Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Research

Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Family: Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus is a popular essential oil, tested for its antimicrobial properties, and often used as an insect repellent and to open breathing.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

SAFETY / CONCERNS

GENERAL

• Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014).  Essential Oil Safety.  Second Edition.  Churchill, Livingstone, Elsevier.
• Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• WebMD.  (n.d.).  Eucalyptus.  Retrieved in November, 2016. Retrieved from www.webmd.com
• Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014).  Essential Oil Safety.  Second Edition.  Churchill, Livingstone, Elsevier.

• Aborigine people of Australia have been using the eucalyptus plant for hundreds of years to heal wounds and for respiratory complaints.  In the late 1800’s, surgeons began using eucalyptus essential oil for its antiseptic qualities. It has also been inhaled for headaches, and used topically for arthritis pain.  From: Weil, A., et al. (2010).  National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.  National Geographic.  Washington D.C.
• The Halls brand of cough drops uses eucalyptus and peppermint as key ingredients.  From: Weil, A., et al. (2010).  National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.  National Geographic.  Washington D.C.

SAFETY

• Essential oil is often rectified to reduce potential irritants.
• Look for 80/85 NF – meaning the essential oil has a 1,8-cineole content between 80-85% in accordance with the US National Formulary (Petersen, 2015).
• Skin patch test due to 1,8 -cineole, skin (Petersen, 2015).
• Essential oil is Not for use with young children.  From:  Day, L. M., Ozanne–Smith, J., Parsons, B. J., Dobbin, M., & Tibballs, J. (1997). Eucalyptus oil poisoning among young children: mechanisms of access and the potential for prevention. Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, 21(3), 297-302.
• The 1,8-cineole constituent in the oil can cause breathing issues and CNS issues in young children (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
• E. smithii is a milder species of essential oil for use with children (Petersen, 2015).
• Do not use oil with epilepsy, hypertension, liver conditions, and gastric inflammation.
• Toxic induced seizures from the following plants were reported:  eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savin, tansy, thuja, turpentine, and wormwood.  Ketone constituents including camphor, pinocamphone, thujone, cineole, pulegone, sabinylacetate, and fenchone were mentioned. From:  Burkhard, P. R., Burkhardt, K., Haenggeli, C. A., & Landis, T. (1999). Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. Journal of neurology, 246(8), 667-670.
• May lower blood sugar (monitor levels if diabetic) (WebMD, nd.).
• May weaken some prescription drugs, especially those changed by the liver (WebMD, n.d.).
• Ingestion of even less than one tsp of oil can be very harmful.  It has shown to cause severe nausea, increased heart rate, or lowered blood pressure.  Ingestion can interfere with multiple medications.  From: Weil, A., et al. (2010).  National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.  National Geographic.  Washington D.C.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIVIRAL

• In this randomized double-blind trial with 100 ICU patients with with ventilation endotracheal tube, eucalyptus was effective in reducing pulmonary infection. From: Fallahi, M., Karimpour, H., AminiSaman, J., Mohammadi, S., Sharifi, A., Jahanbakhsh, A., … & Kawyannejad, R. (2019). Effect of eucalyptus incense on prevention of early and late ventilator-associated pneumonia: A randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 28(170), 64-73.

