Application of Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil (TEA TREE) in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a bibliographic survey on the mechanism of action and effectiveness of the essential oil of Melaleuca used in the treatment of acne vulgaris in Brazil. Methods: Refers to a systematic review and meta-analysis, in which the articles were selected from the SciELO, PubMED, LILACS, DATASUS, ANVISA, WHO databases, published between 2000 and 2021, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: In total, 1089 articles were found, after using the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 22 articles were obtained to perform the results. Among the studies carried out, acne vulgaris is a disease that affects 80% of the population between 11 and 30 years of age. The essential oil of Melaleuca is effective against acne vulgaris and has low negative occurrences. Aromatherapy is a regulated practice for several health professionals, but the pharmacist is not included, and its insertion is important, as it has the necessary requirements to work in the area. Final considerations: According to the results, it is possible to prove that Melaleuca essential oil meets expectations as an antimicrobial agent against acne vulgaris, and its mechanism of action occurs with the breakdown and loss of cell membrane integrity, thus reducing the production of cytosines.