Myrrh Essential Oil
Also known as: Myrrh essential oil, Myrrh oil, Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora myrrha essential oil
Overview
Myrrh essential oil is derived from the resin of the *Commiphora myrrha* tree, a traditional botanical source used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine. It is a complex mixture of volatile oils and resinous compounds, including sesquiterpenes (e.g., furanoeudesma-1,3-diene) and monoterpenoids (e.g., B-elemene), which contribute to its bioactive properties. Primarily used topically or via inhalation, myrrh essential oil is recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Its applications range from pain relief and wound healing to anxiety reduction and, in research settings, as an adjunct in cancer therapy. While several randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies exist, systematic reviews focusing solely on myrrh essential oil are limited, often combining its effects with other essential oils like frankincense.
Benefits
Myrrh essential oil has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. A randomized controlled trial (n=91) showed that massage with frankincense and myrrh essential oil significantly reduced chronic low back pain and disability scores (p < 0.001) compared to placebo and control, indicating strong evidence for its analgesic properties in this context. Another RCT (n=80) found myrrh effective and safe in reducing the size of retained products of conception (RPOC) in postpartum women, with statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). Preclinical studies support its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential, showing myrrh extracts promote beneficial macrophage phenotypic changes. Furthermore, in vitro studies reveal cytotoxic effects of myrrh essential oil and extracts on various cancer cell lines, including leukemia, breast, colorectal, and liver carcinoma cells, suggesting anticancer potential, though this is currently limited to experimental settings. The pain relief benefits were observed after 3 weeks of treatment, showing clinical significance.
How it works
Myrrh essential oil exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory properties are mediated by the modulation of macrophage phenotypes and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as observed in preclinical studies. The cytotoxic effects against cancer cells are attributed to sesquiterpenes and monoterpenoids, which induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in various cancer cell lines. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, compounds like B-elemene and furano-sesquiterpenoids are believed to target cancer cell proliferation pathways. Myrrh interacts with the immune system by modulating macrophage activity and with the nervous system to produce analgesic effects. Topical absorption is demonstrated in massage therapy, and it is also utilized via inhalation in aromatherapy, though specific pharmacokinetics are not well characterized.
Side effects
Myrrh essential oil is generally considered safe when used topically or in aromatherapy at recommended doses. The most common adverse effect is mild skin irritation or allergic reactions, which can occur with topical application, though specific quantification of frequency is not available from reviewed studies. There are no significant data from high-quality randomized controlled trials reporting uncommon or rare side effects. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants or other medications metabolized by liver enzymes, due to the potential for interaction with its phytochemical constituents. Contraindications include a known allergy to myrrh or related compounds. Data regarding its safety in pregnant and lactating women are limited, and therefore, use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for myrrh essential oil is not standardized and varies by formulation and application method. In a randomized controlled trial for chronic low back pain, myrrh essential oil was applied via massage twice weekly alongside standard treatment for 3 weeks. Optimal dosage ranges are not established, and the maximum safe dose has not been defined in clinical trials, with safety generally based on traditional use and topical application guidelines. Benefits for pain relief were observed after 3 weeks of regular application. For topical use, it is typically diluted in a carrier oil. Inhalation doses vary, and absorption is enhanced by massage and topical application, while inhalation bioavailability is less studied. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is myrrh essential oil effective for pain?
Yes, evidence from a randomized controlled trial supports its efficacy in reducing chronic low back pain when used in massage therapy, particularly when combined with frankincense.
Is it safe to use topically?
Generally, yes, but skin sensitivity or allergic reactions can occur. It is recommended to perform a patch test before widespread topical application.
How quickly does it work?
Clinical benefits, such as pain relief, have been observed within 3 weeks of regular use in studies.
Can it be used alone or only with other oils?
Studies often combine myrrh with frankincense for pain relief; research on its isolated effects for various conditions needs further investigation.
Is it effective for anxiety?
While essential oils can reduce anxiety, myrrh is not highlighted as one of the most effective, and evidence for its specific role in anxiety is limited and of low quality.
Research Sources
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04494165 – This randomized controlled trial (NCT04494165) investigated the effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh essential oil on chronic low back pain. It found that the combined essential oil treatment significantly reduced pain and disability scores compared to placebo and control groups (p < 0.001) over a 3-week period in 91 adults, indicating its efficacy for pain management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7218551/ – This RCT by Vafaei et al. (2020) demonstrated that myrrh was effective and safe in reducing the size of retained products of conception (RPOC) in 80 patients. The study reported statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential gynecological application for myrrh.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9416713/ – Suliman et al. (2022) conducted preclinical and in vitro/in vivo studies showing that myrrh metabolites exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and possess anti-inflammatory effects. The research also indicated that myrrh promotes wound healing, providing mechanistic data for its potential therapeutic properties, though clinical confirmation is needed.
- https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/aromatherapy.pdf – This systematic review by Freeman et al. (2019) examined the efficacy of essential oils for pain and psychological outcomes. It noted that while essential oils, including myrrh in some studies, show some benefits, data specifically isolating myrrh's effects are limited, highlighting heterogeneity and gaps in the evidence.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404/full – Tan et al. (2023) conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis on essential oils for anxiety. The review concluded that essential oils can reduce anxiety, but myrrh was not identified as one of the most effective, and the overall evidence quality was low to moderate due to high heterogeneity and risk of bias.
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