Effectiveness of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil and Jojoba Carrier Oil through Topical Application on the Relief of Allergies Caused by Aeroallergens

Geraldine S. Ridad; Rolinne Marie B. Besite; Joy Jireh E. Marba; Ryl Mae J. Mercado

doi:10.31632/ijalsr.2024.v07i01.007

Geraldine S. Ridad College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Andres Bonifacio Ave., Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines, 9200 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3616-8676
Rolinne Marie B. Besite College of Medicine, West Visayas State University, Luna St, La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000 https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3529-4096
Joy Jireh E. Marba University Southampton Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom, SO16 6YD https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0137-043X
Ryl Mae J. Mercado College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Andres Bonifacio Ave., Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines, 9200 https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2657-6587

DOI https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2024.v07i01.007

Abstract

Background: Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Due to the cost and possible side effects of pharmacologic treatments, aromatherapy, an alternative method in relieving allergies was studied. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Jojoba Oil and 100% Tea Tree Essential Oil combination through topical application as an alternative method for relieving severity and frequency of allergic symptoms triggered by aeroallergens. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was used to determine whether the combination of Tea Tree and Jojoba Oil produced an effect to the respondents’ allergic signs and symptoms. A modified 3-part questionnaire was used to gather data from thirty (30) purposively selected college students. Results: It appeared that the combination oil when applied topically resulted to a reduction in the severity and frequency of the allergic symptoms; specifically watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal itching, sneezing, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and phlegm production. The observed alleviation of symptoms is deemed significant with P-values less than 0.05, except for the reduction in the frequency of wheezing (P-value=.101>0.05) and shortness of breath (P-value=.053>0.05) nonetheless. Conclusion: Hence, the combination oil composed of Tea Tree essential oil with 2% dilution and Jojoba carrier oil when applied topically to the hot spots of the body reduces allergic symptoms. Nurses and other public healthcare providers can consider aromatherapy in the treatment regimen of individuals who have allergies but prefers to manage it non-pharmacologically or does not have access to anti-allergy medications.

Keywords: aromatherapy, tea tree oil, hypersensitivity

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abong, J., Kwong, S., Alava, H., Castor, M. & De Leon, J. (2012). Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Filipino adults based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey 2008. Asia Pacific allergy, 2(2), 129-35. https://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.2.129
Blaivas, A. & Freeborn, D. (2019). Allergies and the Immune System. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p00039
Bose, S., Das, P. P., Banerjee, S., & Chakraborty, P. (2023). A Comprehensive Review on Natural Products Caused Allergy and Its Mechanism. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 100778.
Brand, C., Ferrante, A., Prager, R. H., Riley, T. V., Carson, C. F., Finlay-Jones, J. J., & Hart, P. H. (2001). The water-soluble components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) suppress the production of superoxide by human monocytes, but not neutrophils, activated in vitro. Inflammation Research, 50(4), 213-219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000110050746
Brazier, Y. (2017). Aromatherapy: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10884
Caldefie-Chézet, F., Fusillier, C., Jarde, T., Laroye, H., Damez, M., Vasson, M. & Guillot, J. (2006). Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil on Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 20(5), 364-370. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1862
Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50-62.
Essential Oils: Pocket Reference (7th ed.). (2016). Life Science Publishing, United States of America
Farrar, A. J., & Farrar, F. C. (2020). Clinical aromatherapy. Nursing Clinics, 55(4), 489-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2020.06.015
Galimberti, M., Passalacqua, G., Incorvaia, C., Castella, V., Costantino, M., Cucchi, B.,... Frati, F. (2015). Catching allergy by a simple questionnaire. The World Allergy Organization Journal, 8(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40413-015-0067-y
Hart, P. H., Brand, C., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., Prager, R. H., & Finlay-Jones, J. J. (2000). Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), suppresses inflammatory mediator production by activated human monocytes. Inflammation Research, 49(11), 619-626. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000110050639
International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (2017). Phase 3 Core Questionnaire 13-14 years. Retrieved from http://isaac.auckland.ac.nz/phases/phasethree/corequestionnaire_13-14.pdf
Kannan, N., Asokan, S., Gopal, K. R., Poddar, S., & Bhaumik, A. (2021). Randomized Controlled Trial for Comparative Assessment of Effect of Artificial Saliva Versus Virgin Coconut Oil on Salivary Proteolytic Activity & Radiation Mucositis in Patients undergoing Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Koh, K., Pearce, A., Marshman, G., Finlay-Jones, J. & Hart, P. (2002). Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation. British Journal of Dermatology, 147(6), 1212-1217. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.05034.x
Laha, A, Moitra, S, Podder, S. A review on aero-allergen induced allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy. 2023; 53: 711-738. doi:10.1111/cea.14266
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Clinic. (2018). First Semester of Academic Year 2018-2019 Report. Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines: MSU-IIT Clinic.
Mordor Intelligence. (2016). Essential Oil Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026). Retrieved from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/essential-oils-market
National Sample CATI Specifications (2003). National Asthma Survey. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/slaits/revised_nas2003_national_specs.pdf
Northwest ENT and Allergy Center (2018). Total Nasal Symptom Score. Retrieved from https://www.nwentallergy.com/docs/Total_Nasal_Symptom_Score.pdf
Oncham, S., Udomsubpayakul, U. & Laisuan, W. (2018). Skin prick test reactivity to aeroallergens in adult allergy clinic in Thailand: a 12-year retrospective study. Asia Pacific Allergy, 8(2), e17. https://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e17
Philippine Health Statistics. (2020). Deaths From Allergy, Philippines, 2020. https://storage.googleapis.com/request-attachments/VH6gzH0VvrBTLg6BLfTWWSkO8VaXXHbMAEeKvfbR4mD7N3EJijiWjkzG3gHnZRrlpmOHDQp7HpG21e9TdahiEeG5d9dlyt0hs9Iq/2018-2020%20Allergy%20Deaths.xlsx
Plant Therapy (2018). How to Dilute Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/09/11/how-to-dilute-essential-oils-a-comprehensive-guide/
Rodrigues, R., Viegas, C., Abreu, E., Silva, A. & Tavares, P. (2002). Daytime Sleepiness and Academic Performance in Medical Students. Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 60(1):6-11. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-282x2002000100002
Sabit, M., Wong, C., Andaya, A. et al. Pollen allergen skin test and specific IgE reactivity among Filipinos: a community-based study. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 16, 74 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-020-00471-9
Sandha, G. K., & Swami, V. K. (2008). Study of quality parameters of jojoba oil important for production of value added products. International Journal of Chemical Sciences, 6(2), 959-974.
Shah, M. (2023, September 27). “Allergies, Sleep, and the Search for a Non-Drowsy Allergy Medication”. Wyndly. https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/learn/allergies-sleep-and-non-drowsy-allergy-medication
Sheikh, J. & Jean, T. (2018). Allergic Rhinitis Treatment & Management. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/134825-treatment
Zadam, M. H., Ahmida, M., Djaber, N., Ounacer, L. S., Sekiou, O., Taibi, F., ... & Boumendjel, M. (2023). In-vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) aqueous extracts collected from the National Park of El-Kala (North-East, Algeria). Cellular and Molecular Biology, 69(9), 245-254.