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Oil of bitter orange: new topical antifungal agent

W Ramadan1, B Mourad, S Ibrahim

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.

International Journal of Dermatology
|June 1, 1996
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oil of bitter orange (OBO) shows promise as a topical antifungal treatment for resistant superficial dermatophyte infections. Different OBO concentrations were tested, with positive results and minimal side effects observed.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Natural Products

Background:

  • Superficial dermatophyte infections are common and can be resistant to conventional therapies.
  • Existing treatments for fungal skin infections sometimes face challenges with efficacy and resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of oil of bitter orange (OBO) as a topical antifungal agent.
  • To compare different concentrations and application frequencies of OBO for treating dermatophyte infections.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty patients with superficial dermatophyte infections were divided into three groups.
  • Group 1 received 25% OBO emulsion TID; Group 2 received 20% OBO in alcohol TID; Group 3 received pure OBO QD.
  • Clinical and mycological assessments were conducted weekly until cure.

Main Results:

  • Group 1 (25% OBO emulsion) achieved an 80% cure rate within 1-2 weeks.
  • Group 2 (20% OBO in alcohol) showed a 50% cure rate in 1-2 weeks.
  • Group 3 (pure OBO) demonstrated a high cure rate (93.3%) in 1-3 weeks, with mild irritation as the only side effect.

Conclusions:

  • Oil of bitter orange exhibits fungistatic and fungicidal properties against dermatophytes.
  • OBO is a potentially effective, affordable, and accessible topical antifungal treatment.
  • Further research supports OBO as a promising agent for superficial fungal infections.

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