Broth micro-dilution method for determining the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil)

Microbios. 1995;82(332):181-5.

Abstract

A broth micro-dilution method was used to examine the susceptibility of Escherichia coli (n = 110) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 105) to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). The detergent Tween 80 was used successfully to enhance the solubility of tea tree oil in the test medium. The MIC90 of tea tree oil for E. coli was 0.25% while for S. aureus it was 0.50%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry
  • Polysorbates
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Tea Tree Oil

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Oils
  • Polysorbates
  • Tea Tree Oil