MYRTLE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a shrub commonly found in Iran. The fruit, leaves, and branches are used in traditional Persian medicine.

Myrtle contains chemicals that might help fight against fungus and bacteria, and reduce swelling.

People use myrtle for acne, canker sores, abnormally heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, persistent heartburn, warts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse myrtle with periwinkle, which is sometimes called myrtle. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for MYRTLE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Myrtle berry is possibly safe when used short-term. But undiluted myrtle leaf oil is likely unsafe. Myrtle leaf contains a chemical that can cause serious breathing problems and other side effects. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if myrtle leaf, myrtle branch, or myrtle berry extract are safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Diluted myrtle leaf extract is possibly safe. Side effects might include skin irritation and dryness.

When applied to the vagina: Diluted myrtle leaf extract is possibly safe when used in vaginal suppositories, short-term.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Myrtle is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: Myrtle leaf oil is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Even slight facial contact with the oil can cause breathing problems and death in infants and small children. There isn't enough information available to know if other forms of myrtle are safe to take by mouth or apply to the skin in children.

Interactions

We currently have no information for MYRTLE overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of myrtle might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Aggul AG, Demir GM, Gulaboglu M. Ethanol Extract of Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Berries as a Remedy for Streptozotocin-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022;194(4):1645-1658. View abstract.

Askari SF, Jahromi BN, Dehghanian A, et al. Effect of a novel herbal vaginal suppository containing myrtle and oak gall in the treatment of vaginitis: a randomized clinical trial. Daru 2020;28(2):603-614. View abstract.

Babaee N, Mansourian A, Momen-Heravi F, Moghadamnia A, Momen-Beitollahi J. The efficacy of a paste containing Myrtus communis (Myrtle) in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2010;14(1):65-70. View abstract.

Bagatin E, Thouvenin MD, Bacquey A, et al. 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. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023;37 Suppl 2:26-30. View abstract.

Khodaie SA, Emadi F, Naseri M, et al. The Effect of Myrtus communis Aqueous Extract-Containing Gel on Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021;18(4):542-547. View abstract.

Nikakhtar Z, Hasanzadeh M, Hamedi SS, et al. The efficacy of vaginal suppository based on myrtle in patients with cervicovaginal human papillomavirus infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(10):2002-2008. View abstract.

Odeh D, Orsolic N, Berendika M, et al. Antioxidant and Anti-Atherogenic Activities of Essential Oils from Myrtus communis L. and Laurus nobilis L. in Rat. Nutrients 2022;14(7):1465. View abstract.

Paknejad MS, Eftekhari K, Rahimi R, Vigeh M, Naghizadeh A, Karimi M. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) fruit syrup for gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res 2021;35(11):6369-6376. View abstract.

Qaraaty M, Kamali SH, Dabaghian FH, et al. Effect of myrtle fruit syrup on abnormal uterine bleeding: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Daru. 2014;22:45. View abstract.

Salmanian M, Shirbeigi L, Hashem-Dabaghian F, et al. The Effects of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) and Clindamycin Topical Solution in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Split-Face Study. J Pharmacopuncture 2020;23(4):220-229. View abstract.

Talebi Ardakani M, Farahi A, Mojab F, Moscowchi A, Gharazi Z. Effect of an herbal mouthwash on periodontal indices in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis: A cross-over clinical trial. J Adv Periodontol Implant Dent 2022;14(2):109-113. View abstract.

Umarami RBR, Roqaiya M, Quadri MA. Efficacy of Habbul aas (fruits of Myrtus communis) in menorrhagia: a single blinded randomized standard control study. J Complement Integr Med 2020;18(1):123-130. View abstract.

Zohalinezhad ME, Hosseini-Asl MK, Akrami R, et al. Myrtus communis L. freeze-dried aqueous extract versus omeprazole in gastrointestinal reflux disease: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016;21(1):23-9. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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