| 内容提要: |
Members of the genus Melaleuca have long been
utilized in folk medicines in various parts of the
world. Melaleuca alternifolia native to Australia is the
most well-known species that has been reported with a
wide range of traditional uses in Asia, America, and
Australia. The
essential oil of the plant, known as TTO, is found in
many products such as soaps, shampoos, and other cosmetic
products, e.g. sunscreens along with numerous
healthcare preparations for skin and microbial infections
. For instance,
M. alternifolia has been a widely practiced herbal
remedy through topical application to treat bruises,
insect bites, and skin infections by Aborigine people
in Australian traditional medicine. Other ethnobotanical data refer to the use of
Melaleuca spp. (paper bark tree) for colds and flu by aborigins living in northern New South Wales,
Australia. Besides, this species
was used in Second World War by the Australian army
as an insect repellant and antimicrobial agent inserted
in the first aid kits.The traditional
use of M. alternifolia against skin infections such
as acne, herpes, and scabies has also been mentioned
in an excellent review by Mantle et al. |