Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Metabolic Rate and Reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species in Mus musculus
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Authors
Moran, Mariah
Hoyt, Sarah
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Melaleuca oil, commonly known as Tea Tree Oil (TTO), has been a homeopathic treatment shown to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial or fungal infections while promoting wound healing in mammals. The TTOs mechanism of antiinflammatory action has been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mice. However, TTO's ability to decrease ROS over a range of concentrations is unknown. We hypothesize that mice exposed to higher concentrations of TTO will result in lower levels of oxidative stress measured by a Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The assays will quantify the transcription of genes controlling mechanisms that reduce ROS. The mice will be divided into experimental groups: high exposure to TTO (820 ppm), low exposure to TTO (410 ppm), and control with no TTO exposure. The three groups will be exposed to UVB light six hours a day to ensure the mice are experiencing oxidative stress and to increase the production of ROS. Urine will be collected from mice to quantify the presence of oxidative stress using the TBARS assay. Metabolic rates will be measured each week using a Field Metabolic System (FMS). Information from this data can then be used to help evaluate the appropriate concentration levels of TTO required for effectiveness as a homeopathic treatment.