Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II)

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of geranium rose oil is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels of 5 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of geranium rose oil up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of geranium rose oil at the proposed use level in feed was not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since P. graveolens and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Artificial Intelligence That Predicts Sensitizing Potential of Cosmetic Ingredients with Accuracy Comparable to Animal and In Vitro Tests-How Does the Infotechnomics Compare to Other "Omics" in the Cosmetics Safety Assessment?

The aim of the current study was to develop an in silico model to predict the sensitizing potential of cosmetic ingredients based on their physicochemical characteristics and to compare the predictions with historical animal data and results from "omics"-based in vitro studies. An in silico model was developed with the use of WEKA machine learning software fed with physicochemical and structural descriptors of haptens and trained with data from published epidemiological studies compiled into estimated odds ratio (eOR) and estimated attributable risk (eAR) indices. The outcome classification was compared to the results of animal studies and in vitro tests. Of all the models tested, the best results were obtained for the Naive Bayes classifier trained with 24 physicochemical descriptors and eAR, which yielded an accuracy of 86%, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 90%. This model was subsequently used to predict the sensitizing potential of 15 emerging and less-studied haptens, of which 7 were classified as sensitizers: cyclamen aldehyde, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, dimethylthiocarbamyl benzothiazole sulphide, geraniol hydroperoxide, isobornyl acrylate, neral, and prenyl caffeate. The best-performing model (NaiveBayes eAR, 24 parameters), along with an alternative model based on eOR (Random Comittee eOR, 17 parameters), are available for further tests by interested readers. In conclusion, the proposed infotechnomics approach allows for a prediction of the sensitizing potential of cosmetic ingredients (and possibly also other haptens) with accuracy comparable to historical animal tests and in vitro tests used nowadays. In silico models consume little resources, are free of ethical concerns, and can provide results for multiple chemicals almost instantly; therefore, the proposed approach seems useful in the safety assessment of cosmetics.

Art of Prevention: Essential Oils - Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe

Aromatherapy is defined as the use of essential oils, through inhalation or direct application to the skin, to achieve physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. It has become an increasingly popular trend in modern-day holistic approaches to health care. Essential oils are thought to be natural and pure products, some of the most common being lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and ylang-ylang. In recent years, however, the composition of these oils has been found to be more complex than previously thought. Increased use has led to increasing reports of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to allergens in sensitized individuals. Inquiring about essential oil use is important when conducting clinical evaluations of suspected ACD. Herein, the authors seek to highlight the possibility that natural products may not be necessarily as safe as once thought and in particular seek to highlight ACD caused by essential oils.

Determination of fragrance allergens and their dermal sensitization quantitative risk assessment (QRA) in 107 spray perfumes

Cutaneous allergy occurs primarily as a result of using cosmetic, household, and laundry products available on the market that contain fragrances. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and specific high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) method for quantification of 25 fragrance allergens (amyl cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl salicylate, citronellol, cinnamyl alcohol, citral, coumarin, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, HICC (4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboaldehyde), isoeugenol, isoeugenyl acetate, lilial (butyl phenyl methyl propional), limonene, linalool, methyl 2-octynoate, etc.). In addition, an exposure-based quantitative risk assessment (QRA) was performed to determine safe levels of fragrance ingredients in 107 perfumes. In 76 women's and 31 men's fragrances, 25 allergens were identified at concentrations ranging from undetectable (N.D.) to 8,997.68 mg/kg, and from N.D. to 17,352.34 mg/kg, respectively. An exposure-based sensitization QRA revealed that the ratios of acceptable exposure level (AEL) to consumer exposure level (CEL) of fragrance ingredients were greater than 1, suggesting an absence of skin sensitizing potential. However, the maximum level used in the exposure scenario was determined by the product purpose and application type, and AEL/CEL ratios of lilial, HICC, citral, isoeugenol, and methyl 2-octynoate analyzed in women's perfume were 0.53, 0.67 0.19, 0.13, and 0.57, respectively. As the ratios of AEL:CEL of these fragrance ingredients were below 1, the utilization of these potential skin sensitizers is not considered safe. Our findings indicate that the sensitization risk of allergens with AEL:CEL ratios below 1 detected in fragrances needs to be reduced to the appropriate human safety level for risk management.

An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint by the natural standard research collaboration

An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint (Mentha spicata, Mentha viridis) including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compile existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of essential oils (EOs) administered via inhalation for the alleviation of nausea and vomiting.

METHODS

CINAHL, PubMed, and EBSCO Host and Science Direct databases were searched for articles related to the use of EOs and/or aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting. Only articles using English as a language of publication were included. Eligible articles included all forms of evidence (nonexperimental, experimental, case report). Interventions were limited to the use of EOs by inhalation of their vapors to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting in various conditions regardless of age group. Studies where the intervention did not utilize EOs or were concerned with only alcohol inhalation and trials that combined the use of aromatherapy with other treatments (massage, relaxations, or acupressure) were excluded.

