**6.1 Phytochemistry**

The active ingredients in Melaleuca alternifolia are terpene hydrocarbons, which comprise monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their alcohols. Tea Tree Oil has a relative density of 0.885 to 0.906, and is soluble in water and insoluble in non-polar solvents [64]. There is an international standard for tea tree oil that sets maximum and minimum specifications for 14 components of the oil, one of which is terpinen-4-ol (**Figure 9**).

There are six varieties of M. *alternifolia*, each producing oil with a different chemical composition [62]. There are four 1,8-cineole chemotypes as well as a terpenen-4-ol chemotype and a terpinolene chemotype. Tea tree oil produced commercially contains about 30 to 40% of the terpinen4-ol chemotype, which has antimicrobial properties [63].

## **6.2 Medicinal and nutritional value**

Tea Tree oil is added to many products including moisturizers, body lotions, foot sprays, face cleansers, and shaving powders. It helps in treating dermal infections by inhibiting the growth of a fungi named Malassezia [62]. Tea tree oil shows antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well which helps in the treatment of gingival infections. It kills the bacteria which causes dental problems. Hence, it is used in mouthwashes as well. Tea tree oil is also used for the treatment of acne as it reduces inflammation [64]. In cases of vaginal candidiasis, tea tree oil is found to be a good alternative to be active against both gram positive and negative bacteria. Similarly, it is also effective for the treatment of athlete's foot which is again a fungal infection [62]. Tea tree oil is an essential oil which has a lot of medicinal properties. However, it can be toxic if ingested. It can cause drowsiness, confusion, coma,

*Vegetable Crops - Health Benefits and Cultivation*

**Figure 9.** *Terpinen-4-ol.*

blood cell abnormalities, diarrhea, severe rashes etc. High doses of tea tree oil can also cause side effects. Hence, it should be used carefully [61].
