COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS OF TEA TREE AND EUCALYPTUS FOR POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN COSMETICS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics has spurred interest in essential oils known for their therapeutic properties. This study aims to compare the antimicrobial andantioxidantactivitiesofTeaTree(Melaleucaalternifolia)andEucalyptus(Eucalyptusglobulus) essential oils to evaluate their potential for cosmetic applications.
Using standard antimicrobial assays, Sensitivity test, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations(MBC) of both oils were determined against a range of common pathogens, including bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcusaureus)andfungi(Candidaalbicans).Theantioxidantcapacitywasassessedthrough DPPradical scavenging assays.
Results demonstrated that both essential oils possess significant antimicrobial properties, with Tea Tree oil showing superior activity against gram-positive bacteria, while Eucalyptus oil exhibitedconsiderablymoderateefficacy,particularlyagainst gram-negativebacteria(Escherichia coli).
AntioxidantassaysrevealedthatTeaTreeoilhadahigherradicalscavengingactivity compared to Eucalyptus oil.
ThesefindingssuggestthatTeaTreeandEucalyptusessentialoilscanbeeffectivelyutilized in cosmetic formulations, offering natural preservative properties and contributing to skin health.
Futurestudiesshouldfocusontheformulationstabilityandsensorycharacteristicswhenthese essential oils are incorporated into cosmetic products.
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