RESULTS

Five (5) articles met the inclusion criteria encompassing trials with 328 respondents. Their results suggest that the inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger essential oils not only reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting but also decreased antiemetic requirements and consequently improved patient satisfaction. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to methodological flaws in the existing research articles and an acute lack of additional research in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing evidence is encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence, further well-designed large trials are needed before confirmation of EOs effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting can be strongly substantiated.

Fragrance material review on hexadecanolide

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of hexadecanolide when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. Hexadecanolide is a member of the fragrance structural group macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives. The fragrance ingredient described herein is one of 12 structurally diverse C14, C15, and C16 compounds that include (7) saturated mono-and (2) saturated di-ester lactones and (3) unsaturated lactones. For the latter, the double bond is not adjacent to (in conjugation with) the ester group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for hexadecanolide were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties; acute toxicity; skin irritation; mucous membrane (eye) irritation; skin sensitization; phototoxicity; and genotoxicity data. A safety assessment of the macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2011) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A Toxicologic and Dermatologic Assessment of Macrocylic Lactones and Lactide Derivatives When Used as Fragrance Ingredients.

Fragrance material review on ω-6-hexadecenlactone

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of ω-6-hexadecenlactone when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. ω-6-Hexadecenlactone is a member of the fragrance structural group macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives. The fragrance ingredient described herein is one of 12 structurally diverse C14, C15 and C16 compounds that include (7) saturated mono-and (2) saturated di-ester lactones and (3) unsaturated lactones. For the latter, the double bond is not adjacent to (in conjugation with) the ester group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to ω-6-hexadecenlactone and is not intended as a stand-alone document. All available data were evaluated then summarized. The data set includes: physical properties; acute toxicity; skin irritation; skin sensitization; and phototoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al., 2011 for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of macrocylic lactones and lactide derivatives when used as fragrance ingredients.

Fragrance material review on 12-oxahexadecanolide

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 12-oxahexadecanolide when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 12-Oxahexadecanolide is a member of the fragrance structural group macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives. The fragrance ingredient described herein is one of 12 structurally diverse C14, C15, and C16 compounds that include (7) saturated mono-and (2) saturated di-ester lactones and (3) unsaturated lactones. For the latter, the double bond is not adjacent to (in conjugation with) the ester group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to 12-oxahexadecanolide and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties; acute toxicity; skin irritation; mucous membrane (eye) irritation; skin sensitization; and phototoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2011) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of macrocylic lactones and lactide derivatives when used as fragrance ingredients.

Fragrance material review on 10-oxahexadecanolide

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 10-oxahexadecanolide when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 10-Oxahexadecanolide is a member of the fragrance structural group macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives. The fragrance ingredient described herein is one of 12 structurally diverse C14, C15, and C16 compounds that include (7) saturated mono-and (2) saturated di-ester lactones and (3) unsaturated lactones. For the latter, the double bond is not adjacent to (in conjugation with) the ester group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to 10-oxahexadecanolide and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties; acute toxicity; skin irritation; skin sensitization; and phototoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al., 2011 for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of macrocylic lactones and lactide derivatives when used as fragrance ingredients.

Top 10 botanical ingredients in 2010 anti-aging creams

New developments in the realm of skin rejuvenation such as phytotherapy are at an astounding increasing pace in the cosmeceutical market. Yet, many of these products that are classified as cosmeceuticals are tested less vigorously and do not have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration to establish efficacy and safety. Thus, as clinicians, we must ask the question, "Is there science-based evidence to validate the mechanism of these new treatments?" We assessed the top anti-aging creams currently on the market specifically evaluating their botanical ingredients. Some of the most common botanicals that are hot off the market are: Rosmarinus officinalis, Vitis vinifera (grape seed extract), Citronellol, Limonene, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice extract), Aframomum angustifolium seed extract, Diosgenin (wild yam), N6 furfuryladenine (kinetin), and Ergothioneine. Through researching each of these botanical ingredients, we have concluded that randomized controlled trials are still needed in this area, but there is promise in some of these ingredients and science to validate them.

Fragrance material review on alpha-santalol

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of alpha-santalol when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.

Fragrance contact dermatitis in Korea: a joint study

The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of responses to selected fragrances in patients with suspected fragrance allergy and to evaluate the risk factors. 9 dermatology departments of university hospitals have participated in this study for the past 1 year. To determine allergic response to fragrances, 18 additional fragrances in addition to the Korean standard and a commercial fragrance series were patch-tested in patients with suspecting cosmetic contact dermatitis. Over 80% of the patients were women, and the most common site was the face. Cinnamic alcohol and sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.) showed high frequencies of positive responses. Of the specific fragrances, ebanol, alpha-isomethyl-ionone (methyl ionone-gamma) and Lyral (hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexane carboxdaldehyde) showed high positive responses. We compared the results obtained during this study with those of other studies and concluded that including additional fragrance allergens may be useful for the detection of fragrance allergy.

