Myrtle

Myrtle

What is it?

• Myrtle is a plant most often found in Mediterranean regions. The berries. leaves, flowers, and essential oils of plants have been used in traditional medicines.

What is it used for?

• The myrtle plant can be taken for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effects. Additionally, it can be used to help treat Gl disturbances (ulcers, diarrhea, reflux) and decrease hyperglycemia in diabetics. Although more studies are needed, myrtle plants can offer cardiovascular protection.

How does it work in the body?

• It is unknown how myrtle reacts in the human body.

Evidence:

• Evidence is extremely limited in the human population.

• Antioxidant: Myrtle as an antioxidant has been studied in fish. A study conducted in 2017 concluded myrtle was found to produce higher levels of ghrelin (increasing appetite), improve lipid metabolism, and act as an anti-oxidant agent.

• Anti-inflammatory: Myrtle has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects; however, current studies are primarily assessing mice.

• Antimicrobial: Myrtle extracts have been shown to exhibit antibacterial effects by making the cell more permeable and allowing the contents inside the cell to leak out and elicit change. In one study, the extracts if myrtle. stopped the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, however, no effects were found for Gram-negative bacteria.

• GI: Myrtle has also been found to have promising effects on gastrointestinal diseases, specifically in rats. The gastrointestinal benefits are thought to be related to myrtle's antioxidant effects.

• DM: A study from 2019, assessed the effects of myrtle berry extract on diabetic rats. After ingestion, levels of hyperglycemia reduced.

Dosage:

• Recommended dosage in humans is not well enough studied to provide recommendations.

Interactions:

• No well-studied medication interactions,