Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice

D.J. Ireland; S.J. Greay; C.M. Hooper; H.T. Kissick; P. Filion; T.V. Riley; M.W. Beilharz

doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2012.05.005

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Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice

D.J. Ireland, S.J. Greay, C.M. Hooper, H.T. Kissick, P. Filion, T.V. Riley and M.W. Beilharz

Journal of Dermatological Science, Vol.67(2), pp.120-129

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2012.05.005

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Abstract

Background: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil (TTO) applied topically in a dilute (10%) dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) formulation exerts a rapid anti-cancer effect after a short treatment protocol. Tumour clearance is associated with skin irritation mediated by neutrophils which quickly and completely resolves upon treatment cessation. Objective: To examine the mechanism of action underlying the anti-cancer activity of TTO. Methods: Immune cell changes in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice in response to topically applied TTO treatments were assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Direct cytotoxicity of TTO on tumour cells . in vivo was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: Neutrophils accumulate in the skin following topical 10% TTO/DMSO treatment but are not required for tumour clearance as neutrophil depletion did not abrogate the anti-cancer effect. Topically applied 10% TTO/DMSO, but not neat TTO, induces an accumulation and activation of dendritic cells and an accumulation of T cells. Although topical application of 10% TTO/DMSO appears to activate an immune response, anti-tumour efficacy is mediated by a direct effect on tumour cells . in vivo. The direct cytotoxicity of TTO . in vivo appears to be associated with TTO penetration. Conclusion: Future studies should focus on enhancing the direct cytotoxicity of TTO by increasing penetration through skin to achieve a higher . in situ terpene concentration. This coupled with boosting a more specific anti-tumour immune response will likely result in long term clearance of tumours.

Details

Title: Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice
Authors/Creators: D.J. Ireland (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
S.J. Greay (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
C.M. Hooper (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
H.T. Kissick (Author/Creator) - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
P. Filion (Author/Creator) - Pathwest Laboratory Medicine
T.V. Riley (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
M.W. Beilharz (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: Journal of Dermatological Science, Vol.67(2), pp.120-129
Publisher: Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Identifiers: 991005541412707891
Copyright: © 2012 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology.
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.16 Phytochemicals; 3.16.314 Essential Oil
Web Of Science research areas: Dermatology
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine