{ "slug": "coconut-oil-for-hemorrhoids", "question": "Does coconut oil or other natural oils (olive oil, castor oil, essential oils) help hemorrhoids?", "shortTitle": "Coconut Oil & Natural Oils for Hemorrhoids", "clinicalQuestion": "In adults with symptomatic hemorrhoids, does topical application of coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, or essential oils reduce symptoms (pain, itching, bleeding) or promote healing compared with no treatment or standard hemorrhoid care?", "pico": { "population": "Adults with symptomatic internal or external hemorrhoids", "intervention": "Topical application of coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, or essential oils (alone or as a blend)", "comparator": "No treatment, placebo, or standard hemorrhoid care such as topical corticosteroid/anesthetic creams or sitz baths", "outcomes": [ "Change in symptom score (pain, itching, burning)", "Rectal bleeding frequency or severity", "Time to symptom resolution", "Hemorrhoid size or grade regression", "Recurrence rate", "Adverse skin or anal reactions" ] }, "category": "anorectal", "relatedConditions": [ "hemorrhoids", "anal-fissure", "anal-itching" ], "relatedTreatments": [], "relatedEvidence": [], "bottomLine": { "verdict": "No study has tested whether coconut oil, plain olive oil, or castor oil alone relieve hemorrhoid symptoms in people.", "detail": "A few small trials tested products that contain natural oils — a myrtle essential oil ointment, a tea tree oil gel, and a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax — against placebo or standard hemorrhoid cream, and some found symptom improvement, but none isolate the oil itself, and none tested coconut oil, plain olive oil, or castor oil alone. In one surgical trial, castor oil was given to all patients as a pre-surgery bowel preparation, not as the treatment being compared, so it does not test whether castor oil helps hemorrhoids. Most of the remaining evidence comes from lab experiments or animal models, which cannot show what happens when a person applies these oils to their own hemorrhoids.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:28844211", "pmid:22492249", "pmid:17369999", "pmid:17013479" ] }, "strength": { "level": "very-low", "why": "The 6 human studies found measure a related question rather than this one, so they can only be read indirectly.", "override": null }, "direction": { "level": "not-studied", "why": "No study has measured this outcome in people with this condition.", "override": null }, "counts": { "recordsRetrieved": 67, "recordsScreened": 67, "included": 18, "rcts": 4, "systematicReviews": 0, "observational": 0, "participants": 414, "yearFrom": 2002, "yearTo": 2025, "registeredTrialsWithoutResults": 0 }, "excluded": [], "outcomes": [ { "name": "Symptom score (pain, itching, burning)", "status": "insufficient", "note": "Small trials of a myrtle oil ointment and a tea tree oil gel reported less itching or better overall symptoms than placebo or standard cream, but these used different oils than coconut, olive, or castor oil, and the trials were small and low quality.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:28844211", "pmid:22492249" ] }, { "name": "Rectal bleeding frequency or severity", "status": "insufficient", "note": "A tea tree oil gel trial and an uncontrolled case series using an olive oil, honey, and beeswax paste both reported less bleeding, but neither isolated olive oil or tested it in a controlled comparison.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:22492249", "pmid:17369999" ] }, { "name": "Time to symptom resolution", "status": "not-studied", "note": "No trial tracked how long it took symptoms to go away with coconut, olive, or castor oil, or with essential oils.", "studyIds": [] }, { "name": "Hemorrhoid size or grade regression", "status": "not-studied", "note": "No human study measured whether these oils shrink hemorrhoids or change their grade.", "studyIds": [] }, { "name": "Recurrence rate", "status": "not-studied", "note": "No study followed people long enough afterward to see whether hemorrhoids came back after using these oils.", "studyIds": [] }, { "name": "Adverse skin or anal reactions", "status": "insufficient", "note": "The small human trials did not report serious skin or anal reactions, but they were not designed specifically to check for them, so safety with regular use is unclear.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:22492249", "pmid:17369999" ] } ], "benefits": [ { "text": "Small trials of plant-based ointments containing essential oils — myrtle oil and a tea tree oil gel — reported less itching, pain, or bleeding than placebo or a standard hemorrhoid cream. This hints that some topical plant oils might ease symptoms, but these are different products from coconut, olive, or castor oil, and the trials were small.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:28844211", "pmid:22492249" ] }, { "text": "An uncontrolled case series found that a paste of honey, olive oil, and beeswax applied to hemorrhoids was linked with less bleeding and itching. Without a comparison group, though, this cannot show the olive oil itself caused the improvement.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:17369999" ] } ], "limitations": [ { "text": "Castor oil only appears in this evidence as a bowel-clearing laxative given before hemorrhoid surgery — it was not applied to hemorrhoids or tested as a treatment.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:17013479" ] }, { "text": "Most of the oils and plant extracts actually studied were tested in rats, mice, or lab dishes, and are not the coconut, olive, or castor oil sold in a kitchen aisle.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:39565131", "pmid:34688799", "pmid:29618451", "pmid:24032710", "pmid:12553891" ] }, { "text": "Several sources are narrative reviews, lab chemistry papers, or single case reports, which carry a high risk of bias and cannot show whether a treatment works.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:40808707", "pmid:33940085", "pmid:28745081", "pmid:25446467", "pmid:24200497", "pmid:21132119", "pmid:36399960" ] }, { "text": "The few actual randomised trials were small (36 to 200 people) and tested specific commercial products or herbal ointments; one trial gave castor oil to all patients only as a pre-surgery bowel preparation rather than testing it as a hemorrhoid treatment, so it does not provide evidence on natural oils used as a treatment.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:22492249", "pmid:17013479" ] } ], "risks": [ { "text": "None of the included studies reported serious harm from applying these oils or oil-containing products to the anal area; a few tracked itching, irritation, or redness as outcomes and did not find worsening, but these were small studies not designed mainly to test safety.", "studyIds": [ "pmid:31433782", "pmid:22492249", "pmid:17369999" ], "severity": "minor" } ], "whyPeopleTryIt": [ { "text": "These oils are cheap, already in the kitchen, and feel soothing when applied to sore skin." }, { "text": "Hemorrhoid creams can feel like 'chemicals,' so natural oils seem like a gentler option." }, { "text": "Wellness websites and social media often repeat traditional folk remedies as if they were proven cures." }, { "text": "Applying something feels like taking action while waiting for symptoms to settle on their own." } ], "keyStudies": [ "pmid:22492249", "pmid:31433782", "pmid:28844211", "pmid:17369999", "pmid:17013479", "pmid:39565131" ], "studies": [ { "id": "pmid:40808707", "pmid": "40808707", "doi": "10.1002/fsn3.70749", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC12344866", "title": "From Herbal Tea to Science: Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia (Lamiaceae) With Molecular Docking Analysis", "firstAuthor": "Aydın", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Food Sci Nutr", "year": 2025, "design": "lab", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "No human patients; plant extracts and essential oils tested in a lab setting, not people with hemorrhoids", "intervention": "Methanolic extract, aqueous extract, and essential oil from Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia aerial parts", "comparator": "No comparator described for hemorrhoid treatment", "primaryOutcome": "Antioxidant, antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition), and anticholinesterase activity, plus phytochemical and molecular docking analysis", "result": "The extracts showed some antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting activity in lab tests, but no hemorrhoid-related outcome was measured or reported", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a laboratory chemistry study with no patients, no hemorrhoid outcome tested, and only a passing mention of traditional folk use.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Purely in-vitro/chemical analysis; traditional use for hemorrhoids is mentioned only as background, not tested or evaluated in this study", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No evidence tested for hemorrhoids", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40808707/", "sourceText": "The hypothesis that insulin resistance and impaired insulin-like growth factor signaling contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to the designation of AD as \"type 3 diabetes.\" Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia is traditionally used in Türkiye as an analgesic, tonic, and for the external treatment of hemorrhoids and wound healing. This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia, along with their phytochemical profiles (GC-MS/MS), morphological-anatomical characteristics, and molecular docking analysis. The essential oil yield was 0.002%, comprising 45 compounds (92.5%), with β-pinene (19.8%), α-pinene (12.8%), and germacrene D (10.0%) as major constituents, dominated by monoterpene (39.8%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (23.5%). The methanolic extract exhibited moderate bioactivity, achieving 28.36% α-amylase inhibition at 5000 μg/mL and 21.85% acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 100 μg/mL, while also demonstrating notable antioxidant activity with 23.013% ABTS•+ and 8.114% DPPH• scavenging. It showed the highest total phenolic (14.261 μg GAE/mg) and tannin content (34.444 μg TAE/mg) among the tested extracts. Morphologically, the plant features hairy stems and tripartite leaves with a cuticle, trichomes, and diacytic stomata, while anatomically, it presents collenchyma, starch-filled parenchyma, and a distinct cambium in the stem. Molecular docking studies revealed that germacrene D exhibited strong binding affinities to acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, suggesting multitarget inhibition potential. These findings support the traditional use of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia and highlight its promise as a natural source for therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia is traditionally used in Türkiye as an analgesic, tonic, and for the external treatment of hemorrhoids and wound healing." }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "The methanolic extract exhibited moderate bioactivity, achieving 28.36% α-amylase inhibition at 5000 μg/mL and 21.85% acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 100 μg/mL, while also demonstrating notable antioxidant activity with 23.013% ABTS•+ and 8.114% DPPH• scavenging." }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "These findings support the traditional use of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia and highlight its promise as a natural source for therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:39565131", "pmid": "39565131", "doi": "10.1080/03639045.2024.2432595", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Co-administration of Ayurvedic medicines Arshogrit and Jatyadi Ghrit, attenuate croton oil-induced hemorrhoids in rat model of recto-anal inflammation by modulating TNF-α and IL-1β levels", "firstAuthor": "Balkrishna", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Drug Dev Ind Pharm", "year": 2024, "design": "animal", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "rats with croton oil-induced hemorrhoids (recto-anal inflammation)", "intervention": "Ayurvedic herbal medicines Arshogrit (oral) and Jatyadi Ghrit (topical), containing fatty acids and other phytocompounds", "comparator": "prednisolone standard drug and untreated croton oil model", "primaryOutcome": "reduction in hemorrhoid-related tissue damage and inflammatory markers", "result": "treatment reduced swelling, hemorrhage, tissue damage and inflammatory cytokine levels caused by croton oil", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is an animal study using a rat model with herbal drug combinations, not plain natural oils, so it cannot reliably predict effects in people using coconut, olive, castor, or essential oils for hemorrhoids.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Animal model only; no participant numbers given; intervention is a complex multi-herb formulation rather than a single natural oil.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Herbal drugs eased hemorrhoids in rats.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39565131/", "sourceText": "OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of co-administration of Arshogrit (AG) and Jatyadi Ghrit (JG), two herb-based Ayurvedic medicines, in rat model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids. SIGNIFICANCE: Hemorrhoids refer to a pathological condition affecting the recto-anal region causing pain, swelling, bleeding and protrusion. The available therapies for hemorrhoids are symptomatic or invasive but are expensive and associated with adverse effects. Hence, there exists a need for efficacious and safer pharmacotherapies. METHODS: Ultra high performance liquid chromatography detected nine phytocompounds in AG and seven in JG. Seven fatty acids were additionally identified in JG by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The in-vivo efficacy of the co-administration of AG, which was administered orally at the doses of 20, 60 and 200 mg/kg/day and JG, which was topically applied (100 mg/animal/day) was evaluated in Wistar rats by inducing hemorrhoids development with the application of croton oil preparation (COP) in the recto-anal area. Prednisolone was employed as the standard drug and was administered orally at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day. RESULTS: AG and JG were able to attenuate the croton oil-induced macro and microscopic anomalies. Gross pathological observation demonstrated remarkable decrease in croton oil-induced swelling, hemorrhage and formation of pseudomembrane, with the escalating doses of AG. Microscopic observation revealed alleviation in the histopathological lesions (necrosis, inflammation, hemorrhage/congestion, degeneration and dilatation of blood vessels). AG and JG additionally reduced COP-induced increase in the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: This study convincingly demonstrates that co-administration of AG and JG is a potential therapy against hemorrhoids, warranting further investigations.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "rat model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "co-administration of Arshogrit (AG) and Jatyadi Ghrit (JG), two herb-based Ayurvedic medicines" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "Prednisolone was employed as the standard drug and was administered orally at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "To study the efficacy of co-administration of Arshogrit (AG) and Jatyadi Ghrit (JG), two herb-based Ayurvedic medicines, in rat model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids." }, { "field": "result", "quote": "AG and JG were able to attenuate the croton oil-induced macro and microscopic anomalies." }, { "field": "result", "quote": "AG and JG additionally reduced COP-induced increase in the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:36399960", "pmid": "36399960", "doi": "10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100661", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC9673100", "title": "Krimighna (anthelmintic) role of Neem Oil (medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) and adjuvant Ayurvedic therapies in the management of anal myiasis: A case report", "firstAuthor": "Joshi", "multipleAuthors": false, "journal": "J Ayurveda Integr Med", "year": 2022, "design": "case-series", "n": 1, "nField": "reported", "population": "49-year-old man with anal myiasis (maggot infestation) and internal-external hemorrhoids (piles)", "intervention": "Neem oil soaked gauze applied daily plus Ksharasutra thread ligation of hemorrhoids and internal Ayurvedic herbs including castor-oil-roasted Haritoki", "comparator": "No comparison group; single patient treated", "primaryOutcome": "Resolution of the maggot infestation and wound healing", "result": "The case was completely cured and relieved in 29 days", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a single uncontrolled case report, so it cannot show whether the oil helped more than no treatment.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Single patient, no control group, and the main condition treated was maggot infestation (myiasis) rather than hemorrhoids alone.", "followUp": "29 days", "plainFinding": "Maggot infection cleared; piles also treated.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36399960/", "sourceText": "Myiasis is an uncommon pathology of parasitic infestation in live mammals by fly larvae (maggots). The fly grows and gets nourished by invading host tissue. Epidemiology of Myiasis has been recorded in tropical regions of world. No any documentation has been found on Ayurvedic intervention for anal myiasis management. The study is about a 49-year male having anal myiasis along and interno-external piles together. The case was managed by local application of Neem oil (Medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) soaked gauze piece once a day on daily bases in the invaded tissues of myiasis along with Ksharasutra ligation in the base of pile mass once during the treatment protocol. Internal medicines like Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Erand Bhrisht Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz. roasted with castor oil) and Vidanga (Embelica ribes Burm. f.) were prescribed along with the local management during the course of the treatment. The case was completely cured and was relieved in 29 days. Neem oil revealed Krimighna (anthelmintic) effect which helped in tissue debridement and enhanced wound healing. Neem oil remains less irritant on local application and also gives soothing effect and kills the maggots as well.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "a 49-year male having anal myiasis along and interno-external piles together" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "local application of Neem oil (Medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) soaked gauze piece once a day on daily bases in the invaded tissues of myiasis along with Ksharasutra ligation in the base of pile mass" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "The case was managed by local application of Neem oil" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "Neem oil revealed Krimighna (anthelmintic) effect which helped in tissue debridement and enhanced wound healing" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "The case was completely cured and was relieved in 29 days." }, { "field": "n", "quote": "a 49-year male having anal myiasis" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:34688799", "pmid": "34688799", "doi": "10.1016/j.jep.2021.114765", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Histomorphometric study of ethanolic extract of Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. leaves on croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice: A Javanese traditional anti-hemorrhoid herb", "firstAuthor": "Kusumawati", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "J Ethnopharmacol", "year": 2022, "design": "animal", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "mice with hemorrhoids induced by croton oil", "intervention": "ethanolic extract of Graptophyllum pictum leaves, given orally and topically (alone or combined)", "comparator": "oral-only or topical-only application of the extract", "primaryOutcome": "changes in anorectal tissue structure under microscope", "result": "combined oral and topical use improved anorectal tissue damage more than using either method alone", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "low", "qualityWhy": "This is a small animal (mice) study of a different plant extract, not a natural oil, so it offers little direct evidence on the question asked.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Animal study only, not in humans; tests a leaf extract rather than coconut, olive, or castor oil; sample size not reported.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Herbal leaf extract reduced hemorrhoid damage in mice.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34688799/", "sourceText": "ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., known as \"handeuleum\" in West Java and \"Daun Ungu\" in Indonesia, is traditionally used to cure hemorrhoids. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to prove its effectiveness scientifically using anorectal histological parameters in Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo tests were performed by observing histomorphologic changes in mice anorectal tissue induced by croton oil. In addition, in vitro assay was performed for evaluating antioxidant activity, astringency property, and hemostasis-associated activity. The antioxidant activity was measured using a DPPH radical scavenging assay. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were also determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The in vivo assay showed that the oral-topical combination use of the ethanolic extract of G. pictum leaves demonstrated significant improvement on the croton oil-induced anorectal damage better than the single application by oral or topical application. CONCLUSION: These results showed that G. pictum has potent anti hemorrhoid activity, especially for the combinational use of oral and topical administration.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "the oral-topical combination use of the ethanolic extract of G. pictum leaves" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "better than the single application by oral or topical application" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "observing histomorphologic changes in mice anorectal tissue induced by croton oil" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "demonstrated significant improvement on the croton oil-induced anorectal damage better than the single application by oral or topical application" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:33940085", "pmid": "33940085", "doi": "10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Phytochemical properties, biological activities and medicinal use of Centaurium erythraea Rafn", "firstAuthor": "El Menyiy", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "J Ethnopharmacol", "year": 2021, "design": "narrative-review", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "people using traditional herbal medicine", "intervention": "Centaurium erythraea plant extracts and essential oils", "comparator": "no comparator described", "primaryOutcome": "traditional uses and biological activities of the plant", "result": "review reports traditional use for hemorrhoids among many conditions, but no clinical evidence or trial data on hemorrhoids is given", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a general review of folk uses and lab-based pharmacological properties of a plant, with no clinical trial on hemorrhoids reported.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No clinical studies on hemorrhoids are described; information is based on traditional use and unrelated pharmacological experiments (antibacterial, antioxidant, etc.), with authors stating further in vivo and toxicity studies are needed.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No real evidence for hemorrhoids", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33940085/", "sourceText": "ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Centaurium erythraea is an important medicinal plant in many countries, e.g. Morocco, Algeria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and countries of Balkan Peninsula. It is used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses. It is also used as an antiapoplectic, anticoagulant, anticholagogue, antipneumonic, hematocathartic, and as a hypotensive agent. AIM OF THE REVIEW: In this review, previous reports on the taxonomy, botanical description, geographic distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity of Centaurium erythraea were critically summarized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scientific search engines including PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online, SciFinder, and Google Scholar were consulted to collect data on C. erythraea. The data presented in this work summarized the main reports on C. erythraea phytochemical compounds, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological activities. RESULTS: C. erythraea is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes, fever, rhinitis, stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and hemorrhoids, and as diuretic. The essential oils and extracts of C. erythraea exhibited numerous biological properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antileishmanial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, diuretic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, dermatoprotective, neuroprotective, and inhibitory agent for larval development. Phytochemical characterization of C. erythraea revealed the presence of several classes of secondary metabolites such as xanthonoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnomedicinal studies demonstrated the use of C. erythraea for the treatment of various disorders. Pharmacological reports showed that C. erythraea especially its aerial parts and roots exhibited potent, and beneficial activities. These findings confirmed the link between the traditional medicinal use and the results of the scientific biological experiments. Considering these results, further investigation using diverse in vivo pharmacological assays are strongly recommended to validate the results of its traditional use. Toxicological tests and pharmacokinetic studies are also required to validate the safety and efficacy of C. erythraea and its bioactive contents.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "It is used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses." }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "The essential oils and extracts of C. erythraea exhibited numerous biological properties" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "RESULTS: C. erythraea is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes, fever, rhinitis, stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and hemorrhoids, and as diuretic." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "previous reports on the taxonomy, botanical description, geographic distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity of Centaurium erythraea were critically summarized" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "such as diabetes, fever, rhinitis, stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and hemorrhoids, and as diuretic" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:31433782", "pmid": "31433782", "doi": "10.1515/jcim-2018-0147", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Comparison of the effect of Myrtus communis herbal and anti-hemorrhoid ointments on the hemorrhoid symptoms and quality of life in postpartum women with grade I and II internal hemorrhoid: A triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial", "firstAuthor": "Malekuti", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "J Complement Integr Med", "year": 2019, "design": "rct", "n": 134, "nField": "reported", "population": "postpartum women with grade I and II internal hemorrhoid", "intervention": "Myrtus communis herbal ointment applied rectally twice a day for 4 weeks", "comparator": "anti-hemorrhoid ointment applied the same way", "primaryOutcome": "severity of hemorrhoid symptoms and quality of life", "result": "no statistically significant difference between the two groups in overall symptom severity or quality of life, but anal itching was lower and satisfaction higher with the herbal ointment", "resultDirection": "mixed", "quality": "low", "qualityWhy": "it is a triple-blind randomized trial, which is good, but it tested an unrelated herbal ointment (Myrtus communis) rather than coconut, olive, castor, or essential oils, so it doesn't directly answer the question.