In vitro susceptibility of Madurella mycetomatis, prime agent of Madura foot, to tea tree oil and artemisinin.

OBJECTIVES: Eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis is treated with surgery and high doses of itraconazole and ketoconazole. These agents are toxic, and new therapies are required. METHODS: MICs were determined for artemisinin and tea tree oil, two natural herbal compounds. RESULTS: Artemisinin was not active against M. mycetomatis, but tea tree oil did inhibit its growth. Since tea tree oil's prime component easily penetrates the skin, tea tree oil could be a useful agent in the treatment of eumycetoma. CONCLUSIONS: Tea tree oil is active in vitro against M. mycetomatis.