Citrus aurantium (orange) • Tangerine (citrus nobilis) • Jasmine (jasminum officinale) • Ylang Ylang (cananga odorata) • Spruce (picea mariana) • Sandalwood (santalum album) • Lemongrass (cymbopogon flexuousis) • Citrus aurantium (neroli).
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Inner Child Essential Oil. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Inner Child Essential Oil. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Bitter orange has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912,35751).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when bitter orange essential oil is used topically or by inhalation as aromatherapy (6972,7107,98331,104186,104187,108642).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally for medicinal purposes. Although single doses of synephrine, or low daily doses used short-term, may be safe in healthy adults (2040,11269,15381,35757,35759,91681,97256,98332), laboratory analyses raise concerns that many marketed bitter orange products contain higher amounts of synephrine and other natural and synthetic amines than on the label, increasing the risk for serious stimulant-related adverse effects (104185). Additionally, there is a lack of agreement regarding a safe daily dose of synephrine. Health Canada has approved 50 mg of p-synephrine daily when used alone, or 40 mg of p-synephrine in combination with up to 320 mg of caffeine daily in healthy adults (91684). The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Germany recommends that supplements should provide no more than 6.7 mg of synephrine daily. This recommendation is meant to ensure that patients who frequently consume synephrine in conventional foods will receive no more than 25.7 mg daily (91290). These limits are intended to reduce the risk for serious adverse effects. There have been several case reports of ischemic stroke and cardiotoxicity including tachyarrhythmia, cardiac arrest, syncope, angina, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia, and death in otherwise healthy patients who have taken bitter orange extract alone or in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine (2040,6979,12030,13039,13067,14326,14342,91680).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in the amounts found in foods.
Bitter orange has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally for medicinal purposes.
There are case reports of cardiotoxicity including tachyarrhythmia, syncope, and myocardial infarction in otherwise healthy adults who have taken bitter orange extract alone or in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine (2040,6979,12030,13039,13067,14326,14342,91680). The effects of bitter orange during lactation are unknown; avoid use.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in the amounts commonly found in foods. Jasmine has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of jasmine in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts greater than those found in food.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Lemongrass has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally or topically, short-term for medicinal purposes. Dried leaves of lemongrass or lemongrass essential oil have been safely used in studies lasting up to 2 weeks (6,12,2612,93950). ...when the essential oil of lemongrass is used by inhalation as a component of aromatherapy (2612).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Lemongrass seems to have uterine and menstrual flow stimulating effects (12); avoid using.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of hemlock spruce.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Tangerine has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of tangerine when used orally or topically as a medicine.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. White sandalwood oil has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally for longer than 6 weeks. Use for more than 6 weeks is associated with kidney damage (12,19). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of white sandalwood when inhaled or when used topically in amounts greater than those found in cosmetics.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts; sandalwood is reported to have abortifacient effects (19); avoid using.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts commonly found in foods. Ylang ylang oil has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of ylang ylang oil when used orally or topically in medicinal amounts.
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in food.
Ylang ylang oil has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used topically.
Ylang ylang oil has been used with apparent safety as three applications to the scalp at 5-day intervals (13483). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of ylang ylang oil when used orally in medicinal amounts in children.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in food.
Ylang ylang oil has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using ylang ylang oil in medicinal amounts.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Inner Child Essential Oil. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Details
Some clinical research shows that drinking a tea containing bitter orange and Indian snakeroot reduces fasting and postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are using antidiabetes drugs (35751). However, it is unclear if these effects are due to bitter orange, Indian snakeroot, or the combination. An animal study also shows that p-synephrine in combination with gliclazide , a sulfonylurea, causes an additional 20% to 44% decrease in glucose levels when compared with gliclazide alone (95658).
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Bitter orange might increase blood pressure and heart rate when taken with caffeine.
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Bitter orange might affect colchicine levels.
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Colchicine is a substrate of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Bitter orange has been reported to inhibit CYP3A4 and increase levels of CYP3A4 substrates (7029,11362,93470). However, one small clinical study in healthy adults shows that drinking bitter orange juice 240 mL twice daily for 4 days and taking a single dose of colchicine 0.6 mg on the 4th day decreases colchicine peak serum levels by 24%, time to peak serum level by 1 hour, and overall exposure to colchicine by 20% (35762). The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.
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Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
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In vitro research shows that octopamine, a constituent of bitter orange, weakly inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes (91878). This effect has not been reported in humans.
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Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
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Small clinical studies suggest that single or multiple doses of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 200-240 mL can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of drugs (7029,11362,93470), causing increased drug levels and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. However, the extent of the effect of bitter orange on CYP3A4-mediated drug interactions is unknown. Some evidence suggests that bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal CYP3A4, but not hepatic CYP3A4. Its effect on P-glycoprotein, which strongly overlaps with CYP3A4 interactions, is unclear (7029,11269,11270,11362). One small clinical study shows that drinking 8 ounces of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice has no effect on cyclosporine, which seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein than intestinal CYP3A4 (11270).
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Bitter orange might increase blood levels of dextromethorphan.
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One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases dextromethorphan levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition (11362). Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for dextromethorphan-related adverse effects.
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Bitter orange might increase blood levels of felodipine.
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One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases felodipine levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition (7029). Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for felodipine-related adverse effects.
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Bitter orange might increase blood levels of indinavir.
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One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice slightly increases indinavir levels, but this effect is likely to be clinically insignificant. Bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4); however, the metabolism of indinavir seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4 (11269). The effect of bitter orange on other protease inhibitors has not been studied.
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Bitter orange might increase blood levels of midazolam.
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One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice can increase midazolam levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (7029). Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of midazolam-related adverse effects.
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Theoretically, taking MAOIs with synephrine-containing bitter orange preparations might increase the hypertensive effects of synephrine, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis.
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Theoretically, bitter orange might have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval, potentially increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
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One case report suggests that taking bitter orange in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine might prolong the QT interval in some patients (13039).
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Bitter orange juice might increase blood levels of sildenafil.
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A small clinical study in healthy adult males shows that drinking freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 250 mL daily for 3 days and taking a single dose of sildenafil 50 mg on the 3rd day increases the peak plasma concentration of sildenafil by 18% and the overall exposure to sildenafil by 44%. Theoretically, this may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bitter orange (93470).
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Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
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Theoretically, lemongrass might decrease the metabolism of CYP1A1 substrates.
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Animal research shows that lemongrass and its constituent citral inhibit CYP1A1 (97051).
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Theoretically, lemongrass might decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.
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Animal research shows that lemongrass and its constituent citral inhibit CYP3A4 (97051).
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Theoretically, lemongrass might increase the clearance and decrease the levels of glucuronidated drugs.
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Animal research shows that lemongrass and its constituent citral induce uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation (97051).
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Theoretically, lemongrass might increase the effects and adverse effects of pentobarbital.
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Animal research shows that high doses of lemongrass essential oil increases sleep time and decreases time to fall asleep in animals administered pentobarbital.
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In vitro, tangeretin, a constituent of tangerine, induces a 52% increase in the metabolism of midazolam by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (28609). This suggests that tangeretin may stimulate CYP3A4 activity. However, in humans, drinking tangerine juice 200 mL slightly delayed the absorption, but did not affect the metabolism, of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate (28609). Theoretically, tangerine juice might increase CYP3A4 activity and decrease levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, this effect is unlikely.
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Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include amitriptyline (Elavil), amiodarone (Cordarone), citalopram (Celexa), felodipine (Plendil), lansoprazole (Prevacid), ondansetron (Zofran), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), sertraline (Zoloft), sibutramine (Meridia), and many others.
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In vitro, tangeretin, a constituent of tangerine, appears to increase the metabolism of midazolam in human liver microsomes by up to 52% (28609). However, in humans, drinking tangerine juice 200 mL slightly delayed the absorption, but did not affect the metabolism, of midazolam (28609). Theoretically, tangerine juice might increase the metabolism and reduce the effects of midazolam. However, this effect is unlikely.
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White sandalwood is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, white sandalwood might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Inner Child Essential Oil. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, bitter orange might be unsafe when used in medicinal amounts.
Topically and when inhaled as aromatherapy, bitter orange seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Hypertension and tachycardia, particularly when used in combination with caffeine and/or other stimulant ingredients.
