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Safety, efficacy and provenance of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil.

Carson CF, Riley TV.

Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia. [email protected]

The identity, sources and composition of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil are discussed, and earlier errors in the literature indicated. Reports of both therapeutic and allergenic effects are reviewed.