Myrtle: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Myrtus communis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Eucalyptol
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in adults and adolescents with mild to moderate acne indicates that applying a myrtle leaf extract on the face twice a day for 16 weeks reduces the number of lesions and acne severity by 23% to 45% compared to baseline values, with similar results to those of 1% clindamycin topical solution. Another study shows that a lotion containing myrtle extract and azelaic acid applied twice a day for 16 weeks reduces the risk of acne recurrence, the number of lesions, and improves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to a placebo cream.
Posologie
Topical: leaf
essential oil, floral water
The usefulness of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid for maintenance phase of adult female acne: Results from a randomized exploratory investigator-blinded comparative study
Menorrhagia ✪✪✪✪✪
Menorrhagia, characterized by abnormally heavy menstruation, can be treated with myrtle extracts. Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming myrtle fruit syrup at 5 mL three times a day for 7 days from the first day of menstruation, and repeated over three menstrual cycles, reduces the duration of bleeding by 2.4 days compared to the initial situation. Another study reveals that taking 750 mg of myrtle berry powder three times a day for 5 days of menstruation over 2 cycles improves blood loss evaluation scores by 58% and increases hemoglobin levels by 17%, with improvements comparable to those of tranexamic acid (a drug primarily used to reduce excessive bleeding).
Posologie
Oral: fruit
2250 mg
syrup, dry extract
Canker sores ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted on patients suffering from recurrent canker sores shows that applying a paste containing 5% myrtle leaf extract on the sores four times a day for 6 days reduces ulcer size, pain, and redness compared to a placebo.
Posologie
Topical: leaf
cream
Respiratory infections, Cough ✪✪✪✪✪
Myrtle essential oil and its extracts (infusion, mother tincture...) are traditionally used to treat cough and respiratory tract infections. Known for their expectorant and antimicrobial properties, they help relieve congestion and combat respiratory pathogens. Essential oil can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically on the sinuses.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
infusion, essential oil
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The aqueous extract of Myrtus communis possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties, manifested by antinociceptive effects on acid-induced spasms and an action against acute and chronic inflammation. These effects are potentially mediated by the opioid receptors. Additionally, compounds such as tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids present in myrtle berries reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin activity, thus helping to decrease bleeding in people suffering from menorrhagia.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Myrtle shows antimicrobial properties against various infections. The non-aromatic constituents of myrtle are active against skin fungi. The compound myrtol, present in myrtle, enhances these effects thanks to its fungicidal, disinfectant, and antibacterial properties.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Myrtle leaf extract is gaining interest for the treatment of acne. Preliminary clinical research conducted on adults and adolescents with mild to moderate acne shows that the topical application of myrtle leaf extract on the face twice a day for 16 weeks reduces sebum levels. Moreover, in vitro research indicates that myrtle could improve acne thanks to its antimicrobial properties and its ability to inhibit biofilm formation by Cutibacterium acnes in pilosebaceous follicles.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 2 g - 5 g (powder)
- Raw drug: 5 g before each meal; - Leaf infusion: 15 to 30 g per 1 liter of boiling water, infuse for 15 minutes: 3 times 1 cup per day. - Essential oil: the daily dose is limited to 65 mg per day; 1 drop of essential oil on a neutral tablet, 3 to 4 times a day. The use of myrtle berries orally is potentially safe short-term, with daily doses of 2,250 mg for 5 days. Myrtle leaf extract (hydrolate) applied topically is also safe short-term, including a 5% paste used for up to 6 days. Extracts can be applied to the face for 16 weeks without apparent risk. Vaginal suppositories containing 10% myrtle leaf extract and 0.5% essential oil are safe for three menstrual cycles.
Contraindications
Child: prohibited
Avoid contact with myrtle oil-based preparations as they can cause spasms, bronchospasms, asthma attacks, or respiratory failure in infants and young children.
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding woman: prohibited
Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
