Chemicals in common plant oils may be hormone disruptors

In a new study to be presented at ENDO 2018, the Endocrine Society’s 100th annual meeting in Chicago, researchers have found evidence that chemicals present in common plant oils including lavender and tea tree may be hormone disruptors.

In this study the researchers looked at eight key chemicals from the hundreds that make up the oils.  These chemicals were applied to human cancer cells to measure changes of oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor target genes.  The study found changes that were consistent with endogenous or bodily hormonal conditions that stimulate gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth) in prepubescent boys.