Critical incident: idiosyncratic allergic reactions to essential oils

Essential oils have the potential to initiate allergic reactions due to their volatile and skin absorbent nature. Practitioners and aromatherapy teachers need to be aware of the potential for allergies and be equipped to deal with them if they should arise. Two cases are presented of potentially serious reactions that occurred within a learning situation along with a brief literature critique about allergic reactions to essential oils.

Fragrance allergy and hand eczema - a review

Because hand eczema and fragrance allergy are common both among patients and in the general population, simultaneous occurrence by chance must be expected. Fragrances are ubiquitous and a part of many domestic and occupational products intended for hand exposure. The present review is based on a systematic literature research using both a manual and a Medline based search. The search identified 39 studies, including epidemiological patch test studies, general population patch test studies, case studies, and studies of occupational groups. The published data indicate a possible association between fragrance allergy and hand eczema. In future studies, a more detailed exposure assessment is needed, combined with patch test studies among patients with hand eczema tested with relevant fragrance allergens, as well as experimental control exposure studies to specific fragrance allergens on the hands. As exposures to fragrances on the hands are often simultaneous exposures to irritants, this combined exposure approach needs to be considered.

Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): a frequent skin sensitizer in Europe

BACKGROUND

Peel oil from citrus fruits consists of R-(+)-limonene, which is one of the most commonly used fragrance materials in technical products and in fine fragrances. This substance forms allergenic oxidation products during handling and storage.

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to study the frequency of allergic reactions to oxidized R-(+)-limonene in patients with dermatitis and find a suitable test preparation.

METHOD

Patch testing with oxidized R-(+)-limonene was performed on 2273 patients at 4 dermatology clinics in Europe.

RESULTS

Of the consecutive patients tested, 3.8% to 3.9% had positive reactions in two of the clinics; 6.5% had positive reactions in the third clinic; and 0.3% had positive reactions in the fourth clinic. A total of 63 patients showed positive reactions. In total, 57% of the patients did not react to fragrance mix or balsam of Peru. We recommend testing with 3% oxidized R-(+)-limonene in patients referred for patch testing.

CONCLUSION

The high frequency of oxidized limonene allergy provides clinical evidence for the European classification of R-(+)-limonene that contains oxidation products as skin sensitizers.

Further important sensitizers in patients sensitive to fragrances

In order to find sensitizers additional to the current fragrance mix (FM) a series of fragrance materials (series II) was evaluated in 6 dermatological centres in Europe. 11 of the test materials were essential oils, the remaining 7 being either mixtures of isomers or simple chemicals of frequent usage in the perfume industry. 1606 patients were consecutively tested with series II and 8% FM. Each patient was classified regarding a history of adverse reactions to scented products: certain, probable, questionable, none. Reactions to FM occurred most frequently in 11.4% of the subjects. The 6 materials with the highest reactivity after the FM were ylang-ylang oil (YY) I (2.6%), YY II (2.5%), lemongrass oil (1.6%), narcissus absolute (1.3%), jasmine absolute (1.2%) and sandalwood oil (0.9%). 48 (3.0%) of the patients reacted only to materials of series II and not to FM. 6.0% of 1606 patients gave a history of adverse reactions to fragrances which was classified as certain. This group reacted to FM only in 22.9%, to series II and FM in 15.6% and to series II only in 5.2%. 63.5% of the patients reacting to both FM and 1 of the materials of series II had some type of positive fragrance history, which was higher in comparison to those with isolated reactions to FM (46.2% of 121) or to series II, respectively, (45.8% of 48). However, this difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the materials of series II identified a further subset of patients with a fragrance problem, which would have been missed by the current FM as the single screening tool for patch testing.

Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to essential oils

Allergic contact dermatitis from the topical use of essential oils is not widely recognized as an occupational hazard. Four cases of allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils occurring in three aromatherapists and one chemist with a particular interest in aromatherapy are described. All presented with predominantly hand dermatitis and demonstrated sensitization to multiple essential oils. One patient developed a recurrence of cutaneous symptoms following ingestion of lemongrass tea. Workers within this industry should be aware of the sensitization potential of these products and the risk of limiting their ability to continue employment.

Fragrance contact dermatitis - a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part III)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of responses to selected fragrance materials in patients who were fragrance sensitive. 218 fragrance sensitive subjects were evaluated in eight centres worldwide with a fragrance mixture (FM) and 17 less well-studied fragrance materials. Reaction to the fragrance mixture (FM) occurred in 76% of the subjects. The (FM) detected all reactions to nerol and hydroxycitronellol and 93% of the reactions to clove bud oil. Ten fragrance materials were not detected by the FM and deserve further study: benzenepropanol, beta, beta, 3-trimethyl, hexyl-salicylate, dl-citronellol, synthetic ylang ylang oil, benzyl mixture, cyclohexyl-acetate, eugenyl methyl ether, isoeugenyl methyl ether, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, and 3, 7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol.