Summary

This study will consist of two parts, examining both in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy. In-vitro, an MTT viability assay will evaluate cytotoxicity of cancer cells following treatment with TTO and its components; this also establishes a dose effective concentration range. Fluorescence microscopy using stains such as Hoechst or Annexin V coupled with propidium iodide will allow visualisation of cell death by apoptosis and necrosis; employing flow cytometry to quantify apoptosis/necrosis and to determine if cell cycle arrest is involved. Western blot analysis and/or PCR will then establish whether pro- or anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and Bcl-2 are affected, and if apoptosis is caspase dependent or independent. In-vivo analysis will involve growth of subcutaneous tumours in mice which are treated by topical application and direct injection into the tumour. Systemic delivery of the agents by intra-peritoneal injection may also be investigated.
This study will increase our understanding of tea tree oil’s anticancer properties, and should a potential anticancer agent be identified, is likely to stimulate further research into TTO and may lead to the development of a novel chemotherapeutic drug for cancer.

Program

Tea Tree Oil

Research Organisation

University of Western Australia

Objective Summary

1. To examine the in-vitro anticancer efficacy of TTO and its components against human cancer and normal cell lines by evaluating cytotoxicity, and induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Promising components found with in vitro testing will be further analysed.
2. In-vivo testing of TTO and its components using mouse mesothelioma and mouse melanoma systems. This will involve growth of subcutaneous tumours in mice which are treated by topical application and direct injection into the tumour. Systemic delivery of the agents by intra-peritoneal injection may also be investigated.