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "The abstract does not describe how the herbal ointment was prepared (e.g., oil extraction method), dropout rates, or long-term follow-up beyond 8 weeks.", "followUp": "8 weeks", "plainFinding": "Similar relief, less itching with herbal ointment", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31433782/", "sourceText": "Introduction Due to the effects of hemorrhoids on physical and mental health, this study aimed to compare the effect of Myrtus communis herbal and anti-hemorrhoid ointments on symptoms of hemorrhoid and quality of life (primary outcomes) and satisfaction of the treatment and side effects (secondary outcomes). Methods This triple-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on women with grade I and II hemorrhoid referring to health centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2017. Individuals were randomly assigned to two groups of 67 people through block randomization method. The intervention group received the Myrtus communis herbal ointment and the control group received anti-hemorrhoid ointment twice a day, every 12 ± 2 h, an applicator of the drug through the rectum for 4 weeks. The Colorectal Evaluation of a Clinical Therapeutics Scale (CORECTS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms of hemorrhoid. To assess the quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the general quality of life of participants. This questionnaire was completed once before the start of the study, then on the fourth and the eighth week after the start of the intervention. Repeated measure ANOVA, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Results The severity of all symptoms of hemorrhoid decreased in both two group and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the mean of anal itching at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention was significantly lower in the Myrtus communis ointment group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of quality of life at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of satisfaction with the drug (p=0.019) and the participants in the Myrtus communis ointment group were more satisfied with their drug use. Conclusions Myrtus communis herbal ointment was able to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoid in the affected women. Therefore, it is likely that the use of this drug will promote the health of mothers with hemorrhoid.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "women with grade I and II hemorrhoid referring to health centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2017" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "The intervention group received the Myrtus communis herbal ointment" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "the control group received anti-hemorrhoid ointment twice a day, every 12 ± 2 h, an applicator of the drug through the rectum for 4 weeks" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "compare the effect of Myrtus communis herbal and anti-hemorrhoid ointments on symptoms of hemorrhoid and quality of life (primary outcomes)" }, { "field": "n", "quote": "Individuals were randomly assigned to two groups of 67 people through block randomization method" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "The severity of all symptoms of hemorrhoid decreased in both two group and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the mean of anal itching at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention was significantly lower in the Myrtus communis ointment group (p<0.05)." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:29618451", "pmid": "29618451", "doi": null, "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of fixed oil of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. in mice and rats", "firstAuthor": "Fatima", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Pak J Pharm Sci", "year": 2018, "design": "animal", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "mice and rats", "intervention": "fixed oil from Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram) beans, given at two doses", "comparator": "normal saline or standard aspirin", "primaryOutcome": "pain response and inflammation/swelling in animal tests", "result": "the oil reduced pain and swelling similarly to aspirin, though effects came on more slowly in some tests", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "this is a small animal experiment testing a different bean-derived oil for general pain and swelling, not hemorrhoids specifically, so it says little about treating hemorrhoids in people.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "animal study only, not testing hemorrhoids directly, and the abstract does not report group sizes.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Reduced pain, swelling in animals.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29618451/", "sourceText": "Macrotyloma uniflorum commonly known as horse gram or kulthi bean is grown as a pulse for livestock and human consumption. The beans contain about 1.3% fat, 18% protein, 15% carbohydrate along with vitamins and minerals. In traditional medicine it is used as antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antihypertensive and diuretic. Other important medicinal uses include treatment of renal stones, obesity, piles, oedema and fever. The present study evaluated analgesic (by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan induced paw edema in rats) activities of Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO). Four groups were included in study: Group-I: Normal Saline Control (2ml/kg), Group-II: MUFO (2ml/kg), Group-III: MUFO (4ml/kg), and Group-IV: Standard Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA 300mg/kg). All results were significant however delayed onset of action was observed in tail flick and paw edema tests. Acute oral toxicity of the oil was also checked in mice and was found safe upto 4ml/kg dose, as no signs of toxicity and mortality were observed. It is concluded that Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil may possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which can be related with a peripheral mechanism of action.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "analgesic (by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan induced paw edema in rats) activities of Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO)" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO)" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "Group-I: Normal Saline Control (2ml/kg), Group-II: MUFO (2ml/kg), Group-III: MUFO (4ml/kg), and Group-IV: Standard Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA 300mg/kg)." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "The present study evaluated analgesic (by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan induced paw edema in rats) activities of Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO)." }, { "field": "result", "quote": "All results were significant however delayed onset of action was observed in tail flick and paw edema tests." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:28844211", "pmid": "28844211", "doi": "10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60340-6", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Effectiveness of Myrtus communis in the treatment of hemorrhoids", "firstAuthor": "Mahboubi", "multipleAuthors": false, "journal": "J Integr Med", "year": 2017, "design": "narrative-review", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "patients with hemorrhoids types I and II", "intervention": "Myrtus communis essential oil (lotion or ointment)", "comparator": "current chemical anti-hemorrhoids ointment treatment", "primaryOutcome": "bleeding, pain, anal irritation, itching and heaviness", "result": "significantly improved bleeding, pain, anal irritation, itching and heaviness, including in patients who did not respond to standard treatment", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "low", "qualityWhy": "This is a narrative review summarizing unspecified clinical studies without described methodology, sample sizes, or statistical details.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No details given on study design, number of patients, or how studies were selected; abstract does not report sample sizes or follow-up time.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Eased hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844211/", "sourceText": "Myrtus communis is an important plant in the treatment of many different diseases. The aim of this review was to determine the importance of M. communis essential oil in the treatment of hemorrhoids. For preparing this manuscript, the information was extracted from different resources. The results of clinical studies showed that M. communis essential oil (lotion or ointment) can significantly improve bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness in patients with hemorrhoids types I and II. M. communis was also effective in treating patients who did not respond to current chemical treatments (anti-hemorrhoids ointment). Further clinical studies should look into designing a suppository form of M. communis essential oil and compare its effect with the lotion and ointment forms.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "patients with hemorrhoids types I and II" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "M. communis essential oil (lotion or ointment)" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "patients who did not respond to current chemical treatments (anti-hemorrhoids ointment)" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "can significantly improve bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness in patients with hemorrhoids types I and II" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:28745081", "pmid": "28745081", "doi": "10.1177/2156587217718958", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC5871300", "title": "Ethnobotanical, Ethnopharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Myrtus communis Linn: A Popular Herb in Unani System of Medicine", "firstAuthor": "Sisay", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med", "year": 2017, "design": "narrative-review", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "people with various ailments including hemorrhoids (traditional/folkloric use)", "intervention": "Myrtus communis (myrtle) plant parts and essential oil", "comparator": "none described", "primaryOutcome": "traditional therapeutic uses and pharmacological activities of the plant", "result": "Review reports traditional use for hemorrhoids among many conditions and describes pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, without specific data on hemorrhoid treatment outcomes", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a narrative review of ethnobotanical and pharmacological literature, not a controlled study testing the plant on hemorrhoids specifically", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No clinical trial data on hemorrhoids specifically; relies on traditional/folkloric claims and general pharmacological studies not focused on this condition", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No direct evidence for hemorrhoids", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28745081/", "sourceText": "Myrtus communis L (Myrtaceae) is one of the popular drugs being used in the Unani system of phytomedicine since ancient Greece period. From time immemorial, different parts of this plant and essential oil have been used for a variety of purposes such as cosmetics (hair fall control), flavoring of food and drinks as well as extensive therapeutic purposes. Ethnobotanical information revealed that M communis L has been a folkloric repute for the treatment of several diseases like gastric ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, rheumatism, hemorrhage, deep sinuses, leucorrhoea, hemorrhoid, inflammation, dyspepsia, anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, hypertension, pulmonary disorders, and skin diseases. Moreover, ethnopharmacological studies revealed that the plant is endowed with extensive pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, vasodilator, antiulcer, antioxidant, anticancer, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The plant has been known to contain phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenes. The myrtle oil was also found to be rich in a variety of bioactive monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes with their derivatives. Most of these studies validate the aforementioned traditional claims of this medicinal plant. Further studies are needed to unravel other pharmacological activities of this plant in the long run.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "treatment of several diseases like gastric ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, rheumatism, hemorrhage, deep sinuses, leucorrhoea, hemorrhoid, inflammation" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "different parts of this plant and essential oil have been used for a variety of purposes" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "ethnopharmacological studies revealed that the plant is endowed with extensive pharmacological activities" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "Most of these studies validate the aforementioned traditional claims of this medicinal plant." }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "Further studies are needed to unravel other pharmacological activities of this plant in the long run." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:25446467", "pmid": "25446467", "doi": "10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.009", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Myrtus communis L. as source of a bioactive and safe essential oil", "firstAuthor": "Bouzabata", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Food Chem Toxicol", "year": 2015, "design": "lab", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "No human or animal patients; traditional use mentioned for respiratory disorders, diarrhea and hemorrhoids, tested in mammalian cell lines and fungal cultures", "intervention": "Myrtus communis (myrtle) essential oil", "comparator": "Untreated cells/fungal cultures", "primaryOutcome": "Antifungal activity and anti-inflammatory effect (nitric oxide production) in lab cell models, plus safety on cell viability", "result": "The oil inhibited NO production in inflamed cells and showed antifungal activity, without harming cell viability at tested doses", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a lab study on cells and fungi, not people with hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether the oil helps that condition.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "In vitro only, no human or animal testing of hemorrhoids; hemorrhoids mentioned only as background on traditional use, not studied directly.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Lab study only, not tested on hemorrhoids", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25446467/", "sourceText": "In Algeria, Myrtus communis L. is distributed throughout the Tell Atlas and the coastal regions of Algiers and Constantine. The leaves are used in respiratory disorders, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. The aims of this work were to evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of well characterized essential oils (EO). Since EO can be applied by inhalation, dermal application and oral administration, we used several mammalian cell lines to assess safe bioactive doses. The chemical composition of two samples was investigated by GC-FID, GC-MS and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Monoterpene derivatives are the main compounds: α-pinene (50.8 and 33.6%), 1,8-cineole (21.9 and 13.3%), linalool (2.7 and 14.8%), and linalyl acetate (0.5 and 9.5%). The antifungal evaluation revealed that the oils were more active against Cryptococcus neoformans (yeast) and Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum (dermatophytes). The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Assessment of cell viability was made through the MTT assay. Both oils were able to significantly inhibit NO production, without affecting cell viability, in concentrations up to 0.64 mg/mL. These promising results, disclose bioactive concentrations of Myrtle essential oils with a safety profile suggesting a potential oral and topical application or use by inhalation.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "The leaves are used in respiratory disorders, diarrhea and hemorrhoids." }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "well characterized essential oils (EO)" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "The aims of this work were to evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of well characterized essential oils (EO)." }, { "field": "result", "quote": "Both oils were able to significantly inhibit NO production, without affecting cell viability, in concentrations up to 0.64 mg/mL." }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:24200497", "pmid": "24200497", "doi": "10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species", "firstAuthor": "Rajput", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Phytomedicine", "year": 2014, "design": "narrative-review", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "People using traditional herbal medicine systems (not specified further)", "intervention": "Acorus calamus (sweet flag) plant extract/rhizome, used traditionally", "comparator": "", "primaryOutcome": "Traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Acorus calamus", "result": "Hemorrhoids listed only as one of many traditional uses; no efficacy data given for this condition", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a general narrative review listing traditional uses of a plant, not a study testing it on hemorrhoids, and the abstract itself says many of its uses are unproven.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Abstract states many traditional uses of this plant 'are yet to be scientifically validated'; no clinical data on hemorrhoids are presented; the plant is not coconut, olive, or castor oil.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No evidence given for hemorrhoids.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24200497/", "sourceText": "Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and ethnomedicinal applications. Since ancient times, it has been used in various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese medicine, etc. for the treatment of various aliments like nervous disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism, sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular disorders. Various therapeutic potentials of this plant have been attributed to its rhizome. A number of active constituents from leaves, rhizomes and essential oils of A. calamus have been isolated and characterized. Of the constituents, alpha and beta-asarone are the predominant bioactive components. Various pharmacological activities of A. calamus rhizome such as sedative, CNS depressant, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, cryoprotective, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, anticancer and antidiabetic has been reported. Genotoxicity and mutagenecity of beta and alpha-asarone is reported, which limits their use at high dosage. Though A. calamus has been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be scientifically validated. In the present review an attempt has been made to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus.", "provenance": [ { "field": "intervention", "quote": "Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and ethnomedicinal applications." }, { "field": "population", "quote": "Since ancient times, it has been used in various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese medicine, etc." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "In the present review an attempt has been made to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus." }, { "field": "result", "quote": "for the treatment of various aliments like nervous disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism, sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular disorders." }, { "field": "limitations", "quote": "Though A. calamus has been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be scientifically validated." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:24032710", "pmid": "24032710", "doi": "10.4077/CJP.2013.BAB127", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Herbal haemorrhoidal cream for haemorrhoids", "firstAuthor": "Gurel", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Chin J Physiol", "year": 2013, "design": "animal", "n": 28, "nField": "reported", "population": "young male rats with chemically induced anal inflammation", "intervention": "herbal creams (fig leaves, artichoke leaves, walnut husks, with or without horse chestnut fruit)", "comparator": "saline or croton oil alone", "primaryOutcome": "inflammation and oxidative stress markers in anal tissue", "result": "herbal creams reduced inflammation and oxidative stress compared to untreated croton oil group", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This was a small animal study using rats, not humans, so it cannot show what helps people with hemorrhoids.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Animal model only, small sample size, no coconut, olive, or castor oil tested, and no human outcomes measured.", "followUp": "15 days", "plainFinding": "Herbal cream reduced inflammation in rats.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24032710/", "sourceText": "Although hemorrhoids are one of the most common diseases in the world, the exact etiology underlying the development of hemorrhoids is not clear. Many different ointments are currently used to treat hemorrhoids; however, there is little evidence of the efficacy of these treatments to support their use. The aim of this study was to compare different herbal creams used for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats, 6-8 weeks old and weighing 160-180 g, were used in this study as 1-control, 2-croton oil, 3-croton oil+fig leaves+artichoke leaves+walnut husks and 4-croton oil+fig leaves+artichoke leaves+walnut husks+horse chestnut fruit. After 3 days of croton oil application, rats were treated with 0.1 ml of cream or saline twice a day for 15 days by syringe. Tissue and blood samples were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Croton oil administration resulted in severe inflammation. The third group showed partial improvement in inflammation; however, the greatest degree of improvement was seen in the fourth group, and some recovered areas were observed. Myeloperoxidase immunoreactivity was found to be decreased in the third and fourth groups compared to the second group. Additionally, biochemical analyses (Myeloperoxidase, Malondyaldehyde, nitrate/nitrite and nitrotyrosine levels and Superoxide Dismutase activity) were in agreement with the histological and immunohistochemical results. In conclusion, croton oil causes inflammation in the anal area and results in hemorrhoids. Treatment with our herbal hemorrhoid creams demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in this model.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats, 6-8 weeks old and weighing 160-180 g, were used in this study" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "croton oil+fig leaves+artichoke leaves+walnut husks+horse chestnut fruit" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "rats were treated with 0.1 ml of cream or saline twice a day" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "Tissue and blood samples were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "the greatest degree of improvement was seen in the fourth group, and some recovered areas were observed" }, { "field": "n", "quote": "Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:22492249", "pmid": "22492249", "doi": "10.1007/s13304-012-0153-4", "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane in a new gel medical device for treatment of haemorrhoids in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial", "firstAuthor": "Joksimovic", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Updates Surg", "year": 2012, "design": "rct", "n": 36, "nField": "reported", "population": "patients with hemorrhoids (grade 1-3)", "intervention": "gel containing hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane", "comparator": "placebo gel", "primaryOutcome": "anal pain, pain during defecation, visible bleeding, itching and irritation/inflammation", "result": "gel significantly reduced all symptoms compared to placebo after 14 days", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "low", "qualityWhy": "Very small trial of only 36 patients, which makes the results unreliable.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Small sample size; abstract gives no detail on randomization or blinding methods beyond being described as double-blind.", "followUp": "14-day treatment", "plainFinding": "Less pain and bleeding than placebo", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22492249/", "sourceText": "Topical formulations are widely used in anti-haemorrhoidal treatment, but often lacking controlled clinical trials. Here, we report the results from a controlled clinical trial performed with a new gel medical device (Proctoial) containing hyaluronic acid with tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane as major components. The total number of 36 haemorrhoidal patients (grade 1-3) was enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and divided into 2 equal parallel groups. The anal pain, pain during defecation, visible bleeding, pruritus and irritation/inflammation were recorded before and after 14-day treatment using a visual analogue scale both by the investigators and by the patients. Safety and tolerability of the treatments were also recorded. The new gel medical device statistically significantly reduced all the symptoms after the treatment compared to placebo. The results indicated also a very good tolerability and safety of the treatments.", "provenance": [ { "field": "n", "quote": "The total number of 36 haemorrhoidal patients (grade 1-3) was enrolled" }, { "field": "population", "quote": "36 haemorrhoidal patients (grade 1-3)" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "a new gel medical device (Proctoial) containing hyaluronic acid with tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane as major components" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "The anal pain, pain during defecation, visible bleeding, pruritus and irritation/inflammation were recorded before and after 14-day treatment" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "The new gel medical device statistically significantly reduced all the symptoms after the treatment compared to placebo." }, { "field": "followUp", "quote": "14-day treatment" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:22205093", "pmid": "22205093", "doi": "10.3390/molecules17010275", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC6268942", "title": "Estimation of dermatological application of creams with St. John's Wort oil extracts", "firstAuthor": "Arsić", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Molecules", "year": 2011, "design": "rct", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "people with skin irritation (not hemorrhoid patients), tested using a skin irritant", "intervention": "cream containing 15% St. John's Wort oil extract made with olive, palm, or sunflower oil", "comparator": "different oil extractant creams and baseline skin measurements", "primaryOutcome": "skin electrical capacitance and redness (erythema index) after irritant exposure", "result": "skin measurements returned to normal baseline levels after seven days of cream treatment", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "this study tested skin irritation recovery in a lab-style trial, not hemorrhoid patients or hemorrhoid symptoms, so it cannot tell us whether this helps hemorrhoids.