Peppermint Oil Allergy Testing: Insights from a Decade of Research (2009-2020)

Jim Crocker
23rd August, 2024

Peppermint Oil Allergy Testing: Insights from a Decade of Research (2009-2020)

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study, conducted by Park Nicollet/Health Partners Health Services, examined contact allergy to peppermint oil in 28,128 patients from 2009 to 2020
  • Only 0.6% of patients tested had an allergic reaction to peppermint oil, with most allergic patients being women over 40
  • Common sources of exposure included oral hygiene products, foods, and lip products, with significant co-reactions to other fragrance and plant-related allergens in 82.6% of cases
Peppermint oil, derived from the plant Mentha piperita (MP), is widely used in various commercial products, including oral hygiene items, foods, and lip products. This study, conducted by Park Nicollet/Health Partners Health Services, aimed to characterize the epidemiology of contact allergy to MP oil at a concentration of 2% in petrolatum[1]. From 2009 to 2020, the North American Contact Dermatitis Group collected data from 28,128 patients who were patch tested for MP oil. The findings revealed that 161 patients (0.6%) had an allergic reaction to MP oil. The majority of these allergic patients were female (77.0%) and over the age of 40 (71.4%). The most common sites of dermatitis included the face (31.7%), with one-third of these cases specifically affecting the lips, hands (17.4%), and scattered or generalized areas (18.6%). Nearly one-third (30.4%) of the reactions were strong (++/+++) and 80.1% were considered currently relevant. The study also identified common sources of MP oil exposure, which included oral hygiene preparations, foods, and lip products. Additionally, a significant co-reaction with other fragrance and plant-related allergens was noted in 82.6% of MP-allergic patients. The most common co-reactants included Cananga odorata oil (42.9%), fragrance mix I (41.0%), hydroperoxides of linalool (35.7%), Compositae mix (35.4%), Jasminum officinale oil (31.9%), Myroxylon pereirae (31.7%), and propolis (28.1%). Notably, 59.6% of patients co-reacted with at least one of the three most commonly used fragrance screening allergens (fragrance mix I, fragrance mix II, and/or Myroxylon pereirae). These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive patch testing in diagnosing contact allergies to peppermint oil. Previous studies have shown the significance of patch testing for essential oils and botanical extracts in identifying contact sensitizers. For instance, a study by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) found that essential oils like ylang-ylang, lemongrass, jasmine, sandalwood, and clove oil are common allergens, with ylang-ylang oil being the most prevalent[2]. Another study assessed the use of botanically derived compounds and their potential to cause adverse skin reactions, emphasizing the need for patch testing with a baseline series supplemented by common botanical allergens[3]. The current study's findings align with earlier research, demonstrating that natural products, including essential oils, can cause contact allergies. The study further expands on previous knowledge by providing specific data on the prevalence and characteristics of MP oil allergy. It also underscores the necessity of including a broader range of allergens in patch testing to avoid missing cases of contact allergy. For example, the study found that approximately 40% of MP oil allergy cases would have been missed if only fragrance screening allergens were tested. In conclusion, the study conducted by Park Nicollet/Health Partners Health Services provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of contact allergy to peppermint oil. It reinforces the need for comprehensive patch testing, including a wide range of fragrance and plant-related allergens, to accurately diagnose and manage contact allergies. This approach is crucial for identifying and mitigating the risk of allergic reactions to commonly used natural products.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Patch Testing to Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience (2009-2020).

Published 22nd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1089/derm.2024.0118

Related Studies

2) Contact allergy to essential oils: current patch test results (2000-2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01768.x

3) Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study.

https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12124


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