Activity of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil against L3 Larvae ofAnisakis simplex

[摘要] Nematicidal activity ofMelaleuca alternifoliaessential oil, commonly known as tea tree oil (TTO), was assayedin vitroagainst L3 larvae ofAnisakis simplex. The results showed a mortality of 100% for concentrations between 7 and 10 μL/mL after 48 h of incubation, obtaining an LD50 value of 4.53 μL/mL after 24 hours and 4.27 μL/mL after 48 hours. Concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed for tea tree essential oil showing inhibition values of 100% at 100 μL/mL. This fact suggests that TTO may act as an AChE inhibitor. Terpinen-4-ol was discarded as main larvicide compound as it did not show larvicidal or anticholinesterase activity. The data obtained suggest that the essential oil ofMelaleuca alternifoliamay have a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of human anisakiasis.

[学科分类] 基础医学