Composition of Tea Tree oil
The essential oil obtained from Tea Tree leaves (1 - 2% in fresh material) is composed of terpene hydrocarbons, mainly mono- and sesquiterpenes and their alcohols. In an analysis carried out on 800 samples of Tea Tree essential oil, about 100 different components were found, resulting in a great variability (with high frequency of chemotypes), the main one (>30%) being the terpinen-4-ol, a monocyclic monoterpene monocyclic alcohol. It also contains gamma- and alpha-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, terpinolene, p-cymene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol and limonene, among other components.
The essential oil obtained from the Tea Tree is a colorless or slightly yellowish transparent liquid, insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents, with a pleasant odor similar to turpentine.
In the European Pharmacopoeia (7.0 ed.) this essential oil (Melaleucae aetheroleum) is defined as "that obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel". However, it is mostly obtained from the first species as recognized by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The European Pharmacopoeia provides specific concentration ranges for the main components, with a minimum limit for terpinen-4-ol (greater than 30% and in accordance with the ISO/FDIS 4730: 2004 standards, required by the Australian standardization systems), a compound to which an important part of its activities is attributed, and maximum concentrations of others, such as 1,8-cineole, which must not be greater than 15% of the composition.
The chemotype marketed is terpinen-4-ol which must contain between 30 and 40% of that component.
References:
- Carretero Accame, M. E. (2008). The tea tree. Botplusweb.portalfama.com
- Carretero Accame, M. E. et al. (2014). Medicinal plants and derivatives in dermatology (IV): Malaleuca. Botplusweb.portalfama.com.
What are MARNYS® Tea Tree essential oils?
At MARNYS®, we only use 100% pure and chemotyped essential oils to manufacture our products, always keeping our aim of providing the highest quality products.
MARNYS® Organic Tea Tree and Tea Tree Essential Oils are 100% pure, natural and of Australian origin of the highest quality, with more than 80% of total terpenes guaranteed and more than 40% of terpinen-4ol, analyzed by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Chromatography).
How is the essential oil extracted?
MARNYS® Tea Tree essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. The resulting essential oil has a colorless or slightly yellow-greenish appearance and an intense and refreshing smell.
The main active ingredients of Tea Tree essential oil are terpinen-4-ol, ϒ-terpinene and α-terpinene.
MARNYS® Essential Oils Quality Guarantee
MARNYS® has the most advanced instrumentation, technical equipment and qualified professionals to determine the volatile components present in essential oils, which are used to assess their quality and efficacy.
MARNYS® essential oils are tested with GC-MS (Gas Mass Chromatography) equipment, which allows analyzing and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures with a high degree of effectiveness. This analysis is carried out by using internationally recognized and approved methodology in the European Pharmacopoeia.
The requirements for the levels of each component in MARNYS® Bio Tea Tree and Tea Tree essential oils are in accordance with the International Standard ISO 4730-2004, which is the highest international quality standard required for the above-mentioned essential oils.