The bibliographic citations are derived from Medline databases through the National Library of Medicine.
Effects on the respiratory system
Tarasova GD, Krutikova NM, Pekli FF, Vichkanova S. (1998). Experience in the use of eucalymine in acute inflammatory ENT diseases in children.Vestn Otorinolaringol, (6): 48-50.
Summary: Children with acute and chronic sinusitis used eucalymine, a
eucalyptus-based drug formulated in Russia. Good anti-inflammatory effect
was
observed. The authors concluded that this eucalyptus-based remedy is a
treatment of choice for children suffering from ear, nose, and throat infections.
Juergens UR, Stober M, Vetter H. (1998). Inhibition of cytokine production and arachidonic acid metabolism by eucalyptol (1.8-cineole) in human blood monocytes in vitro. Eur J Med Res, 3(11): 508-10.
Summary: 1.8 cineole is a major component of eucalyptus oil, which has been
used historically for symptomatic relief of respiratory infections. 1.8 cineole
was found to markedly inhibit cytokines (mediators of inflammation) in human
cells studies in the lab. The authors suggest that 1.8 cineole would be useful
in treating conditions involving airway inflammation, such as bronchial asthma,
and others currently controlled pharmaceutically by steroids.
Riechelmann H, Brommer C, Hinni M, Martin C. (1997). Response of human ciliated respiratory cells to a mixture of menthol, eucalyptus oil and pine needle oil. Arzneimittelforschung, 47(9):1035-9.
Summary: In this clinical trial, nasal respiratory cells from 45 healthy people
were exposed to varying concentrations of a mixture of menthol, eucalyptus
oil and pine needle oil, eucalyptus oil alone, and pine needle oil alone. Ciliary
beat frequency was assessed. The results showed that high concentrations
of essential oils reduce the ciliary beat frequency.
Morice AH, Marshall AE, Higgins KS, Grattan TJ (1994). Effect of inhaled menthol on citric acid induced cough in normal subjects. Thorax, 49(10):1024-6.
Summary: In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 20 healthy subjects
inhaled 75% menthol in eucalyptus oil or one of two placebos prior to having
a
cough induced. Results showed that menthol inhalation caused a significant reduction
in induced cough, and can be considered an effective antitussive agent
for induced cough. (Essentics note: There is no menthol in eucalyptus oil. Peppermint
oil usually has between 28-46% menthol).
Burrow A, Eccles R, Jones AS. (1983). The effects of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol vapour on nasal resistance to airflow and nasal sensation. Acta Otolaryngol, 96(1-2):157-61.
Summary:
Individuals were exposed to 5 minutes of camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol vapor.
No effect on nasal resistance to airflow was reported, but a majority of subjects
reported a cold sensation in the nose and a feeling of improved airflow.
Zanker KS, Tolle W, Blumel G, Probst J. (1980). Evaluation of surfactant-like effects of commonly used remedies for colds. Respiration, 39(3):150-7.
Summary:
Surfactant effects of eucalyptol, eucalyptus oil, camphor, and menthol were
studied by spreading them on DPL films. Eucalyptol was inhaled by rabbits
and c
hanges in lung compliance was tested. All of the substances acted as surfactants,
decreasing surface tension between water and air. Lung compliance values
in rabbits improved.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
Grassmann J, Hippeli S, Dornisch K, Rohnert U, Beuscher N, Elstner EF.(2000). Antioxidant properties of essential oils. Possible explanations for their anti-inflammatory effects. Arzneimittelforschung, 50(2):135-9.
Summary: This paper suggests that Myrtol Standardized and Eucalyptus oil reduce
inflammation by acting as antioxidants and interfering with leukocyte
(white blood cell) activation. They suggest that this may buffer biochemical
damage triggered by infections.
Atta, A.H., Alkofahi, A. (1998). Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol, 60(2):117-24. PMID: 9582001; UI: 98241157.
Summary: Euclayptus was found to have significant anti-inflammatory effects
when used against induced, localized acute and chronic inflammation in rodents.
The effects were dose-dependent. The authors concluded that the study affirmed
the traditional use of eucalyptus for these conditions of pain and inflammation.
Santos FA, Rao VS. (1997). Mast cell involvement in the rat paw oedema response to 1,8-cineole, the main constituent of eucalyptus and rosemary oils. Eur J Pharmacol, 331(2-3):253-8.
Summary: 1.8 cineole, a main component of eucalyptus oil, was found to produce
inflammatory swelling when injected into the paws of rats. The mechanism
appears to involve mast cell degranulation (involved in allergic reactions),
and was inhibited by antihistamines.
Hong CZ, Shellock FG (1991). Effects of a topically applied counterirritant (Eucalyptamint) on cutaneous blood flow and on skin and muscle temperatures. A placebo-controlled study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 70(1):29-33.
