Evidence supporting the use of: Terpinen-4-ol
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Terpinen-4-ol is the primary active component of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Its use for minor skin injuries such as scratches and abrasions is supported by scientific evidence, primarily due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Several in vitro and clinical studies have demonstrated that terpinen-4-ol exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and other skin pathogens. This antimicrobial action can help reduce the risk of infection in superficial wounds.
Additionally, terpinen-4-ol has been shown to modulate inflammatory responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may aid in reducing redness and swelling commonly associated with minor skin injuries. Some small clinical trials and case reports have indicated that topical preparations containing tea tree oil (and by extension, terpinen-4-ol) can promote wound healing and reduce infection rates, though direct studies on terpinen-4-ol alone are limited.
However, while the evidence is promising, most clinical studies have used whole tea tree oil rather than isolated terpinen-4-ol. As such, the overall quality and quantity of evidence supporting terpinen-4-ol alone for scratches and abrasions is moderate, justifying a rating of 3. Properly formulated products should be used to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions, as higher concentrations of terpinen-4-ol can sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
AbutaAcacia
Acemannan
Achyranthes
Agrimony
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Anemone
Anserina
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
babassu
babchi
bai ji
Baliospermum
barbary matrimony vine
bayberry
bee propolis
Begonia fimbristipula
benzoin
bindweed
bisabolene
bittersweet
black poplar
black root
Black spruce
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blackbrush
blackthorn
bleeding heart
Bletilla
bloodroot
Brazilian peppertree
Bridges\' penstemon
Bush Monkey Flower
Calochortus
Calotropis gigantea
Calyptridium umbellatum
camphor oil
Campsiandra angustifolia
Campylandra fimbriata
candleberry
carrapichinho
castile soap
cattail
Ceanothus integerrimus
cedar
Cedrus libani
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese thoroughwax
Chiococca alba
cleavers
cocklebur
columbine
comfrey
common thatching grass
common zinnia
copaiba oil
cornflower
cranesbill
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cynoglossum grande
Davilla rugosa
deerbrush
devil\'s club
dragon\'s blood
Dwarf Nettle
dyer’s woad root
elemi
elephant vine
elkweed
emu oil
English elm
Erigeron
Eupatorium
European hazel
fiesta flower
figwort
fir
fireweed
fleabane
Formosan sweet-gum
four-leaved grass
Gambir
Genipa americana
geranium
Gleditsia
Glycerite
glyceryl monolaurate
golden ragwort
Golden Willow
Gumweed
hairy arnica
hartstongue
Heliopsis
henna
hound\'s tongue
Immortelle
impatiens
iodine
Japanese sophora
Jessica\'s sticktight
Jewelweed
jojoba oil
Kelloggii's Monkey-flower
Kochia
Labdanum
lac resin
lacquertree
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Leptospermum scoparium
lilac
Lygodium
Lysimachia
Mahonia
Manchurian thorn
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Microtea debilis
Monardella odoratissima
Moss
Mountain bluebells
Mountain horopito
Mountain mahogany
Mucin
Oak
Ocotillo
oriental arborvitae
Pacific madrone
paederia foetida
Panthenol
parthenium
peacock\'s tail
Pellitory
Pepper Bark Tree
Peroxidase
Pink Root
Plumbago zeylanica
Plumeria lancifolia
Potentilla
Povidone
protease
proteolytic enzymes
Psacalium peltatum
Purple Avens
purple Tephrosia
Quebracho
Queen's Delight
red alder
red soapwort
red spiderling
Rhus coraria
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
rubber rabbitbrush
Rupturewort
Sangre de Grado
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
Sargentodoxa
Siberian Elm
Silverweed
slippery elm bark
Smooth Alder
Snakeroot
Soapberry
Soft rush
Southernwood
Spiraea
Stone Root
Storax
Tansy
tartarian aster
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Teucrium marum
Thuja
Toadflax
Tridax
Triplaris peruviana
Trumpet Vine
turmeric
Tynanthus elegans
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
Weak Jumby Pepper
White Dead Nettle Flower
White Heather
White oak
White Poplar
Wild Daisy
Witch Hazel
Wood betony
Woodwardia
Wrightia tinctoria
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Terpinen-4-ol
AcneAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Fungal Infections
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Itching
Itching Ears
Jock Itch
Lice
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Thrush
Wounds and Sores
