The essential properties of Eucalyptus Globulus
by the Doctor Matteo Politi
Eucalyptus globulus Labill.
- Angiosperms
- Myrtaceae
- Eucalyptus
(botanical nomenclature source)
Phytochemical profile
Eucalyptus globulus It is the main source of eucalyptus oil used globally.1 In the essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves from Morocco, a single compound, 1,8-cineole also known as eucalyptol, accounted for 79.85%, although 18 other compounds were identified including limonene, p-cymene and α-terpinene.2 This phytochemical profile is also similar to others obtained from plant materials of different origins.3–5
Pharmacological activity
Eucalyptus is of great interest worldwide for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and insect repellent properties, for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes. The application of eucalyptus essential oil in cosmetic and personal care products is progressively increasing. In addition, it has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries, in the treatment of respiratory diseases, common cold, influenza and sinus congestion.1 Eucalyptus essential oil is mainly used as a component in various medicinal preparations to relieve cold symptoms and in cough products such as lozenges, ointments and inhalants.6, and the beneficial effects for various respiratory tract disorders were also confirmed with regard to the effectiveness of the main compound, eucalyptol, tested in pure form.7 The essential oil is also known for its insect-repellent properties, which are useful for limiting mosquito bites.8
Antimicrobial activity
Nanoemulsions containing eucalyptus essential oil have been reported to possess antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against gram-negative bacteria commonly present in immunocompromised patients (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the main microorganism responsible for fungal infections worldwide (Candida albicans).9 The essential oil is also active against Staphylococcus aureus.10
Bibliography
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2. Ait-Ouazzou A, Lorán S, Bakkali M, et al. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Thymus algeriensis, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalis from Morocco. J Sci Food Agric. 2011;91:2643–2651. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4505
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7. Juergens UR. Anti-inflammatory properties of the monoterpene 18-cineole: Current evidence for co-medication in inflammatory airway diseases. Drug Res (Stuttgart). 2014;64:638–646. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1372609
8. Trongtokit Y, Rongsriyam Y, Komalamisra N, Apiwathnasorn C. Comparative repellency of 38 essential oils against mosquito bites. Phyther Res. 2005;19:303–309. doi:10.1002/ptr.1637
9. Quatrin PM, Verdi CM, de Souza ME, et al. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of nanoemulsions containing Eucalyptus globulus oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp. Microb Pathog. 2017;112:230-242. doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2017.09.062
10. Adnan M. Bioactive potential of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae). J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2019;8(1):213-216.