Summary: In this controlled clinical trial, the effect of Eucalyptamint was
studied on ten normal human subjects. Significant increases in skin temperature,
muscle temperature, and blood flow occurred and lasted approximately 45 minutes.
The researchers concluded that Eucalyptamint may be useful for pain relief
or as a passive warm-up for athletes.
Weyers W, Brodbeck R. (1989). Skin absorption of volatile oils. Pharmacokinetics. Pharm Unserer Zeit, 18(3):82-6.
Summary:
1,8 cineole, an active component in eucalyptus oil, was used as a model substance
in order to study skin absorption of volatile oils. Absorption into the skeletal
muscle following application to the skin was studied . Large differences in
absorption to the muscle were found depending on the method of application.
Applying
the 1.8 cineole on the skin with an applicator improved bioavailabilty in the
skeletal muscle by 320% over laying the oil on the skin with an occlusive dressing.
General anti-infective effects
Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Fujitani K, Yoshida S, Nishimura H, Tokuda H, Nishino H, Iwashima A, Kozuka M (1990). Inhibitors of skin-tumor promotion. VIII. Inhibitory effects of euglobals and their related compounds on Epstein-Barr virus activation. (1). Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 38(10):2737-9.
Summary: 12 euglobals, broken down into 26 related compounds, were isolated
from Eucalyptus globulus. Eight euglobals showed strong inhibition in
Epsten-Barr viral activation in the lab.
Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Shingu T, Tokuda H, Nishino H, Iwashima A, Kozuka M (1990). Structures of euglobal-G1, -G2, and -G3 from Eucalyptus grandis, three new inhibitors of Epstein-Barr virus activation. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo,)38(5):1444-6.
Summary: Three euglobal structures isolated from Eucalyptus grandis were found to strongly inhibit activation of the Epstein-Barr virus.
Shahi SK, Shukla, AC, Bajaj AK, Banerjee U, Rimek D, Midgely G, Dikshit A. (2000). Broad Spectrum Herbal Therapy against Superficial Fungal Infections. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol, 13(1): 60-64.
Summary: These researchers formulated an ointment using essential oil
of Eucalyptus pauciflora in a 1% dilution. They used it topically on 50
patients with
fungal skin infections. At the end of the treatment period, 60% had fully
recovered and 40% had improved significantly. There had been no relapses two
months
following the end of treatment. Multicenter clinical trials are in progress.
Rai MK, Qureshi S, Pandey AK. (1999). In vitro susceptibility of opportunistic Fusarium spp. to essential oils. Mycoses, 42(1-2):97-101.
Summary: The ability of essential oils to inhibit five species of fungi was
evaluated and compared with the effects of miconazole, a common OTC treatment
for
vaginal yeast infection. The six eucalyptus species used all markedly
inhibited fungal growth.
Harkenthal M, Reichling J, Geiss HK, Saller R (1999). Comparative study on the in vitro antibacterial activity of Australian tea tree oil, cajuput oil, niaouli oil, manuka oil, kanuka oil, and eucalyptus oil. Pharmazie, 54(6):460-3.
Summary: The antibacterial activity of the Australian tea tree oil and other
oils from the family Myrtaceae were tested against twelve common strains of
bacteria,
including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureas, and Salmonella choleraesuis.
Tea tree had the highest anti-bacterial activity, and was effective against
all
bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both tea tree and manuka oil had
significant antibacterial effects on various strains of antibiotic-resistant
Staphylococcus
species.
Pattnaik S, Subramanyam VR, Kole C (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios, 86(349):237-46.
Summary: The essential oils were tested against 22 bacterial strains and
twelve fungi strains by the disc diffusion method. Essential oil of eucalyptus
was effective
against all 22 bacterial strains and 11 fungi strains.
Rai MK, Qureshi S, Pandey AK. (1999). In vitro susceptibility of opportunistic Fusarium spp. to essential oils. Mycoses, 42(1-2): 97-101.
Summary: Six species of essential oils, including eucalyptus, were tested against
five species of fungi of the genus Fusarium. The essential oils from eucalyptus
significantly inhibited fungal growth.
Pattnaik S, Subramanyam VR, Rath CC (1998). Effect of essential oils on the viability and morphology of Escherichia coli (SP-11). Microbios, 84(340):195-9.
Summary: Essential oils from eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint and palmarosa were tested against a strain of E.coli. All four oils killed the strain at very low dilutions.
Pattnaik S, Rath C, Subramanyam VR (1995). Characterization of resistance to essential oils in a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VR-6). Microbios, 81(326):29-31.
Summary: These researchers found a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring
a plasmid. This strain was not inhibited by large concentrations of essential
oils of
eucalyptus, lemongrass, palmarosa, or peppermint. Resistance to the bactericidal
effects of the oils was demonstrated.
