Emu oil

Related Terms

Australian emu, Casuariidae (family), Dromaius novaehollandiae, emu oil cream, emu oil lotion, oleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, ratite, Thunder Ridge 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.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


One early study indicates that emu oil may be useful for cosmetic uses, like moisturization. Higher quality studies are needed.

 C


One early study indicates that emu oil may be useful for cosmetic uses, like moisturization. Higher quality studies are needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for emu oil in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Emu oil applied to the skin may reduce local, short-term inflammation and therefore have additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.