2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-creosol, BHT, Butil Hidroxitolueno, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxytoluène, Butyl Hydroxytoluène, Dibutylated Hydroxytoluene, Dibutylhydroxytoluène, Hydroxytoluène Butylé.
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. People also use it as medicine.
BHT is used to treat genital herpes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Some people apply BHT directly to the skin for cold sores.
How does work?
BHT is an antioxidant. It may damage the protective outer layer of viral cells. This may keep the viruses from multiplying and/or doing more damage.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Cold sores caused by a type of virus called herpes. Developing evidence suggests that putting BHT on cold sores may help them heal faster.
- Genital herpes.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Other conditions.
QUESTION
See AnswerBHT is safe in the amounts found in processed foods. But there isn't enough information to know if it is safe to take BHT in medicinal doses, which are typically higher. There also isn't enough information to know whether BHT can be safely used on the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: BHT is safe when eaten as food, but there's not enough information to know if it's safe in the larger amounts that are used as medicine. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, stick with food amounts until more is known.The appropriate dose of BHT depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for BHT. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Coohill TP, Babich M, Taylor WD, Snipes W. A comparison of herpes simplex virus plaque development after viral treatment with anti-DNA or antilipid agents. Biophys J 1980;30:517-21.. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Freeman DJ, Wenerstrom G, Spruance SL. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis with topical butylated hydroxytoluene. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1985;38:56-9.. View abstract.
Grogan MW. Toxicity from BHT ingestion. West J Med 1986;145:245-6.
Reimund E. Butylated hydroxytoluene, lipid-enveloped viruses, and AIDS. Med Hypotheses 1987;23:39-42.. View abstract.
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Williams GM, Iatropoulos MJ, Whysner J. Safety assessment of butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene as antioxidant food additives. Food Chem Toxicol 1999;37:1027-38.. View abstract.