Benzyl benzoate is an ester found in benzoin and ylang ylang. It can also be found in jasmine absolute. It is on the World Health Organization list of essential oils and has been used to treat scabies, lice, and as an insecticide.
Esters are formed from the combination of acids and alcohols.
Links to Plants Containing Benzyl Benzoate
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
INSECTICIDAL / PESTICIDAL
- Benzyl benzoate may be helpful in reducing dust mites. From: Hayden, M. L., Rose, G., Diduch, K. B., Domson, P., Chapman, M. D., Heymann, P. W., & Platts-Mills, T. A. (1992). Benzyl benzoate moist powder: investigation of acarical activity in cultures and reduction of dust mite allergens in carpets. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 89(2), 536-545.
ANTI-VIRAL
- Benzyl benzoate in combination with ivermectin was effective in treating the scabies virus. From: Bachewar, N. P., Thawani, V. R., Mali, S. N., Gharpure, K. J., Shingade, V. P., & Dakhale, G. N. (2009). Comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of benzyl benzoate, permethrin, and ivermectin in patients of scabies. Indian journal of pharmacology, 41(1), 9.
- Topical benzyl benzoate application was more effective in treating scabies than Ivermectin in a human randomized controlled trial. From: Ly, F., Caumes, E., Ndaw, C. A. T., Ndiaye, B., & Mahé, A. (2009). Ivermectin versus benzyl benzoate applied once or twice to treat human scabies in Dakar, Senegal: a randomized controlled trial. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 87, 424-430.
ESTROGENIC
- Benzyl salicylate and benzyl benzoate demonstrated estrogenic activity in vitro. From: Charles, A. K., & Darbre, P. D. (2009). Oestrogenic activity of benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate and butylphenylmethylpropional (Lilial) in MCF7 human breast cancer cells in vitro. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 29(5), 422-434.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 01/04/19