Toxicity and allergic reactions
Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. (1999). Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol, 246(8) :667-70.
Summary: This article reports three cases of what appears to be plant-related
toxic seizures. The authors surveyed the literature and found essential
oils of 11 plants
to potentially induce seizures. The oils listed were eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop,
pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savin, tansy, thuja, turpentine, and wormwood. Two
healthy
adults and one child had seizures related to absorption of oils.
Darben T, Cominos B, Lee CT. (1998). Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australas J Dermatol, 39(4):265-7.
Summary: This is a report of a six-year-old girl who had a eucalyptus
oil preparation rubbed on much of her body for an itchy rash. She developed
slurred speech
and muscle weakness, and became unconscious. The ointment was removed and she
recovered with no long-term problems.
Day LM, Ozanne-Smith J, Parsons BJ, Dobbin M, Tibballs J. (1997). Eucalyptus oil poisoning among young children: mechanisms of access and the potential for prevention. Aust N Z J Public Health, 21(3):297-302.
Summary: This was a study of accidental ingestion of eucalyptus oil in children
under 5 years old. 74% had gained access via a vaporizer in the home. Amounts
ingested were usually small. Safety measures were discussed.
Schaller M, Korting HC (1995). Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in aromatherapy. Clin Exp Dermatol, 20(2):143-5.
Summary: A 53-year-old woman had chronic eczema resistant to standard therapy.
It was traced to allergic airborne dermatitis from a year-long use of aroma
lamps in her home. She had inhaled lavender, jasmine and rosewood, but
also tested as allergic to laurel (bay), eucalyptus, and pomerance. Her dermatitis
eventually resolved with steroid treatment. (Essentics note: The purity and
quality of the essential oils used in the home were not discussed.)
Tibballs J (1995). Clinical
effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children.
Med J Aust, 163(4):177-80.
Summary: This
author details various cases of ingestion of eucalyptus oil by 109 children.
Three were unconscious following ingestion of between 5 ml and
10 ml of pure eucalyptus oil. All patients recovered. The author concluded
that ingestion of eucalyptus oil may cause significant problems in infants and
young children.
Webb NJ, Pitt WR (1993). Eucalyptus oil poisoning in childhood: 41 cases in south-east Queensland. J Paediatr Child Health, 29(5):368-71.
Summary: Over a span of seven years, 42 cases of eucalyptus oil poisoning were
found in children under age 14. Of 41 cases investigated, 80% of children were
asymptomatic, including four who drank over one ounce of eucalyptus oil. No
long-term effects were noted. The author concludes that eucalyptus oil may be
less
toxic than currently believed.
Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Etoh H, Pal Singh I, Tokuda H, Nishino H. (2000). Cancer chemopreventive activity of euglobal-G1 from leaves of Eucalyptus grandis. Cancer Letter, 155(1):61-5.
Summary: Euglobal-G1, a component obtained from Eucalyptus grandis leaves, was
tested for its action on induced mouse skin tumors. It exhibited remarkable
inhibitory effects on mouse skin carcinogenesis. Euglobal-G1 had similar effects
on induced pulmonary tumors in mice.
Moghimi HR, Williams AC, Barry BW (1998). Enhancement by terpenes of 5-fluorouracil permeation through the stratum corneum: model solvent approach. J Pharm Pharmacol, 50(9): 955-64.
Summary: Using human epidermis, 26 different terpenes were tested to enhance
the permeability of 5-flourouracil, a chemotherapy agent, through skin. Data
obtained showed that cineole enhances the effect of 5-fourouracil much more
than limonene. Cineole is the primary compound in essential oils from the Myrtaceae
and Lauraceae families, such as myrtle, eucalyptus, tea tree, and cinnamon.
Abdullah D, Ping QN, Liu GJ (1996). Enhancing effect of essential oils on the penetration of 5-fluorouracil through rat skin. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao, 31(3):214-21.
Summary: In this study on excised rat skin, eucalyptus oil caused a 60-fold
increase in the penetration of 5-fluorouracil (a chemotherapy agent) through
the skin.
Peppermint oils caused a 48-fold increase in penetration. Modes of action are
discussed.
Takasaki M, Konoshima T, Kozuka M, Tokuda H (1995). Anti-tumor-promoting activities of euglobals from Eucalyptus plants. Biol Pharm Bull, 18(3):435-8.
Summary: The purpose of this study was to search for possible chemopreventive
agents for use against tumors. 21 euglobal compounds were isolated from five
species of eucalyptus leaves. Three showed significant inhibition of induced
activation of the Epstein-Barr virus. Two euglobals had “remarkable” anti-tumor
effects
on induced mouse skin carcinogenesis (cancer development).