• Dill (Anethum graveolens), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives) were tested.  Cilantro was particularly effective against Listeria monocytogenes, and strength and spectrum of inhibition by mixing of the fractions resulted in additive, synergistic effects against tested microorganisms.  From:  Delaquis, P. J., Stanich, K., Girard, B., & Mazza, G. (2002). Antimicrobial activity of individual and mixed fractions of dill, cilantro, coriander and eucalyptus essential oils. International journal of food microbiology, 74(1), 101-109.
• Eucalyptus radiata was tested against Streptococci and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The major constituents have seasonal variance, impacting antibacterial strength, and include: 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol and limonene.  From:  Mahumane, G. D., van Vuuren, S. F., Kamatou, G., Sandasi, M., & Viljoen, A. M. (2016). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus radiata leaf essential oil, sampled over a year. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 1-14.
• Multiple eucalyptus species, and the 1,8-cineole constituent were antimicrobial against a range of microorganisms.  From:  Aldoghaim, F., Flematti, G., & Hammer, K. (2018). Antimicrobial Activity of Several Cineole-Rich Western Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils. Microorganisms, 6(4), 122.
• Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus showed antibacterial activity against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other tested bacterial strains. From:  Tohidpour, A., Sattari, M., Omidbaigi, R., Yadegar, A., & Nazemi, J. (2010). Antibacterial effect of essential oils from two medicinal plants against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Phytomedicine, 17(2), 142-145.
• Against 14 pathogenic bacteria and yeast specimens tested, the following plants showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity:  Eucalyptus camuldulensis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ecballium elaterium (squirting cucumber), Liquidambar orientalis (sweetgum), Cornus sanguinea (dogwood), Vitis vinifera (grape), Inula viscosa (fleabane), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort), and Punica granatum (pomegranate).  From:  Oskay, M., & Sarı, D. (2007). Antimicrobial screening of some Turkish medicinal plants. Pharmaceutical Biology, 45(3), 176-181.
• Palmarosa, lemongrass, peppermint, and eucalyptus were bactericidal against Escherichia coli.  From:  Pattnaik, S., Subramanyam, V. R., & Rath, C. C. (1994). Effect of essential oils on the viability and morphology of Escherichia coli (SP-11). Microbios, 84(340), 195-199.
• Orange, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, juniper, peppermint, rosemary, purified turpentine, thyme, and Australian tea tree oil as well as the constituent of menthol showed antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities against the bacteria tested.  From:  Schelz, Z., Molnar, J., & Hohmann, J. (2006). Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia, 77(4), 279-285.
• Antibacterial activity of Australian tea tree, cajuput, niaouli, kanuka, manuka, and eucalyptus oil were assessed.  From:  Harkenthal, M., Reichling, J., Geiss, H. K., & 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. Die Pharmazie, 54(6), 460-463.

• Polytoxinol, a formula containing tea tree and eucalyptus, was successful in an administered percutaneously treat of intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1), 1.
• Antimicrobial activities of lavender, thyme, peppermint, cajeput, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, sage, and tea tree were summarized.  From:  Wińska, K., Mączka, W., Łyczko, J., Grabarczyk, M., Czubaszek, A., & Szumny, A. (2019). Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative?. Molecules, 24(11), 2130.
• The activity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against respiratory bacteria and viruses was tested.  From:  Cermelli, C., Fabio, A., Fabio, G., & Quaglio, P. (2008). Effect of eucalyptus essential oil on respiratory bacteria and viruses. Current microbiology, 56(1), 89-92.
• Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of Eucalyptus citriodora were the most efficacious components against the test toe fungus organisms.  From:  Ramsewak, R. S., Nair, M. G., Stommel, M., & Selanders, L. (2003). In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against toe nail fungus pathogens. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 376-379
• Plant oils were tested against the fungi: A.  fumigatus and A. nigermaximum.  Antimycotic activity was demonstrated by oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus and cinnamon. The oils of Mentha spicata, Azadirachta indica,  Eugenia  caryophyllata,  Withania  somnifera  and Zingiber officinale exhibited moderate activity. Blends of oils showed more activity than single notes.  From:  Bansod, S., & Rai, M. (2008). Antifungal activity of essential oils from Indian medicinal plants against human pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus and A. niger. World Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(2), 81-88.

• Eucalyptus globulus extract was tested against 56 variety of bacteria.  From:  Salari, M. H., Amine, G., Shirazi, M. H., Hafezi, R., & Mohammadypour, M. (2006). Antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on pathogenic bacteria isolated from specimens of patients with respiratory tract disorders. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 12(2), 194-196.

