Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-terpineol
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-terpineol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol found in many essential oils, including pine and tea tree oil. Its use for Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) is primarily based on its demonstrated in vitro antifungal activity, especially against dermatophytes such as Trichophyton species, which are the usual causative agents of Athlete’s Foot. Several laboratory studies have shown that alpha-terpineol can inhibit the growth of these fungi; for example, research published in journals such as Planta Medica and Fitoterapia has identified alpha-terpineol as one of the active components in tea tree oil responsible for its antifungal properties.

However, direct clinical studies investigating the use of isolated alpha-terpineol for the treatment of Athlete's Foot in humans are lacking. Most clinical evidence pertains to whole essential oils (e.g., tea tree oil), which contain alpha-terpineol along with other active compounds. Thus, while there is scientific rationale for its antifungal effects, its real-world efficacy for Athlete’s Foot has not been robustly established in human trials. The current evidence is therefore rated as moderate (2 out of 5), reflecting promising laboratory results but insufficient clinical validation. In summary, alpha-terpineol is supported by scientific (but largely preclinical) evidence for antifungal activity relevant to Athlete’s Foot, but more research, especially human studies, is needed to confirm its effectiveness for this specific condition.

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