Topically: Skin irritation.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Myocardial infarction, QT prolongation, seizures, stroke, syncope, tachyarrhythmia, and ventricular fibrillation have been reported in patients taking bitter orange in combination with other ingredients. It is unclear if these effects are due to bitter orange, other ingredients, or the combination.
Cardiovascular
...Bitter orange, which contains adrenergic agonists synephrine and octopamine, may cause hypertension and cardiovascular toxicity when taken orally (2040,6969,6979).
Studies evaluating the effect of bitter orange on cardiovascular parameters have been mixed. Several studies show that taking bitter orange alone or in combination with caffeine increases blood pressure and heart rate. In one clinical study, bitter orange in combination with caffeine increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in otherwise healthy normotensive adults (13657). In another study, a single dose of bitter orange 900 mg, standardized to 6% synephrine (54 mg), also increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate for up to 5 hours in young, healthy adults (13774). Using half that dose of bitter orange and providing half as much synephrine, did not seem to significantly increase blood pressure or QT interval in healthy adults (14311). Increased diastolic, but not systolic, blood pressure or heart rate also occurred in a clinical trial involving a specific supplement containing synephrine 21 mg and caffeine 304 mg (Ripped Fuel Extreme Cut, Twinlab) (35743). Synephrine given intravenously to males increased systolic blood pressure, but lacked an effect on diastolic blood pressure or heart rate (12193).
In clinical research and case reports, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, QT prolongation, ischemic stroke, variant angina, and myocardial infarction have occurred with use of bitter orange or synephrine-containing multi-ingredient products (12030,13039,13067,13091,13657,14326,35749,91680). In one case report, a combination product containing bitter orange may have masked bradycardia and hypotension while exacerbating weight loss in a 16 year-old female with an eating disorder taking the product for weight loss (35740). From 1998 to 2004, Health Canada received 16 reports of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions such as tachycardia, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, blackout, and collapse. In two of these cases, the patient died. In almost all of these cases, bitter orange was combined with another stimulant such as caffeine, ephedrine, or both (14342).
Other research has found no significant effect of bitter orange on blood pressure or heart rate. Several clinical studies have reported that, when taken as a single dose or in divided doses ranging from 20-100 mg for one day, p-synephrine had no significant effect on blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram results or adverse cardiovascular events in healthy adults (35772,91681,91681,95659,101708) Similarly, no difference in blood pressure, heart rate or electrocardiogram results were reported when p-synephrine from bitter orange (Advantra Z/Kinetic; Nutratech/Novel Ingredients Inc.) was taken for 6 weeks in healthy patients (11268). Another clinical study showed no significant effect of bitter orange (Nutratech Inc.), standardized to synephrine 20 mg, on blood pressure or heart rate when taken daily for 8 weeks in healthy males (95656). In other research, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or QTc interval were lacking when bitter orange was given alone or in combination with caffeine and green tea (14311,35753,35755,35764,35769,35770). In one study of healthy adults, taking a single dose of p-synephrine 103 mg actually reduced mean diastolic blood pressure by 0.4-4 mmHg at 1 and 2 hours after administration when compared with placebo (95659).
A meta-analysis of clinical trials in adults with or without obesity suggests that taking p-synephrine 6-214 mg orally daily does not affect blood pressure or heart rate when used short-term, but modestly increases blood pressure and heart rate when taken for 56-60 days (109950).
The effect of bitter orange on blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram results in patients with underlying conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease, is unknown and requires further study.
Dermatologic ...Photosensitivity may occur, particularly in fair-skinned people (11909). In a clinical trial, topical application with bitter orange essential oil resulted in irritation (6972).
Endocrine ...Some clinical research shows that taking a specific supplement containing 21 mg of synephrine and 304 mg of caffeine (Ripped Fuel Extreme Cut, Twinlab) increases levels of postprandial glucose (35743). Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific pre-workout supplement (Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout, Nutrabolt) along with a bitter orange extract standardized for synephrine 20 mg (Nutratech Inc.) 30 minutes once before exercise causes a significant 12% increase in glucose (95657); however, there is no difference in blood glucose when compared with placebo when this combination is taken daily for 8 weeks (95656). The effect of bitter orange itself is unclear.
Gastrointestinal ...Bitter orange has been linked to a report of ischemic colitis. In one case, a 52-year-old female developed ischemic colitis after taking a bitter orange-containing supplement (NaturalMax Skinny Fast, Nutraceutical Corporation) for a week. Symptoms resolved within 48 hours after discontinuing the supplement (15186). As this product contains various ingredients, the effect of bitter orange itself is unclear.
Musculoskeletal ...Unsteady gait has been noted in one case report of a patient taking bitter orange (13091). In another case, an otherwise healthy, Black male with sickle cell trait, developed severe rhabdomyolysis following ingestion of a specific weight loss product (Lipo 6, Nutrex Research Inc.), which contained synephrine and caffeine (16054). However, other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific pre-workout supplement (Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout, Nutrabolt) along with a bitter orange extract standardized for synephrine 20 mg (Nutratech Inc.), taken 30 minutes once before exercise (95657) or daily for 8 weeks, does not affect creatine kinase or serum creatinine levels when compared with placebo (95656). As these products contain various ingredients, the effect of bitter orange itself is unclear.
Neurologic/CNS ...Dizziness, difficulty in concentrating, memory loss, syncope, seizure, and stroke have been noted in case reports following bitter orange administration (13091,13039). Theoretically, bitter orange may trigger a migraine or cluster headache due to its synephrine and octopamine content (35768). When used as aromatherapy, bitter orange essential oil has also been reported to cause headache in some patients (104187). Sprint athletes taking the bitter orange constituent p-synephrine 3 mg/kg (Synephrine HCL 99%, Nutrition Power) 60 minutes before exercises and sprinting reported more nervousness (mean difference 0.9) when compared with placebo on a Likert scale. Although statistically significant, this difference is not considered clinically significant (95655).
General ...Topically, jasmine may cause allergic contact dermatitis, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and type 1 hypersensitivity (56955,57027,57032,98684).
Immunologic ...Topically, jasmine essential oil and jasmine flower can cause allergic contact dermatitis (56955,57027,57032). Among patients who are sensitive to fragrance materials, jasmine may cause delayed-type hypersensitivity. The reported prevalence of this type of reaction ranges from 0.4% to 1.6% (89684). One case of type 1 hypersensitivity to jasmine has also been reported. The patient experienced chest tightness, wheezing, itchy skin, and macular erythematous eruption within minutes of exposure to jasmine. The eruption subsided within 20 minutes of moving away from the plant. An immunoblotting assay revealed IgE reactivity (98684).
General
...Lemongrass is generally well tolerated when taken orally, applied topically, or inhaled as aromatherapy.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Allergic reactions, irritation, rash.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Inhalation: Toxic alveolitis.
Dermatologic ...Topical use of lemongrass essential oil has caused a rash or irritation, possibly due to an allergic reaction (59513,59517,59567,59500). However, allergic reactions to topical use of lemongrass essential oil are rare (2,18).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...There have been two cases of toxic alveolitis associated with inhalation of an unknown quantity of lemongrass essential oil (2).
General ...None reported; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
General
...Orally, very few adverse effects have been reported with the medicinal use of tangerine.
However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Topically, contact dermatitis has been associated with tangerine essential oil (28610).
Dermatologic ...According to one case report, the essential oil of tangerine in a fragrance has been associated with contact dermatitis (28610).
Gastrointestinal ...In a case report, a 5 year-old patient had a phytobezoar that included tangerine residues (28611). In another case report, orange and tangerine caused obstruction of the small intestine (28612).
General ...Orally, white sandalwood may cause itching, nausea, gastrointestinal complaints, and blood in the urine (18). Use of large doses or for more than 6 weeks is associated with kidney damage (12,19). Topically, contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals (73081,73082,99292).
Dermatologic ...Orally, white sandalwood may cause itching (18).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, white sandalwood may cause nausea and gastrointestinal complaints (18).
Immunologic ...Topically or when inhaled, there are case reports of white sandalwood paste or oil causing contact and photoallergic contact dermatitis (73081,73082,99292).
Renal ...Orally, use of large doses of white sandalwood or for more than 6 weeks is associated with kidney damage, with blood in the urine (12,18,19).
General
...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of ylang ylang oil.
A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Dermatitis, pruritus.
Dermatologic ...Topically, ylang ylang oil in combination with other herbs can cause localized pruritus (13483).
Immunologic ...Topically, ylang ylang oil in combination with other herbs has caused contact dermatitis in various case reports (98615).