Evidence supporting the use of: Terpinen-4-ol
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Terpinen-4-ol is a major active ingredient in tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), and its use for supporting or treating fungal infections is supported by scientific evidence. Multiple in vitro studies have demonstrated that terpinen-4-ol exhibits significant antifungal activity against a range of pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, and other dermatophytes responsible for skin and nail infections. The mechanism of action is believed to involve disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents and cell death.

Clinical studies and randomized controlled trials using tea tree oil preparations (containing high concentrations of terpinen-4-ol) have shown efficacy in conditions such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), although results can be mixed and tea tree oil is generally less effective than standard pharmaceutical antifungals. Nonetheless, terpinen-4-ol is regarded as the primary component responsible for tea tree oil’s antifungal effects. A notable example is a randomized trial published in the Journal of Family Practice (1994), where 100% tea tree oil was as effective as clotrimazole in treating toenail onychomycosis in some participants. Safety concerns are minimal when used topically, though allergic reactions can occur.

In summary, the use of terpinen-4-ol for fungal infections is based on both in vitro and clinical evidence, justifying its consideration as an adjunct or alternative treatment, particularly for mild superficial infections.

More about Terpinen-4-ol
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Ajoene
Ajuga
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Ampelopsis
anamu
Ardisia
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
basil
bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
Brazilian peppertree
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
Centipeda
chalcone
chamomile
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl caprylate caprate
glyceryl monolaurate
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
green tea
Hedyotis
henna
Herb Robert
Houttuynia
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Labdanum
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Menthol oil
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
polyphenols
Propolis
rosemary
rue
sage
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Sophora
Stereospermum
Storax
Sumac
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinolene
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Undecylenic acid
Violet
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Wrightia tinctoria
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene

Products containing Terpinen-4-ol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.