BOSTON - THE lavender and tea tree oils found in some soaps, shampoos, hair gels and body lotions can produce enlarged breasts in boys, according to a study.
These plant oils were linked to abnormal breast development in three boys, a condition called gynecomastia, which was reversed when they stopped using them, said researchers.
The study, published in yesterday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, suggested these oils can act in ways similar to the hormone estrogen.
'This report raises an issue of concern, since lavender oil and tea tree oil are sold over the counter in their 'pure' form and are present in an increasing number of commercial products, including shampoos, hair gels, soaps, and body lotions,' wrote Dr Clifford Bloch and a team of researchers from Paediatric Endocrine Associates in Colorado.
'Whether the oils elicit similar endocrine-disrupting effects in prepubertal girls, adolescent girls, or women is unknown.'
While it is very common for boys to develop temporary breast enlargement during puberty, the condition is very uncommon in young boys, Dr Bloch's team wrote.
They found the problem in three otherwise healthy boys - ages four, seven and 10 - who had used products that contained either lavender or tea tree oils.
In laboratory tests, scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina found that both substances can mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen and block male hormones that control both masculine characteristics and inhibit the growth of breast tissue.
REUTERS
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