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.