Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-terpinene
For the health condition: Dandruff

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Gamma-terpinene is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of various plants such as tea tree, cumin, and coriander. Its use in supporting or treating dandruff is primarily justified by tradition, rather than robust scientific validation. Traditional remedies often utilize essential oils containing gamma-terpinene, particularly tea tree oil, which has a long history of use for scalp health and dandruff relief. The presumed benefit is due to the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of these oils; Malassezia species, a common fungal contributor to dandruff, may be sensitive to these agents.

However, direct scientific studies investigating gamma-terpinene itself, isolated from other components of essential oils, for the treatment of dandruff are lacking. Most available research focuses on whole essential oils—such as tea tree oil—with gamma-terpinene as one of several active components. These studies suggest that tea tree oil can reduce dandruff symptoms, but they do not clarify the role of gamma-terpinene versus other constituents (like terpinen-4-ol). Thus, while there is a traditional and empirical basis for the inclusion of gamma-terpinene-rich oils in anti-dandruff products, the specific contribution of gamma-terpinene remains unclear and unsupported by direct scientific evidence.

More about gamma-terpinene
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Products containing gamma-terpinene

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