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "Abstract does not report participant numbers, does not study hemorrhoid patients or hemorrhoid outcomes directly, and focuses on general skin inflammation/antimicrobial testing instead.", "followUp": "seven-day treatment", "plainFinding": "Skin healed, but not tested on hemorrhoids.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22205093/", "sourceText": "Oleum Hyperici, the oil extract of St. John's Wort (SJW), is one of the oldest folk remedies, traditionally used in the topical treatment of wounds, bruises, ulcers, cuts, burns, hemorrhoids and also as an antiseptic. Considering the advantageous characteristics of emulsion applications, in the present study we have formulated three O/W creams containing 15% (w/v) of SJW oil extract as an active ingredient. The aim was to estimate dermatological application of the prepared creams for the abovementioned indications. The extracts were prepared according to the prescriptions from traditional medicine, however with different vegetable oils used as an extractant, namely: Olive, palm and sunflower oil. The investigated O/W creams demonstrated significant antiinflammatory effects in an in vivo double-blind randomized study, using a sodium lauryl sulphate test. Both skin parameters assessed in the study (electrical capacitance and erythema index), were restored to the baseline value after a seven-day treatment with the tested creams. Almost all investigated SJW oil extracts and corresponding creams displayed the same antimicrobial activity against the most of the investigated microorganisms with obtained minimal inhibitory concentrations values of 1,280 µg/mL, 2,560 µg/mL or >2,560 µg/mL.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "using a sodium lauryl sulphate test" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "three O/W creams containing 15% (w/v) of SJW oil extract" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "different vegetable oils used as an extractant, namely: Olive, palm and sunflower oil" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "Both skin parameters assessed in the study (electrical capacitance and erythema index)" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "were restored to the baseline value after a seven-day treatment with the tested creams" }, { "field": "followUp", "quote": "after a seven-day treatment" } ] }, { "id": "pmid:21132119", "pmid": "21132119", "doi": "10.3892/mmr.2010.377", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC2995283", "title": "Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future", "firstAuthor": "Srivastava", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Mol Med Rep", "year": 2010, "design": "narrative-review", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "Not specified - general discussion of human ailments", "intervention": "Chamomile preparations (herbal medicine)", "comparator": "No comparator described", "primaryOutcome": "Not a specific outcome; general discussion of therapeutic uses and curative/preventive properties", "result": "Not tested; abstract only states chamomile is commonly used for various ailments including hemorrhoids, without reporting any study results or outcomes", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a narrative review describing traditional uses of chamomile, with no original data, trial, or outcome measurements reported for hemorrhoids specifically.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No study design, data, participant numbers, or outcome results are presented; hemorrhoids is only mentioned as one of many traditional uses without evidence or citation details.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No evidence given, just mentioned as traditional use.", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21132119/", "sourceText": "Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day. In this review we describe the use of chamomile in traditional medicine with regard to evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:17369999", "pmid": "17369999", "doi": "10.1100/tsw.2006.333", "nctId": null, "pmcid": "PMC5944183", "title": "The safety and efficacy of a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax for the management of hemorrhoids and anal fissure: a pilot study", "firstAuthor": "Al-Waili", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "ScientificWorldJournal", "year": 2006, "design": "case-series", "n": 15, "nField": "reported", "population": "patients who presented with anal fissure or hemorrhoids", "intervention": "topical mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax applied for 12 hours", "comparator": "before vs after treatment, no control group", "primaryOutcome": "bleeding, itching, edema, erythema, and pain scores", "result": "significant reduction in bleeding and itching in hemorrhoid patients; significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching in anal fissure patients", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This was a tiny uncontrolled pilot study with only 15 patients and no comparison group, so the improvement can't be attributed to the treatment itself.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No control group, very small sample size, not randomized or blinded, mixed condition groups (hemorrhoids and anal fissure combined).", "followUp": "4 weeks", "plainFinding": "Less bleeding and itching reported", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17369999/", "sourceText": "We have found that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax was effective for treatment of diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and skin fungal infection. The mixture has antibacterial properties. A prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of topical application of the mixture on patients with anal fissure or hemorrhoids. Fifteen consecutive patients, 13 males and 2 females, median age 45 years (range: 28-70), who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids (4 with first degree, 4 with second degree, and 2 with third degree), were treated with a 12-h application of a natural mixture containing honey, olive oil, and beeswax in ratio of 1:1:1(v/v/v). Bleeding, itching, edema, and erythema were measured using a scoring method: 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, and 4 = very severe. The pain score was checked using a visual analog scale (minimum = 0, maximum = 10). Efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the symptoms' score before and after treatment; at weekly intervals for a maximum of 4 weeks. The patients were observed for evidence of any adverse effect such as appearance of new signs and symptoms, or worsening of the existing symptoms. The honey mixture significantly reduced bleeding and relieved itching in patients with hemorrhoids. Patients with anal fissure showed significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching after the treatment. No side effect was reported with use of the mixture. We conclude that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax is safe and clinically effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissure, which paves the way for further randomized double blind studies.", "provenance": [ { "field": "n", "quote": "Fifteen consecutive patients, 13 males and 2 females, median age 45 years (range: 28-70), who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids (4 with first degree, 4 with second degree, and 2 with third degree)" }, { "field": "population", "quote": "who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "treated with a 12-h application of a natural mixture containing honey, olive oil, and beeswax in ratio of 1:1:1(v/v/v)" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "Efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the symptoms' score before and after treatment; at weekly intervals for a maximum of 4 weeks." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "Bleeding, itching, edema, and erythema were measured using a scoring method" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "The honey mixture significantly reduced bleeding and relieved itching in patients with hemorrhoids. Patients with anal fissure showed significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching after the treatment." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:17013479", "pmid": "17013479", "doi": null, "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Post hemorrhoidectomy pain. A randomized controlled trial", "firstAuthor": "Al-Mulhim", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "Saudi Med J", "year": 2006, "design": "rct", "n": 200, "nField": "reported", "population": "patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids having surgery to remove them", "intervention": "metronidazole given before and after surgery", "comparator": "no medication", "primaryOutcome": "pain after hemorrhoid removal surgery", "result": "the metronidazole group had significantly less pain and returned to normal activity sooner", "resultDirection": "benefit", "quality": "moderate", "qualityWhy": "it was a randomized trial with a reasonable number of patients, but it was not designed to test castor oil or other natural oils on hemorrhoids.