13th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC 2026)

This study comparatively investigates the phytochemical profiles and therapeutic potentials of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel and M. viridiflora Sol. ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae) within the context of traditional and modern medicine. A literature-based review was conducted to evaluate the chemical compositions, ethnobotanical uses, and pharmacological activities of both species. Particular emphasis was placed on the major volatile constituents obtained by steam distillation and their associated biological activities.
The findings demonstrate that the essential oil of M. alternifolia is rich in terpinen-4-ol, which is associated with strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. In contrast, M. viridiflora, characterized by its high 1,8-cineole content, exhibits notable therapeutic potential in the management of respiratory tract disorders due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Traditional medicinal practices, particularly those documented among Indigenous Australian communities, indicate that the use of infusions and steam inhalation corresponds closely with contemporary pharmacological evidence supporting the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activities of these species.
The results suggest that the bioactive compounds of M. alternifolia and M. viridiflora may provide promising natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, particularly in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Owing to their relatively low side-effect profiles and multi-target therapeutic effects, both species show considerable potential for integration into rational phytotherapy and for the development of novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents in modern clinical pharmacology.