Comparing the in vitro effects of MGO™ Manuka honey and tea tree oil on ocular Demodex viability. Issue 6 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frame, Katie; Cheung, Isabella M.Y.; Wang, Michael T.M.; Turnbull, Philip R.; Watters, Grant A.; Craig, Jennifer P.
• Is Part Of: Contact lens & anterior eye. Volume 41:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 527
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Blepharitis -- Demodex -- Manuka honey -- Tea tree oil -- Eyelid cleanser -- Eyelid hygiene; Anterior segment (Eye) -- Periodicals; Contact lenses -- Periodicals; Segment antérieur (Œil) -- Périodiques; Lentilles de contact -- Périodiques; 617.752305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2018.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-0484

Abstract

Highlights: In vitro anti-parasitic efficacy study of 52 Demodex mites. Mites were randomised to cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka honey, tea tree oil, or no treatment application. Mite viability was assessed for 240 min following treatment application. Cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey demonstrated comparable anti-demodectic efficacy to 50% tea tree oil (TTO). Complexed honey with proven in vivo tolerability shows promise as possible alternative to TTO for demodex eradication. Abstract: Purpose: To compare the in vitro antiparasitic effects of MGO ™ Manuka honey and tea tree oil against ocular Demodex . Methods: Fifty-two viable Demodex mites were acquired from the epilated eyelashes of 9 participants with blepharitis and symptomatic dry eye. Viable mites were randomised to one of five treatment groups: cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka Honey, 100% and 50% tea tree oil, and no treatment. Following treatment application, mite viability was assessed for 240 min, based on limb and body movement and/or the development of a crenated/translucent appearance. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was then performed. Results: The log-rank test demonstrated a significant treatment effect on the survival distribution of Demodex mites (p < 0.001). Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc pairwise analysis showed that all treatments except for uncomplexed honey effected lower survival probabilities than the untreated group (all p < 0.001). Among the four treatments, survival probabilities were lowest with 100% tea tree oil (all p < 0.001), and highest with uncomplexed honey (all p ≤ 0.001). No difference was observed between complexed honey and 50% tea tree oil (p = 0.81). Conclusions: The in vitro efficacy of cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey was comparable with 50% tea tree oil, an established treatment for ocular Demodex . The findings support future clinical trials investigating the therapeutic effects of complexed honey in demodectic blepharitis patients.