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Efecto inhibitorio del aceite esencial de Melaleuca alternifolia al 100% frente a Streptococcus mutans considerando como control positivo la clorhexidina al 0,12% y como control negativo agua estéril

Abstract:

The Australian Melaleuca alternifolia’s essential oil, better known as “Tea tree oil”, has been an interesting subject for investigation due to its diverse antimicrobial properties. Most studies regarding this essential oil have been published by European, Asiatic and Oceanic authors, who coincide in similar significant results against S. mutans and other microorganisms. In Ecuador, various studies have been conducted apropos the inhibitory effect shown by certain plant extracts and essential oils. However, tea tree oil has not been taken into consideration within mentioned studies despite its recognized inhibitory properties. Among all Latin American nations, Ecuador is one of the countries with least scientific contributions towards tea tree oil studies. This investigation aimed to contribute with statistical data regarding antimicrobial activity shown by the tea tree oil, adding knowledge to all scientific information gathered by different countries around the world. Moreover, this study seeks to share, within Ecuador, a new perspective about tea tree oil, laying foundations and opening paths to future investigations; favoring new scientific research from our country to the rest of the world. The objectives of this investigation were to correctly identify Melaleuca alternifolia’s essential oil inhibitory effects (100% concentration) against S. mutans strains, having 0,12% Chlorhexidine as a positive control and sterile water as negative control, both measured at different time intervals of action. Kirby-Bauer method (agar diffusion method) was used as the methodology of this study. Furthermore, 20 petri dishes with Müeller Hinton agar were used as the cultivation medium to allow S. mutans ATCC 25175 to grow. 60 paper discs, divided in 3 groups, were soaked with 20µl of tea tree oil, 0,12% Chlorhexidine, and sterile water. All 20 petri dishes were incubated for 24 and 48 hours. Finally, all inhibitory haloes were measured in millimeters with an antibiogram ruler in order to compare them with both positive and negative controls and determine the inhibitory effect caused by the essential oil. 20 repetitions were performed for each substance. After 24 hours of incubation, results showed that tea tree oil has an effectiveness of 99,45%; compared to a 76,9% effectiveness from Chlorhexidine. The difference of 22,55% showed a superior effectiveness from the tea tree oil compared to the positive control. On the other hand, after 48 hours of incubation, the effectiveness of the essential oil vanished. As a conclusion, Melaleuca alternifolia’s essential oil, at a 100% concentration, has an inhibitory effect over S. mutans at 24 hours of incubation, being completely effective and significantly superior versus 0,12% Chlorhexidine.