In vitro susceptibility of Madurella mycetomatis, prime agent of Madura foot, to tea tree oil and artemisinin.

OBJECTIVES

Eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis is treated with surgery and high doses of itraconazole and ketoconazole. These agents are toxic, and new therapies are required.

METHODS

MICs were determined for artemisinin and tea tree oil, two natural herbal compounds.

RESULTS

Artemisinin was not active against M. mycetomatis, but tea tree oil did inhibit its growth. Since tea tree oil's prime component easily penetrates the skin, tea tree oil could be a useful agent in the treatment of eumycetoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Tea tree oil is active in vitro against M. mycetomatis.