Preliminary observations of a novel topical oil with analgesic properties for treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes.

Objective: Essential oxygen oil (OxyRub from CreoMed Inc., Naples, FL, U.S.A.) is a novel topical analgesic currently commercially available in Europe and now available in the U.S.A. It represents an important alternative to other treatments (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, menthol, camphor) for managing mild to moderate acute and chronic pain. Several clinical trials of this oil will be reviewed.

Results: One large (n = 455) open-label trial found essential oxygen oil to be a safe and effective analgesic for a broad range of patients with acute and chronic pain. In that study, 80% of patients reported that their pain decreased by more than 75%. A double-blind placebo-controlled study (n = 50) found significant pain reduction for tendonitis in patients using essential oxygen oil. Another trial of essential oxygen oil vs. placebo (n = 50) with various pain diagnoses found that 98% of patients with various pain diagnoses reported "very good" pain relief in the oil group compared to 48% in the placebo group. Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial in 10 women to measure oxygen microcirculatory effect in the skin showed an increased microcirculatory effect with improved oxygenation (increased partial pressure of oxygen in the skin) after application of essential oxygen oil. In all studies, the oil was well tolerated. None of these studies has been previously published.

Conclusions: Based on studies completed, essential oxygen oil has shown itself to be safe, has demonstrated positive analgesic effects for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, and has improved oxygen content in the skin as well as other dermatological parameters.