of essential oil-based dentifrices for denture cleaning and patient satisfaction. literature abstract metadata