Description
Croton oil is a mixture found in species of Croton that exhibits pro-inflammatory and antibiotic activities. Croton oil is potentially carcinogenic, as it contains phorbol esters and is co-administered with DMBA in research models to induce the development of skin tumors. Croton oil is also used in research models to induce inflammation and edema. In vitro and in vivo, croton oil shows antibacterial and antifungal efficacy against Candida, Lactobaccilus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Porphyromonas. This compound also shows potential benefit as a mosquito repellent.
References
Boukhatem MN, Ferhat MA, Kameli A, et al. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Libyan J Med. 2014 Sep 19;9:25431. PMID: 25242268.
Liju VB, Jeena K, Kuttan R. Chemopreventive activity of turmeric essential oil and possible mechanisms of action. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(16):6575-80. PMID: 25169490.
Vongsombath C, Pålsson K, Björk L, et al. Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) repellency field tests of essential oils from plants traditionally used in Laos. J Med Entomol. 2012 Nov;49(6):1398-404. PMID: 23270168.
Alviano WS, Mendonça-Filho RR, Alviano DS, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Croton cajucara Benth linalool-rich essential oil on artificial biofilms and planktonic microorganisms. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2005 Apr;20(2):101-5. PMID: 15720570.
