Eucalyptus EO
Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review
Good for regulation of the nervous system relating to neuralgia, headache, and debility, treatment for joint and muscle pains (rheumatoid arthritis), and for muscle and joint pains and aches.
Constituents:
The major constituent is 1,8-cineole (54–95%). In addition, there are moderate amounts of a-pinene (2.6%), p-cymene (2.7%), aromadendrene, cuminaldehyde, globulol and pinocarveol
Effects
Some of the subsequent properties mentioned refer to isolated cineole. As the standardized commodity, the oil contains 80-90% cineole.
Articles/Studies
Analgesic activity
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study assessed the efficacy of a combination product of the essential oil (eucalyptus oil) and peppermint oil) for headache relief in 32 patients. Five different preparations were used (all in 90% ethanol, to a final weight of 100g): 10g peppermint oil and 5g eucalyptus oil; 10 g peppermint oil and traces of eucalyptus oil; traces of peppermint oil and 5g eucalyptus oil; traces of both peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil; or a placebo. The test preparations or placebo were applied topically to large areas of the forehead and temples, and the effects on neurophysiological, psychological and experimental algesimetric parameters were measured. All test preparations improved cognitive performance, and induced muscle and mental relaxation compared to the placebo, but had no effect on sensitivity to headache. (WHO-VOL2 pg 100)
One in vivo study assessed the synergism of constituents found in three species of eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus citriodora (EC), Eucalyptus tereticornis (ET), and Eucalyptus globulus (EG) in relation to their effects on inflammation and pain perception in rats exposed to acetic-acid and hot plates. EC, ET, and EG all induced analgesic effects, suggesting peripheral and central mechanisms. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects relating to carrageenan tests were also supported. However, there were some inconsistencies regarding parameters evaluated in terms of activity and dose-response relationships.This reflected the complexity of the essential oils makeup and may support how the environment affects their activity, even in rodents, as previously allotted to.
Antibacterial
Eucalyptus oil (EO) and its major component, 1,8-cineole, have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), viruses, and fungi (including Candida). Surprisingly for an antimicrobial substance, there are also immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. Of the white blood cells, monocytes and macrophages are most affected, especially with increased phagocytic activity. Application by either vapor inhalation or oral route provides benefit for both purulent and non-purulent respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a long history of folk usage with a good safety record. More recently, the biochemical details behind these effects have been clarified. Although other plant oils may be more microbiologically active, the safety of moderate doses of EO and its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action make it an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals. EO has also been shown to offset the myelotoxicity of one chemotherapy agent. Whether this is a general attribute that does not decrease the benefit of chemotherapy remains to be determined. This article also provides instruction on how to assemble inexpensive devices for vapor inhalation.
It inhibited the growth in vitro of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli but not of Bacillus cereus, Penicillium cyclopiumor Aspergillus aegyptiacus. (WHO-VOL2 pg 99)
Thyme and Eucalyptus oil have antibacterial activity against MRSA isolates.
Anti-inflammatory
The essential oil inhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis in vitro at a concentration of 37mmol/l (WHO-VOL 2, pg100)
Antitussive effects
The antitussive effect of the essential oil was compared to that of codeine in guinea-pigs in which coughs were induced by mechanical stimulation. Inhalation of the essential oil (5% emulsified in normal saline) had a significant antitussive effect relative to codeine (15mg/kg body weight) of 0.68 (P < 0.05). When the essential oil was administered by intraperitoneal injection (50mg/kg body weight), the antitussive effect relative to codeine was 0.57, which was also significant (P < 0.001) (WHO-VOL2 pg 99)
Immune System Effects
- Study on Immune-Modifying and Antimicrobial Effects
- Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices
- Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response
- Effects of different doses of Eucalyptus oil from Eucalyptus globulus Labill on respiratory tract immunity and immune function in healthy Rats
Ketamine Side Effects
Nasal decongestant activity
A clinical trial without controls assessed the effects of Eucalyptus EO as a nasal decongestant in 31 healthy volunteers. Inhalation of the essential oil (10 ml) over a period of 5 minutes had no effect on nasal resistance to airflow.
However, the oil had a stimulant or sensitizing effect on nasal cold receptors, and the majority of subjects reported a sensation of increased airflow. A single-blind, parallel clinical trial assessed the efficacy of vaporized essential oil, camphor, menthol or steam in reducing nasal congestion in 234 patients with acute respiratory tract infections. The essential oil was significantly more effective in reducing nasal congestion only during the first hour following treatment (P < 0.02) (32). In other clinical studies of patients with acute common colds, no significant differences in nasal decongestant activity were reported between the essential oil (1.3%) in petrolatum and a petrolatum placebo. (WHO-VOL2 pg 100)
Food Preservation
Study on using Eucalyptus EO as natural food preservative