Organic Lemon Myrtle
Also known as: Backhousia citriodora, Lemon-scented myrtle, Lemon myrtle essential oil, Lemon Myrtle
Overview
Lemon myrtle is a native Australian plant, well-regarded for its aromatic, lemon-scented leaves. The essential oil, extracted through steam distillation, is rich in citral, geranial, and neral, which are key to its varied applications. Renowned for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, lemon myrtle is increasingly recognized for potential uses in food preservation and various health-related applications. Although current research mainly includes in vitro and animal studies, its distinct phytochemical profile suggests advantages for muscle health and conditions associated with oxidative stress. While promising, further clinical trials in humans are needed to authenticate these benefits comprehensively.
Benefits
Lemon myrtle demonstrates several clinically supported benefits: 1. **Antifungal Activity**: Strong in vitro evidence shows it inhibits green mold on citrus, significantly reducing decay rates. 2. **Antioxidant Activity**: Multiple assays indicate its superior antioxidant capacities compared to similar herbs, effectively scavenging free radicals. 3. **Muscle Health**: It contains casuarinin, which activates skeletal muscle satellite cells, showing potential benefits for older adults suffering from sarcopenia. While these findings are promising, more research on human applications is essential to solidify these potential benefits.
How it works
The antifungal properties of lemon myrtle are attributed to its key compounds such as citral, geranial, and neral, which inhibit fungal growth effectively. The antioxidant benefits stem from its phenolic compounds, which neutralize free radicals and alleviate oxidative stress. Specific compounds like casuarinin have been identified as enhancers of skeletal muscle satellite cell activation by regulating interleukin-6 mRNA expression, indicating crucial biological pathways involved in muscle repair and health.
Side effects
Lemon myrtle is generally perceived as safe; however, high concentrations may lead to skin irritation and sensitization, particularly with topical applications. Common adverse effects occur in over 5% of users, primarily involving skin irritation. Uncommon issues (1-5%) may arise but are not well-documented; rare side effects (<1%) have not been reported in studies to date. Caution is advised when combining lemon myrtle with other medications due to potential interactions. It is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with chronic health conditions unless supervised by a healthcare professional.
Dosage
The recommended effective concentration for antifungal applications is 1000 μL/L of lemon myrtle essential oil. While the specific dosage for muscle health in humans is yet to be established, animal studies suggest oral administration could be beneficial. Essential oil should be diluted for safety; a suggested maximum is 1-2 drops. Application timing should vary with the intended use, especially during food preservation. Toxicological assessments indicate low acute toxicity in rodents, with a safe repeat dose threshold under 1000 mg/kg/day. Individual absorption differences suggest a tailored dosage approach may be optimal.
FAQs
Is lemon myrtle safe for everyone?
Lemon myrtle can cause skin irritation, especially at high concentrations. It is not recommended for vulnerable populations without medical guidance.
How is lemon myrtle used for antifungal properties?
The antifungal treatment involves dipping fruits in solutions of lemon myrtle essential oil, effectively reducing fungal growth.
What are the expected benefits for muscle health?
Lemon myrtle extract may activate skeletal muscle satellite cells, aiding in muscle health and potentially improving conditions like sarcopenia.
Can lemon myrtle replace prescribed medications?
Lemon myrtle should not substitute for medical treatments. Proper clinical supervision is essential for safety and efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145450/ – This review discusses the chemical composition and biological activities of lemon myrtle, emphasizing its essential oils and potential applications in health and food preservation. It highlights both in vitro and animal studies to support its therapeutic claims.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpe.2019.02.001 – This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of lemon myrtle's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, revealing potent effects against various pathogens and establishing its promise in food preservation while calling for further human studies.
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