Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hirsutism is defined as the presence of excessive terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas of a woman's body. Regarding this it has been suggested that Lavender and Tea tree oils may have antiandrogenic activities.

AIM:

To evaluate therapy based on Lavender and Tea tree oils in women suffering from mild idiopathic hirsutism (IH).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

A prospective, open-label, placebo- controlled, randomized study was performed: women affected by mild IH were randomly assigned to receive oil spray containing Lavender and Tea tree oils (group T) (no. = 12) or placebo (group P) (no. = 12) twice a day for 3 months in areas affected by hirsutism. Evaluation of hirsutism was carried out at baseline and after 3 months by Ferriman-Gallwey score and by measuring hair diameter taken from some body areas. A hematological and hormonal evaluation was carried out at baseline and after 3 months.

RESULTS:

No significant variations were found in any of the hormones studied in groups T and P between baseline and after 3 months. A statistically significant decrease of hirsutism total score and of hair diameter was found in group T, while no statistically significant difference in these two parameters was observed in group P; in group T percentual reduction of hair diameter was significantly greater than in group P.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lavender and Tea tree oils applied locally on skin could be effective in reducing mild IH; this treatment could represent a safe, economic and practical instrument in the cure of this disease.

• Authors: G Tirabassi, L Giovannini, F Paggi, G Panin, F Panin, R Papa, M Boscaro, G Balercia
• Journal: Journal of endocrinological investigation (J Endocrinol Invest) Vol. 36 Issue 1 Pg. 50-4 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 23211454 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Androgen Antagonists
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• Tea Tree Oil

Topics

• Adult
• Androgen Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hirsutism (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Lavandula (chemistry)
• Phytotherapy
• Prospective Studies
• Tea Tree Oil (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome