Tea Tree Oil • Herbal extracts of Usnea & Calendula in a base of Cocoa Butter & Purified Bees Wax .
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Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Super Suppositories. 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
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Super Suppositories. 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. Beeswax has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). ...when used orally as a medicinal agent (11)....when used topically (11,55245,96328,96329).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of medicinal amounts of beeswax during pregnancy and lactation.
LIKELY SAFE ...when the flower preparations are used orally or topically and appropriately (4,19779,36931,39503,93552,93557,96647,105088).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally; contraindicated due to spermatocide, antiblastocyst, and abortifacient effects.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of calendula when used topically during pregnancy (4).
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (13161,14306,14307,14308,15655,15752,17187,92271,92274,103247)(103250,108898). However, cocoa naturally contains caffeine, and caffeine may be unsafe when used orally in doses of more than 400 mg daily (11733,98806). While most cocoa products contain only small amounts of caffeine (about 2-35 mg per serving) (2708,3900), one cup of unsweetened, dry cocoa powder can contain up to 198 mg of caffeine (100515). To be on the safe side, cocoa should be used in amounts that provide less than 400 mg of caffeine daily. Keep in mind that only the amount of ADDED caffeine must be stated on product labels. The amount of caffeine naturally found in ingredients such as cocoa does not need to be provided. This can make it difficult to determine the total amount of caffeine in a given product. Cocoa and dark chocolate products worldwide also contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. In the US, one ounce (approximately 28 grams) of most commercially available dark chocolate products tested contained levels of lead and/or cadmium above the maximum allowable dose level for California, with cadmium levels generally increasing with the percentage of cocoa (109847,109848,109849). Advise patients to consume cocoa in moderation. ...when used topically. Cocoa butter is used extensively as a base for ointments and suppositories and is generally considered safe (11).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when dark chocolate is used orally.
Cocoa and dark chocolate products worldwide contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. In the US, one ounce (approximately 28 grams) of most commercially available dark chocolate products tested contained levels of lead and/or cadmium above the maximum allowable dose level for California, with cadmium levels generally increasing with the percentage of cocoa (109847,109848,109849). Children are at increased risk of adverse effects from intake of lead and/or cadmium. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of other chocolate-based products that typically contain smaller quantities of cocoa.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally in moderate amounts.
However, due to the caffeine content of cocoa preparations, intake should be closely monitored during pregnancy to ensure moderate consumption. Fetal blood concentrations of caffeine approximate maternal concentrations (4260). Some research has found that intrauterine exposure to even modest amounts of caffeine, based on maternal blood levels during the first trimester, is associated with a shorter stature in children ages 4-8 years (109846). While many cocoa products contain only small amounts of caffeine (about 2-35 mg per serving) (2708,3900), unsweetened, dry cocoa powder can contain up to 198 mg of caffeine per cup (100515). According to a review by Health Canada, and a subsequent large meta-analysis conducted in the US, doses of up to 300 mg daily can be consumed during pregnancy without an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, still birth, preterm birth, fetal growth retardation, or congenital malformations (11733,98806). To be on the safe side, cocoa should be used in amounts that provide less than 300 mg of caffeine daily. Keep in mind that only the amount of ADDED caffeine must be stated on product labels. The amount of caffeine found in ingredients such as cocoa, which naturally contains caffeine, does not need to be provided. This can make it difficult to determine the total amount of caffeine in a given product.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in large amounts.
Caffeine found in cocoa crosses the placenta producing fetal blood concentrations similar to maternal levels (4260). Consumption of caffeine in amounts over 300 mg daily is associated with a significantly increased risk of miscarriage in some studies (16014,98806). Additionally, high intake of caffeine during pregnancy have been associated with premature delivery, low birth weight, and loss of the fetus (6). While many cocoa products contain only small amounts of caffeine (about 2-35 mg per serving) (2708,3900), unsweetened, dry cocoa powder can contain up to 198 mg of caffeine per cup (100515). To be on the safe side, cocoa should be used in amounts that provide less than 300 mg of caffeine daily (2708). Keep in mind that only the amount of ADDED caffeine must be stated on product labels. The amount of caffeine found in ingredients such as cocoa, which naturally contains caffeine, does not need to be provided. This can make it difficult to determine the total amount of caffeine in a given product. Cocoa and dark chocolate products worldwide also contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. In the US, one ounce (approximately 28 grams) of most commercially available dark chocolate products tested contained levels of lead and/or cadmium above the maximum allowable dose level for California, with cadmium levels generally increasing with the percentage of cocoa (109847,109848,109849). Large doses or excessive intake of cocoa should be avoided during pregnancy.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used in moderate amounts or in amounts commonly found in foods.
Due to the caffeine content of cocoa preparations, intake should be closely monitored while breastfeeding. During lactation, breast milk concentrations of caffeine are thought to be approximately 50% of serum concentrations. Moderate consumption of cocoa would likely result in very small amounts of caffeine exposure to a nursing infant (6). Keep in mind that only the amount of ADDED caffeine must be stated on product labels. The amount of caffeine found in ingredients such as cocoa, which naturally contains caffeine, does not need to be provided. This can make it difficult to determine the total amount of caffeine in a given product.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in large amounts.
Consumption of excess chocolate (16 oz per day) may cause irritability and increased bowel activity in the infant (6026). Cocoa and dark chocolate products worldwide also contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. In the US, one ounce (approximately 28 grams) of most commercially available dark chocolate products tested contained levels of lead and/or cadmium above the maximum allowable dose level for California, with cadmium levels generally increasing with the percentage of cocoa (109847,109848,109849). Large doses or excessive intake of cocoa should be avoided during lactation.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately for up to 12 weeks (1538,4028,4031,4445,7032,8573,19157,19158,19159,19163)(19318,109944,109945).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Tea tree oil has been reported to cause significant toxicity when used orally (4028,10011,19166,19168,19170,109947).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately.
Tea tree oil 5% preparations have been used with apparent safety in children (8573).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic (4030,10010,10013,11799).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately (512).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic (515).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately (12).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally. There are case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with compounds containing usnic acid, a constituent of usnea (7091,81595,81600,81607,81612,81619).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Super Suppositories. 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, calendula might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants, although this appears to be unlikely.
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Theoretically, taking cocoa with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
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Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing (11771).
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Alcohol reduces caffeine metabolism. Concomitant use of alcohol can increase caffeine serum concentrations and the risk of caffeine adverse effects (6370).
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Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Clinical research shows that intake of cocoa can inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation, and activity (6085,17076,41928,41948,41957,41958,41995,42014,42070,42145)(111526) and increase aspirin-induced bleeding time (23800). For patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, cocoa may enhance the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, but not aspirin, on platelet aggregation (111526).
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Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
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Theoretically, large amounts of cocoa might increase the cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Theoretically, large amounts of caffeine might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists (15). A case of atrial fibrillation associated with consumption of large quantities of chocolate in a patient with chronic albuterol inhalation abuse has also been reported (42075).
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine in cocoa.
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine found in cocoa.
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) (3941,5051,11741,23557,23573,23580,24958,24959,24960,24962), (24964,24965,24967,24968,24969,24971,38081,48603). Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 may decrease the clearance rate of caffeine from cocoa and increase caffeine levels.
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Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation (11770,11772). It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests (11770). Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing (11771).
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Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the rate of caffeine clearance (11840).
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Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects.
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Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism (2714).
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Theoretically, fluconazole might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Fluconazole decreases caffeine clearance by approximately 25% (11022).
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Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide (23553).
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Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism (6370).
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Theoretically, abrupt cocoa withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
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Theoretically, methoxsalen might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Methoxsalen can reduce caffeine metabolism (23572).
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Theoretically, metformin might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that metformin can reduce caffeine metabolism (23571).
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Theoretically, mexiletine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis (15).
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly (36549).
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Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital (13742).
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Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
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Theoretically, phenothiazines might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
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Theoretically, quinolone antibiotics might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2, and concomitant use might reduce metabolism of one or both agents (11739).
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Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use might increase the risk of stimulant adverse effects (11832).
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Theoretically, terbinafine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Terbinafine decreases the rate of caffeine clearance (11740).
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Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
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Theoretically, cocoa tea might increase the levels and adverse effects of tiagabine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that chronic caffeine administration can increase the serum concentrations of tiagabine. However, concomitant use does not seem to reduce the antiepileptic effects of tiagabine (23561).
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Theoretically, ticlopidine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that ticlopidine can inhibit caffeine metabolism (23557). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of valproate and increase the risk for convulsions.
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Theoretically, verapamil might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
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Cocoa contains caffeine. Verapamil increases plasma caffeine concentrations by 25% (11741).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Super Suppositories. 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, beeswax is well tolerated.
Allergic reactions to beeswax are possible in some patients (11).
Topically, beeswax may cause allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, this reaction is likely caused by the propolis component of beeswax (55245,102517).
Dermatologic ...Topically, beeswax may cause allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, this reaction is likely caused by the propolis component of beeswax (55245,102517). While this reaction is thought to be rare in the general population, one cross-sectional study found that 18% of patients with a history of cheilitis or facial dermatitis experienced positive reactions to beeswax. While most of these patients also had a positive reaction to a propolis patch test, some did not, suggesting that a substance in beeswax itself may be involved in this sensitization (102517).
Immunologic ...Orally, beeswax may cause allergic reactions (11). Topically, beeswax may cause allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, this reaction is likely caused by the propolis component of beeswax (102517).
General
...Orally and topically, calendula is generally well tolerated.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All ROAs: Allergic reactions.
Dermatologic ...Topically, a preparation containing calendula powder 0. 1% resulted in inflammation around the wound to which it was applied (96647). Burning sensation, itching, redness, and scaling were reported rarely in patients applying a combination of calendula, licorice, and snail secretion filtrate to the face. The specific role of calendula is unclear (110322).
Immunologic ...Orally, calendula can cause allergic reactions. Topically, calendula can cause eczematous allergic reactions. Calendula-specific patch testing is recommended prior to usage to determine allergenic potential. Testing is particularly necessary in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (10691,11458,96647). Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs. A preparation containing calendula powder 0.1% resulted in hives in a patient with a ragweed allergy (96647). Despite the widespread use of calendula and the occurrence of allergies to other family members, there has been only one report of anaphylaxis (11152).
General
...Orally and topically, cocoa is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Borborygmi, constipation, diuresis, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, and nausea.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Tachycardia.
Cardiovascular ...Some cases of increased heart rate have been reported with oral cocoa use (13161,42132).
Dermatologic ...In some cases, when taken orally, cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions (13161). Topically, cocoa butter has occasionally caused a rash. In animals, it has been shown to block pores and cause acne; however, this has not been found in humans (11).
Gastrointestinal ...In human trials, chocolate consumption was associated with a higher incidence of flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, gastric upset, borborygmi (a gurgling noise made by fluid or gas in the intestines), bloating, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or obstipation (41986,42221,41921,1374,42220,1373,42099,42097,42156,42123,18229,42169,42111). Chocolate consumption has been implicated as a provoking factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (41974,42005,41946,1374). Unpalatability has been reported (42079,42169). Consumption of chocolate and other sweet foods may lead to increased dental caries (42129,42030).
Genitourinary ...In some cases, when taken orally, cocoa can cause increased urination (13161).
Neurologic/CNS ...In some cases, when taken orally, cocoa can cause shakiness and might trigger migraine and other headaches (13161,42169,92271).
Other ...Due to the high sugar and caloric content of chocolate, there is concern about weight gain in people who consume large amounts of chocolate (17187).
General
...Orally, tea tree oil can cause significant toxicity and should not be used.
Topically, tea tree oil is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Allergic reactions, burning, dryness, irritation, pruritus, redness, and stinging.
Dermatologic
...Ingestion of as little as 2.
5 mL of tea tree oil can cause petechial body rash. It can take up to a week for symptoms to resolve (10011).
Topically, tea tree oil is usually well tolerated. However, it can cause local irritation and inflammation in some patients. Treatment with topical corticosteroids may be needed in some cases (10033,13713,19176,91442,91443,109946,109947). Severe allergic contact dermatitis has also been reported (109948). Tea tree oil can cause skin dryness, and less frequently pruritus, stinging, burning, and redness in patients with acne (8573,91447,109947). It may also cause mild oral mucosal burning (4445).
Endocrine ...In one case, a prepubertal male who used a hair styling gel and shampoo product containing both tea tree oil and lavender oil developed gynecomastia. The gynecomastia resolved when the products were discontinued. It is possible that this effect was due to lavender oil, which has been associated with other cases of gynecomastia in prepubertal males (15254).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, tea tree oil can cause eucalyptus-like odor on the breath. In young children, ingestion of 10 mL or less of tea tree oil can cause this effect (4030,10010,11799).
Hematologic ...Orally, as little as 2. 5 mL of tea tree oil can cause neutrophil leukocytosis. It can take up to a week for symptoms to resolve (10011).
Immunologic
...Orally, tea tree oil can cause or worsen systemic contact dermatitis (4028,19168).
Topically, tea tree oil is usually well tolerated. However, it can cause allergic contact eczema and allergic contact dermatitis in some children and adults. Corticosteroids may be needed in some cases (658,4027,4028,4029,10015,10029,10030,10031,10032)(91443,105242,105244).
In young children, ingestion of 10 mL or less of tea tree oil can cause significant ataxia, drowsiness, disorientation, and coma (4030,10010,11799).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, tea tree oil can cause ataxia and CNS depression (109947).
Ocular/Otic ...There is some concern that topical use of tea tree oil in the middle ear for treatment of ear infections might cause ototoxicity. There is preliminary evidence from animal research that preparations of pure tea tree oil can cause ototoxicity and impaired hearing. However, so far there are no reports of ototoxicity in humans. Until more is known, tell patients to avoid pure or highly concentrated tea tree oil preparations. Concentrations of 2% seem less likely to have this effect (7025).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, tea tree oil can cause dyspnea and pneumonitis (109947).
General
...There is currently a limited amount of information about the adverse effects of usnea.
Orally, usnea might be unsafe. The constituent usnic acid has been associated with hepatotoxicity. Topically, usnea is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Usnic acid, a constituent of usnea, can cause conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, and local irritation.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Usnic acid, a constituent of usnea, has been associated with reports of hepatotoxicity.
Dermatologic ...Topically, a compound containing zinc sulfate and usnic acid, a constituent of usnea, has been reported to cause local irritation and contact dermatitis (81573).
Hepatic ...Orally, usnic acid, a constituent of usnea, has been associated with reports of hepatotoxicity. From July to December 2000 there were at least seven cases of acute hepatotoxicity in patients taking LipoKinetix, a product containing usnic acid as sodium usniate. Symptoms including nausea, weakness and fatigue, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin usually developed from 2 weeks to 3 months after starting LipoKinetix and resolved upon discontinuation (7091). It is unclear if the sodium usniate ingredient is the cause of these adverse events. There are also individual case reports suggesting the development of hepatotoxicity related to the use of other weight loss products containing usnic acid (81595,81600,81607,81612,81619).
Immunologic ...Topically, usnea and its constituent, usnic acid, can cause allergic contact dermatitis with respiratory symptoms (11720,81580,81632).
Ocular/Otic ...Topically, usnic acid, a constituent of usnea, can cause conjunctivitis (11720).