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Myrtle Oil

Also known as: Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Myrtle Oil, Myrtus communis

Overview

Myrtle oil is an essential oil extracted primarily from the leaves and berries of the *Myrtus communis* plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, it has been used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastroprotective properties. The oil's biological activities are attributed to key chemical constituents such as α-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, and linalool. Research on myrtle oil includes in vitro studies, animal models, and some human studies, though high-quality clinical trials are limited. The current evidence base is moderate, with several in vivo studies and systematic reviews on essential oils that include myrtle, but no large-scale meta-analyses focused exclusively on myrtle oil in humans. It is classified as a botanical supplement and essential oil.

Benefits

Myrtle oil exhibits several promising benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research: - **Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory:** It demonstrates significant antioxidant activity by increasing endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and reducing oxidative stress markers (MDA) in animal models. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by modulating inflammatory cytokines. - **Antimicrobial:** It has shown broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal effects against various pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo studies. - **Gastroprotective:** In rat models of ulcerative colitis, myrtle oil effectively reduced inflammation and ulcer severity, with efficacy comparable to standard drugs like prednisolone and mesalazine at certain doses. This suggests potential for managing inflammatory bowel conditions. - **Hepatoprotective:** Animal studies indicate protective effects against liver toxins, leading to improved liver enzyme profiles and reduced inflammatory cytokines, suggesting liver health support. - **Growth Promotion in Animals:** A meta-analysis of essential oils, including myrtle, showed a significant positive impact on average daily gain (ADG) in small ruminants, indicating potential growth-promoting effects in livestock, though this is not directly applicable to human health.

How it works

Myrtle oil's biological activity is primarily attributed to its terpenoid components, such as α-pinene and 1,8-cineole. These compounds modulate oxidative stress pathways by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms, including the upregulation of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and the reduction of nitric oxide production. The antimicrobial actions result from the disruption of microbial cell membranes and the inhibition of essential microbial enzymes. While absorption and bioavailability data in humans are limited, animal studies suggest systemic effects can occur following oral or topical administration.

Side effects

Myrtle oil is generally considered safe in traditional and experimental use at studied doses. However, specific side effects in humans are not well documented. When applied topically, mild skin irritation or allergic reactions are possible, though not frequently reported. The current literature does not report significant drug interactions or contraindications for myrtle oil. Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and in children has not been established, and therefore, its use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision. Toxicity studies in animals suggest a wide margin of safety at therapeutic doses, but this does not directly translate to human safety. Comprehensive safety data from human clinical trials are currently lacking.

Dosage

There are no established human dosing guidelines for myrtle oil due to the limited number of clinical trials. Dosage recommendations are primarily derived from animal studies. In experimental models of ulcerative colitis, effective doses of essential oil ranged from 62.5 to 250 μL/kg body weight in rats. For antioxidant and hematological effects, extract doses in rats ranged from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The timing of administration and the formulation (e.g., nanoemulsions) can influence efficacy, as observed in experimental IBD models. Both oral and topical routes have been used experimentally. Given the lack of human data, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using myrtle oil, especially regarding internal consumption. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human use are currently undefined.

FAQs

Is myrtle oil effective for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Animal studies show promising anti-inflammatory effects in IBD models, comparable to standard drugs. However, human data are currently lacking, so clinical efficacy is not yet established.

Can myrtle oil be used as an antimicrobial?

Yes, myrtle oil has demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies against various pathogens.

Is myrtle oil safe for long-term use?

Safety data for long-term human use are limited. While traditional use suggests safety, clinical trials are needed to confirm its long-term safety profile.

How quickly do benefits appear when using myrtle oil?

In animal studies, beneficial effects typically appear within days to weeks of administration, depending on the condition being studied and the dosage.

Are there any known side effects of myrtle oil?

Mild skin irritation is possible with topical application. Systemic side effects are not well documented in humans due to limited research.

Research Sources

https://f1000research.com/articles/9-486 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of various essential oils, including myrtle, on growth performance in small ruminants. It found a significant positive effect on average daily gain (ADG) but no significant impact on feed intake or feed conversion ratio, highlighting potential for animal husbandry applications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10354007/ – This comprehensive review summarizes multiple in vitro and in vivo studies on *Myrtus communis*, detailing its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. It reports dose-dependent improvements in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in rat models, emphasizing its broad biological activities.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9862182/ – This systematic review focused on plant essential oils in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models. It highlighted myrtle oil's significant reduction in ulcerative colitis severity in rat models, with efficacy comparable to standard drugs, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for IBD, despite the lack of human trials.