Phytotherapeutic Potential of Melaleuca: An Integrative Review of Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Antiviral Mechanisms

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 16 30
By

Morais, J.L.,

Barbosa L.N.,

Gomes L.A.,

Couto E.O.,

  1. Professor, Breaking Tech Institute of Technology and Innovation, University Center of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
  2. Professor, Breaking Tech Institute of Technology and Innovation, University Center of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
  3. Professor, Breaking Tech Institute of Technology and Innovation, University Center of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
  4. Professor, Breaking Tech Institute of Technology and Innovation, University Center of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil

Abstract

Melaleuca alternifolia and other species of the Melaleuca genus stand out for the broad spectrum of pharmacological properties attributed to their bioactive compounds, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols. This study aimed to critically review and analyze scientific evidence produced between 2005 and 2025 regarding the antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiviral activities of Melaleuca, correlating its phytochemistry with molecular mechanisms of action. For this purpose, an integrative literature review was conducted, comprising scientific articles indexed in Google Scholar, SciELO, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, selected based on relevance, timeliness, and methodological quality. The results demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca is primarily related to the capacity of its monoterpenes, especially terpinen-4-ol, to disorganize bacterial membranes, induce oxidative stress, and interfere with essential metabolic processes. Antifungal evidence indicates action on ergosterol, the cell wall, microtubules, and pathways for generating reactive oxygen species, showing efficacy against clinical and phytopathogenic fungi. The antioxidant activity, in turn, involves mechanisms of hydrogen and electron transfer, chelation of pro-oxidant metals, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation, contributing to anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. The analyzed antiviral studies suggest that Melaleuca monoterpenes interact with the viral envelope, block fusion and cell entry steps, and modulate immune responses mediated by interferons, showing potential against various enveloped viruses. The integration of this evidence demonstrates that Melaleuca possesses a multi-target pharmacological profile, with convergent molecular mechanisms that justify its broad application in dermatology, phytotherapy, skin infections, and antiviral studies. It is concluded that the plant presents significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent, although robust clinical trials, phytochemical standardization, and safety studies are still necessary to consolidate its medicinais use. This work contributes by integrating phytochemical data, experimental evidence, and mechanisms of action, offering a solid scientific basis for future research and the development of Melaleuca-derived phytomedicines.

Keywords: Melaleuca alternifolia, phytochemistry, antimicrobial activity, phytomedicines, antiviral mechanisms

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Herbal Science ]

How to cite this article: Morais, J.L., Barbosa L.N., Gomes L.A., Couto E.O.. Phytotherapeutic Potential of Melaleuca: An Integrative Review of Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Antiviral Mechanisms. Research & Reviews : Journal of Herbal Science. 2026; 15(02):16-30.
How to cite this URL: Morais, J.L., Barbosa L.N., Gomes L.A., Couto E.O.. Phytotherapeutic Potential of Melaleuca: An Integrative Review of Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Antiviral Mechanisms. Research & Reviews : Journal of Herbal Science. 2026; 15(02):16-30. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjohs/article=2026/view=248739

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 03/12/2025
Accepted 28/06/2026
Published 29/06/2026
Publication Time 208 Days

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