Myrtle: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Myrtus communis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Eucalyptol
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in adults and adolescents with mild to moderate acne indicates that applying a myrtle leaf extract to the face twice a day for 16 weeks reduces the number of lesions and the severity of acne by 23% to 45% compared with baseline values, with results similar to those of a 1% clindamycin topical solution. Another study shows that a lotion containing myrtle extract and azelaic acid applied twice a day for 16 weeks lowers the risk of acne recurrence, reduces the number of lesions, and improves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with 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 menstrual bleeding, can be treated with myrtle extracts. A preliminary clinical trial shows that consuming 5 mL of myrtle fruit syrup three times a day for 7 days starting on the first day of menstruation, and repeated over three menstrual cycles, reduces the duration of bleeding by 2.4 days compared with baseline. Another study reports that taking 750 mg of myrtle berry powder three times a day for 5 days of menstruation over 2 cycles improves bleeding assessment scores by 58% and increases hemoglobin levels by 17%, with improvements comparable to tranexamic acid (a drug primarily used to reduce excessive bleeding).
Posologie
Oral: fruit
2250 mg
syrup, dry extract
Aphthous ulcers ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers shows that applying a paste containing 5% myrtle leaf extract to the ulcers four times a day for 6 days reduces ulcer size, pain, and redness compared with 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. Recognized for their expectorant and antimicrobial properties, they help relieve congestion and fight respiratory pathogens. The essential oil can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically over the sinuses.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
infusion, essential oil
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The aqueous extract of Myrtus communis has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, manifested by antinociceptive effects on acetic acid-induced spasms and action against acute and chronic inflammation. These effects are potentially mediated by opioid receptors. In addition, compounds such as tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids present in myrtle berries reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin activity, thereby helping to decrease bleeding in people suffering from menorrhagia.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Myrtle demonstrates antimicrobial properties against various infections. The non-aromatic constituents of myrtle are active against cutaneous mycoses. The compound myrtol, present in myrtle, enhances these effects due to its fungicidal, disinfectant, and antibacterial properties.
Usages associés
Dermatologic effect
Myrtle leaf extract is of interest for the treatment of acne. Preliminary clinical research conducted on adults and adolescents with mild to moderate acne shows that topical application of myrtle leaf extract to the face twice daily for 16 weeks reduces sebum levels. In addition, in vitro studies indicate that myrtle may improve acne due to its antimicrobial properties and its ability to inhibit biofilm formation by Cutibacterium acnes in the pilosebaceous follicles.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult (18 years and older): 2 g - 5 g (powder)
- Raw plant material: 5 g before each meal ; - Leaf infusion: 15 to 30 g per 1 liter of boiling water, steep 15 minutes: 1 cup, 3 times a 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 per day. Oral use of myrtle berries is potentially safe short-term, with daily doses of 2,250 mg for 5 days. Myrtle leaf extract (hydrosol) applied to the skin 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
Children: prohibited
Avoid contact with myrtle oil-based preparations, which can cause spasms, bronchospasms, asthma attacks, or respiratory failure in infants and young children.
Pregnant women: prohibited
Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Nursing women: prohibited
Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
