International Journal of Aromatherapy最新文献

The essential oils of five Algerian Lamiaceae species, Thymus numidicus, Thymus fontanesii, Teucrium polium subsp. aurasiacum, Teucrium atratum and Rosmarinus officinalis, obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus, were tested against bacterial strains of Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC. The essential oil of Thymus numidicus exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, reported for the first time from a Lamiaceae species.

The scabicidal activities of two topical emulsion formulations (Lippia oil emulsions A and B), each containing 20% w/w essential oil of Lippia multiflora (Lippia oil), were compared with that of benzyl benzoate emulsion BP using randomized, double blind and group parallel studies. The percentage cure obtained for Lippia oil emulsion A were 50%, 80% and 80% on application for 3, 5 and 7 days, respectively, compared with 30%, 60% and 70% obtained for benzyl benzoate emulsion BP for the same treatment periods. There was no significant difference between the percentages of scabietic subjects cured with the two formulations (A and B) of Lippia oil (P > 0.05). Six adverse effects were reported for the Lippia oil emulsions, while 10 adverse effects were reported for benzyl benzoate emulsion BP. Since the Lippia oil emulsions were more effective and better tolerated than the benzyl benzoate emulsion, they were considered as additional formulations for the treatment of scabies.

The appearance of acute dermatitis, whether it is mediated by the immune system (contact eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) or not (ortho-ergic/contact irritant dermatitis) often requires in the first instance, the use of topical treatments based on topical steroid medications. The effectiveness of these substances for crisis intervention is not disputed. However, the secondary effects that accompany these medications often lead the practitioner to search for alternatives to their use.

This article reports on a number (45) of acute dry and weeping dermatitis cases that were treated with specific formulations of essential oils over a nine month period. Rationale for both the essential oil selections and the galenic forms used are included along with results of treatment.

Biocidal (insect repellent) preparations used against mosquito bites to prevent infection are reviewed, comparing the use of essential oils and natural aromatic materials with various synthetic topical agents. A synopsis of malaria prevention strategies and insecticidal toxicity is also discussed, in the light of emergent mosquito resistance to synthetic chemical pesticides.

The use of natural products for use as anti-malarials is also reviewed, finding that a serious divide occurs between a purely open approach, and the approach via the commercial interests of pharmaceutical and chemical companies. The latter tend to focus on the exploitation of single active chemicals, whilst the activity of whole botanical extracts is overlooked despite the fact that insect resistance to single actives is common; and resistance to whole plant extracts is rare. The European Union’s role in this issue is also discussed.

Better formulation technology is needed for topical repellents by providing more effective fixation for the essential oil content and incorporating strategies for controlled release of essential oil vapours, whilst providing solutions for the problem of potential dermal irritancy.