Taddei-Bringas GA, Santillana-Macedo MA, Romero-Cancio JA, Romero-Tellez MB. (1999). Acceptance and use of medicinal plants in family medicine. Salud Publica Mex, 41(3):216-20.
Summary:
These authors investigated the use of medicinal plants among physicians, health
professionals, and patients and a state medical clinic in Sonora,
Mexico. 83% of physicians accepted the therapeutic value of medicinal plants.
100% of health care workers and 90% of patients use medicinal plants.
The most
common plants used were Gordolobo, Eucalyptus (probably E. globulus), German
chamomile, spearmint, and prickly pear.
Sinclair A (1996). Remedies for common family ailments: 10. Nasal decongestants. Prof Care Mother Child, 6(1):9-11.
Summary: In
this discussion of nasal decongestants for children, the author recommends eucalyptus
essential oil given as rubs or inhalants to aid nasal congestion.
(Essentics note: Do not use on children under 2 years old, as the menthol in
eucalyptus oil can cause breathing problems.)
Gray AM, Flatt PR. (1998). Antihyperglycemic actions of Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) are associated with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects in mice. J Nutr, 128(12): 2319-23.
Summary: This
study involved feeding an aqueous extract of E. globulus to mice with induced
hyperglycemia. The eucalyptus increased insulin secretion from
pancreatic cells and reduced hyperglycemia and weight loss. The authors conclude
that Eucalyptus globulus may be and effective dietary addition to the treatment
of diabetes.
Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR (1990). Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetologia, 33(8):462-4.
Summary: Eleven
plants were studied for their effects on induced hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
in mice. Plant materials were supplied in the diet. It was found
that agrimony, alfafa, coriander, eucalyptus, and juniper reduced the level
of blood sugar in the diabetic mice. The authors conclude that the use
of these plant
materials can retard the development of induced diabetes in mice.
Sato S, Yoshinuma N, Ito K, Tokumoto T, Takiguchi T, Suzuki Y, Murai S. (1998). The inhibitory effect of funoran and eucalyptus extract-containing chewing gum on plaque formation. J Oral Sci, 40(3):115-7.
Summary: This
clinical trial compared eucalyptus extract-containing chewing gum, funoran containing
chewing gum, and a control gum on plaque formation using
15 people. Plaque formation was significantly reduced with both the eucalyptus
and the funoran gum compared to the control.
Tovey ER, McDonald LG. (1997). A simple washing procedure with eucalyptus oil for controlling house dust mites and their allergens in clothing and bedding. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 100(4):464-6.
Summary: A summary of this article is not available.
Belzner S. (1997). Eucalyptus oil dressings in urinary retention. Pflege Aktuell, 51(6):386-7.
Summary: We hope to have a summary of this clinical trial soon.
Navarro V, Villarreal ML, Rojas G, Lozoya X. (1996). Antimicrobial evaluation of some plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases. J Ethnopharmacol, 53(3): 143-7.
Summary: This
study found that extract of eucalyptus globulus had strong in vitro antimicrobial
activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.
Trigg JK (1996). Evaluation of a eucalyptus-based repellent against Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) in Scotland. J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 12(2 Pt 1):329-30.
Summary: A
eucalyptus-based insect repellant was compared with deet for protection against
biting from this insect. Both repellants provided over 98% protection
for over 8 hours.
Trigg JK (1996). Evaluation of a eucalyptus-based repellent against Anopheles spp. in Tanzania. J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 12(2 Pt 1): 243-6.
Summary: A
eucalyptus-based insect repellant was compared with deet for protection against
biting from this insect. Both repellants gave complete protection
from biting for up to 7.75 hours. There was no significant difference between
the two repellant’s effectiveness.
Monzon RB, Alvior JP, Luczon LL, Morales AS, Mutuc FE (1994). Larvicidal potential of five Philippine plants against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 25(4):755-9.
Summary: Eucalyptus
globulus was found to kill the larva of two mosquito species. Seven different
dilutions of the oil were tested. Maximum effectiveness was
seen after 48 hours of exposure to the oil.
Schreck CE, Leonhardt BA (1991). Efficacy assessment of Quwenling, a mosquito repellent from China. J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 7(3):433-6.
Summary: Quwenling
is a mosquito repellant derived from lemon eucalyptus extract (Eucalyptus citriodora).
It was compared with deet when tested against
five mosquito species. The duration of protection of Quwenling was generally
shorter than that of deet.
Gobel, H., Schmidt, G., Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3): 228-34.
Summary: 32
healthy subjects were involved in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized
cross-over study. Four test preparations were applied to large
areas of the forehead and temples. A reduction in sensitivity to headache with
a significant analgesic effect was found with a combination of peppermint oil
and
ethanol. The eucalyptus oil had little influence on pain, but did have a muscle-relaxing
effect.
Last updated 03.23.05
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