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ingredients

Emu oil

Background

  • Emu oil is the refined and deodorized oil made from the back fat of the emu. Emu oil was used by the aboriginal tribes of Australia to protect against sun damage and was then introduced to European settlers.
  • Emu oil is now recommended by manufacturers for improving arthritis, burns, cuts, eczema, hair loss, high cholesterol, nosebleeds, psoriasis, skin softness, and stretch marks. However, currently there is not enough evidence available in humans to support the use of emu oil for any indication.

References

  • Agargun MY, Kara H, Ozbek H, et al. Restless legs syndrome induced by mirtazapine. J Clin Psychiatry 2002;63(12):1179.
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  • Bahk WM, Pae CU, Chae JH, et al. Mirtazapine may have the propensity for developing a restless legs syndrome? A case report. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2002;56(2):209-210.
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  • Chang CC, Shiah IS, Chang HA, et al. Does domperidone potentiate mirtazapine-associated restless legs syndrome? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol.Biol Psychiatry 2006;30(2):316-318.
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  • Fukushima M, Ohashi T, Sekikawa M, et al. Comparative hypocholesterolemic effects of five animal oils in cholesterol-fed rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem 1999;63(1):202-205.
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  • Gauthier M. Restless legs syndrome associated with mirtazapine (Remeron). Quebec Pharmacie (Canada) 2005;52.
  • Li ZQ, Wang JH, Ren JL, et al. [Effects of topical emu oil on wound healing in scalded rats]. Di Yi.Jun.Yi.Da Xue.Xue.Bao. 2004;24(11):1255-1256.
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  • Lopez A, Sims DE, Ablett RF, et al. Effect of emu oil on auricular inflammation induced with croton oil in mice. Am J Vet.Res 1999;60(12):1558-1561.
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  • Miller GH, Fogel ML, Magee JW, et al. Ecosystem collapse in Pleistocene Australia and a human role in megafaunal extinction. Science 7-8-2005;309(5732):287-290.
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  • Politis MJ, Dmytrowich A. Promotion of second intention wound healing by emu oil lotion: comparative results with furasin, polysporin, and cortisone. Plast.Reconstr.Surg 1998;102(7):2404-2407.
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  • Prospero-Garcia KA, Torres-Ruiz A, Ramirez-Bermudez J, et al. Fluoxetine-mirtazapine interaction may induce restless legs syndrome: report of 3 cases from a clinical trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2006;67(11):1820.
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  • Qiu XW, Wang JH, Fang XW, et al. [Anti-inflammatory activity and healing-promoting effects of topical application of emu oil on wound in scalded rats]. Di Yi.Jun.Yi.Da Xue.Xue.Bao. 2005;25(4):407-410.
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  • Teive HA, de Quadros A, Barros FC, et al. [Worsening of autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome after use of mirtazapine: case report]. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2002;60(4):1025-1029.
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  • Yoganathan S, Nicolosi R, Wilson T, et al. Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD-1 mice. Lipids 2003;38(6):603-607.
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  • Zemtsov A, Gaddis M, Montalvo-Lugo VM. Moisturizing and cosmetic properties of emu oil: a pilot double blind study. Australas.J.Dermatol. 1996;37(3):159-161.
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Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.