Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-terpinene
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot

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Synopsis

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

Gamma-terpinene is a monoterpene commonly found in the essential oils of plants such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), cumin, and coriander. Its use in supporting or treating Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) arises from its demonstrated antifungal activity in laboratory studies. Several in vitro investigations have shown that gamma-terpinene, along with other terpenes, exhibits inhibitory effects against dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which are primary causative agents of Athlete's Foot (Rao et al., 2005).

However, most of the evidence supporting its use is limited to laboratory (in vitro) studies. There is a lack of robust human clinical trials specifically testing gamma-terpinene as a single agent for Athlete's Foot. Most clinical evidence available pertains to tea tree oil as a whole, which contains gamma-terpinene among other active components like terpinen-4-ol. As such, while gamma-terpinene contributes to the antifungal properties of these oils, its standalone effectiveness in humans remains unproven.

In summary, the use of gamma-terpinene for Athlete's Foot is scientifically plausible based on antifungal activity seen in laboratory settings, but the clinical evidence is insufficient, placing the strength of evidence at a modest level.

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