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "castor oil was given to all patients as a pre-surgery bowel preparation in both groups, not as the treatment being compared, so this study does not test whether castor oil or other natural oils help hemorrhoids.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "Antibiotic eased pain, not about oil", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17013479/", "sourceText": "OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of metronidazole on post conventional hemorrhoidectomy pain in patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients admitted in King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia between June 2002 and May 2004 for surgical treatment of 3rd and 4th degree hemorrhoids were randomly assigned into 2 groups. In Group 1 (100 patients) pre and postoperative metronidazole was used and in Group 2 (100 patients) no medications were given. All patients received castor oil from 2 days before surgery and lactulose after surgery for 2 weeks. Patients were discharged home when free of pain. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 had significantly less pain than those in the second group. Hospital stay and time to first bowel motion were not significantly different between both groups and, early and late complications appear similar. Return to normal activity was significantly shorter in the metronidazole group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic metronidazole in Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy is associated with less pain and earlier return to normal activity.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids" }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "In Group 1 (100 patients) pre and postoperative metronidazole was used" }, { "field": "comparator", "quote": "in Group 2 (100 patients) no medications were given" }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "To compare the effect of metronidazole on post conventional hemorrhoidectomy pain" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "Patients in group 1 had significantly less pain than those in the second group." }, { "field": "n", "quote": "Two hundred consecutive patients" }, { "field": "limitations", "quote": "All patients received castor oil from 2 days before surgery and lactulose after surgery for 2 weeks." } ] }, { "id": "pmid:12553891", "pmid": "12553891", "doi": null, "nctId": null, "pmcid": null, "title": "Fatty acid composition of Dracunculus vulgaris Schott (Araceae) seed oil from Turkey", "firstAuthor": "Saglik", "multipleAuthors": true, "journal": "J Pharm Pharm Sci", "year": 2002, "design": "lab", "n": null, "nField": "not-reported", "population": "not applicable (plant seeds, not human patients)", "intervention": "Dracunculus vulgaris seed oil fatty acid analysis", "comparator": "", "primaryOutcome": "chemical composition of seed oil fatty acids", "result": "identified main fatty acids in the seed oil; no treatment effect tested", "resultDirection": "unclear", "quality": "very-low", "qualityWhy": "This is a lab chemistry analysis of plant oil composition, not a study of people with hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether the oil helps.", "directness": "indirect", "limitations": "No human subjects, no clinical testing, no hemorrhoid outcome measured; traditional use is only mentioned as background.", "followUp": "", "plainFinding": "No evidence tested on hemorrhoids", "retracted": false, "expressionOfConcern": false, "hasErratum": false, "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553891/", "sourceText": "Dracunculus vulgaris Schott is only one taxon of the genus Dracunculus (Araceae) in Turkey. The tubers and the fruits with the seeds of D. vulgaris have long been in use for the treatment of rheumatism and hemorrhoids, respectively. The fatty acid composition of D. vulgaris seeds have been analyzed as their methyl esters by GC and GC-mass spectrometry. C16:0, C16:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:1n-7 (cis -vaccenic acid), C18:2n-6 and 13-phenyl tridecanoic acids were found to be the main components in the seed oil.", "provenance": [ { "field": "population", "quote": "The tubers and the fruits with the seeds of D. vulgaris have long been in use for the treatment of rheumatism and hemorrhoids, respectively." }, { "field": "intervention", "quote": "The fatty acid composition of D. vulgaris seeds have been analyzed as their methyl esters by GC and GC-mass spectrometry." }, { "field": "primaryOutcome", "quote": "The fatty acid composition of D. vulgaris seeds have been analyzed" }, { "field": "result", "quote": "C16:0, C16:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:1n-7 (cis -vaccenic acid), C18:2n-6 and 13-phenyl tridecanoic acids were found to be the main components in the seed oil." } ] } ], "faqs": [ { "q": "Does coconut oil help hemorrhoids?", "a": "No study in this review tested coconut oil on hemorrhoids, in animals or in people. There is no research evidence either for or against it — it simply hasn't been studied." }, { "q": "Does castor oil help hemorrhoid relief?", "a": "The only study involving castor oil gave it to everyone before hemorrhoid surgery as a laxative to clear the bowel, not as a treatment applied to hemorrhoids. No study has tested castor oil as a hemorrhoid remedy." }, { "q": "What's the best oil for hemorrhoids?", "a": "No trial has compared different natural oils against each other for hemorrhoids, so there's no evidence to say one is 'best.' The closest evidence is small trials of myrtle essential oil and a tea tree oil gel, which reported less itching, pain, or bleeding than placebo or standard cream." }, { "q": "Can essential oils shrink hemorrhoids?", "a": "No study has measured whether essential oils change the size or grade of a hemorrhoid. Small trials only looked at symptoms like itching and bleeding, not whether the hemorrhoid itself got smaller." }, { "q": "Does oil pulling cure piles?", "a": "Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth) was not studied in any of the research reviewed here, and there is no plausible link described between a mouth rinse and hemorrhoid tissue in the anus. No evidence supports this claim." } ], "searchedAs": [ "coconut oil for hemorrhoids", "best oil for hemorrhoids", "olive oil for hemorrhoids", "castor oil for hemorrhoid relief", "natural hemorrhoid treatment essential oils", "essential oils for hemorrhoids recipe", "essential oils to shrink hemorrhoids", "does oil pulling cure piles" ], "patientTakeaway": "Applying coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil to hemorrhoids is unlikely to cause harm, but no study has shown it treats hemorrhoids or eases their symptoms. If you want relief, the standard anti-hemorrhoid ointments used for comparison in these trials, along with seeing a doctor for ongoing bleeding or pain, are the better-tested options.", "methodology": { "databases": [ "PubMed", "ClinicalTrials.gov", "Crossref" ], "searchStrings": { "pubmed": "(\"Hemorrhoids\"[Mesh] OR hemorrhoid*[tiab] OR piles[tiab]) AND (\"Plant Oils\"[Mesh] OR \"Coconut Oil\"[tiab] OR \"Olive Oil\"[Mesh] OR \"Castor Oil\"[Mesh] OR \"Oils, Volatile\"[Mesh] OR essential oil*[tiab] OR aromatherapy[tiab] OR coconut oil[tiab] OR olive oil[tiab] OR castor oil[tiab])" }, "pubmedQueryTranslation": "(\"Hemorrhoids\"[MeSH Terms] OR \"hemorrhoid*\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"piles\"[Title/Abstract]) AND (\"Plant Oils\"[MeSH Terms] OR \"Coconut Oil\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"Olive Oil\"[MeSH Terms] OR \"Castor Oil\"[MeSH Terms] OR \"oils, volatile\"[MeSH Terms] OR \"essential oil*\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"aromatherapy\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"Coconut Oil\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"Olive Oil\"[Title/Abstract] OR \"Castor Oil\"[Title/Abstract])", "searchedOn": "2026-10-13", "inclusion": [ "Human, animal or laboratory studies reporting an outcome relevant to the question" ], "exclusion": [ "Records about a different condition or intervention", "Records reporting no outcome", "Retracted publications, which are listed but excluded from every count" ], "extractionLevel": "abstract", "gradingNote": "Evidence strength is adapted from the GRADE framework. It is not a GRADE assessment and was not produced by a GRADE panel.", "limits": [ "Fields were read from abstracts, not full text, so detail reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured." ] }, "seo": { "title": "Does Coconut Oil Help Hemorrhoids? What Studies Show", "description": "No study has tested coconut oil for hemorrhoids. A few small trials of other oils found mixed results. See exactly what 4 trials show." }, "lastChecked": "2026-10-13", "lastChanged": "2026-10-13", "nextCheckDue": "2026-11-13", "history": [], "pipeline": { "screenModel": "claude-haiku-4-5", "extractModel": "claude-sonnet-5", "composeModel": "claude-sonnet-5", "promptVersion": "ev-1", "ranOn": "2026-10-13" }, "status": "published" }