Therapeutic properties of myrtle essential oil: an in vitro study on human nasal mucosa cells

Inflammatory processes of the upper airways are common conditions in the general population. In the last decade rhinitis and asthma have significantly affected children as well. Consequently, the request for drugs with a favorable side effects profile has become more and more urgent. We describe histologic actions of myrtle essential oil (Myrtus communis L.) on human nasal mucosa cells harvested from patients with rhinitis. In vitro experimental results seem to confirm historical data on the ability of myrtle essential oil to exert anti-inflammatory and mucolytic actions on the upper airway epithelium and are supported by morphological analyses of samples by light and electron microscopy. The mechanism of action remains to be determined but might include activation of epithelial cells and subsequent recovery from inflammation and restitutio ad integrum.