A recent review of the impact of lavender essential oil on male and female sex hormonеs

Objective: This review critically evaluates the evidence regarding the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Lamiaceae) essential oil and its main components, linalool (Lin) and linalyl
acetate (LinAc). Case reports have suggested that continuous dermal exposure to lavender-containing products may
be linked to prepubertal gynecomastia and premature helarche in children [1]. Early in vitro findings indicated weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities of lavender oil constituents, raising concerns about their possible role as endocrine disruptors [2]. This review aims to determine whether these concerns are supported by studies and
regulatory data generated in recent years. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, covering case
reports, mechanistic in vitro assays, in silico approaches, and follow-up in vivo studies in rodents. Eligible studies
included those examining lavender essential oil or its isolated constituents, provided that experimental details and models were adequately described. Results: Although early investigations reported weak Estrogen Receptor (ER)
activation and anti-androgenic effects in cell-based systems, these findings were not reproduced in recent guideline ER or Androgen Receptor (AR) reporter assays. Regulatory in vitro studies showed no consistent estrogenic or antiandrogenic activity for Lin or LinAc, with AUC values of 0 or close to 0 in EPA ToxCast analyses [3]. In vivo
reproductive and developmental toxicity screening tests in rats revealed no significant changes in sex steroid
hormone–sensitive endpoints, such as nipple retention, timing of puberty, or fertility parameters, apart from
nonspecific systemic toxicity at high oral doses. Epidemiological support remains weak, as case reports are limited by methodological issues, potential confounders, and lack of plausible dose–response relationships. Conclusions:
The current body of evidence does not support lavender essential oil or its main constituents as clinically relevant endocrine disruptors. Concerns raised by case reports and isolated in vitro findings are not substantiated by validated in vitro assays, computational models, or in vivo studies. These results emphasize the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence before proposing causal links between exposure to natural products and endocrine-related outcomes. Further research should focus on potential confounding components in cosmetic formulations and employ standardized protocols to resolve remaining uncertainties.