• Multiple species of eucalyptus, as well as lemongrass, basil, and nutmeg from the Congo demonstrated antibacterial activity.  From:  Cimanga, K., Kambu, K., Tona, L., Apers, S., De Bruyne, T., Hermans, N., … & Vlietinck, A. J. (2002). Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 79(2), 213-220.

• Eucalyptus and tea tree showed an antibacterial effect against MRSA.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1).

• E. globulus and to some extent, its constituent 1,8-cineole showed effectiveness against the storage fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.  From:  Vilela, G. R., de Almeida, G. S., D’Arce, M. A. B. R., Moraes, M. H. D., Brito, J. O., da Silva, M. F. D. G., … & da Gloria, E. M. (2009). Activity of essential oil and its major compound, 1, 8-cineole, from Eucalyptus globulus Labill., against the storage fungi Aspergillus flavus Link and Aspergillus parasiticus Speare. Journal of Stored Products Research, 45(2).

• The aromadendrene along with the 1,8-cineole constituents in eucalyptus demonstrated antibacterial activity against multiple pathogens.  From:  Mulyaningsih, S., Sporer, F., Zimmermann, S., Reichling, J., & Wink, M. (2010). Synergistic properties of the terpenoids aromadendrene and 1, 8-cineole from the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Phytomedicine, 17(13), 1061-1066.

• Cinnamon, lemongrass, cedarwood, clove and eucalyptus oils exhibit antibacterial property against S. mutans.  From:  Chaudhari, L. K. D., Jawale, B. A., Sharma, S., Kumar, H. S. M., & Kulkarni, P. A. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of commercially available essential oils against Streptococcus mutans. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 13(1), 71-74.
• Against the oral bacteria: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the 13 most effective essential oils were: myrrh, ginger, basil, carrot seed, tea tree, patchouli, ylang ylang, cypress, lemongrass, cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. From: Park, C., & Yoon, H. (2018). Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil against Oral Strain. International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry, 14(4), 216-221.
• Aegle, ageratum, citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, orange, palmarosa, patchouli and peppermint, were tested for antibacterial activity against 22 bacteria, and twelve fungi. From:  Pattnaik, S., Subramanyam, V. R., & Kole, C. (1995). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios, 86(349), 237-246.
• Cinnamon and eucalyptus oils showed antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.  From:  Fani, M. M., & Kohanteb, J. (2019). Inhibitory activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and eucalyptus globulus oils on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species isolated from patients with oral infections. Journal of Dentistry, 11(Supplement Winter 2011), 14-22.
• Thirty plant oils were tested and eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger grass and clove showed strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans.  From:  Agarwal, V., Lal, P., & Pruthi, V. (2008). Prevention of Candida albicans biofilm by plant oils. Mycopathologia, 165(1), 13-19.
• Essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Mentha spicata significantly retard dental biofilm formation. From:  Rasooli, I., Shayegh, S., & Astaneh, S. D. A. (2009). The effect of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils on dental biofilm. International journal of dental hygiene, 7(3), 196-203.
• Essential oils from eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, and their isolated constituents showed antiviral activity against herpes in vitro.  From:  Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 24(5), 673-679.

• Thirty essential oils were tested against pathogenic plant bacteria. Ceylon cinnamon (leaf and bark), oregano, clove bud, palmarosa, basil, peppermint, rosemary, blue gum, camphor, lemongrass, aniseed, ylang ylang, silver fir, lemon, dwarf mountain pine, bay laurel, scots pine, black cumin, Indian frankincense, bergamot orange, common juniper, bitter orange, and neem showed varying degrees of reaction.  From: Popović, T., Milićević, Z., Oro, V., Kostić, I., Radović, V., Jelušić, A., & Krnjajić, S. (2018). A preliminary study of antibacterial activity of thirty essential oils against several important plant pathogenic bacteria. Pesticidi i fitomedicina, 33(3-4), 185-195.

• Clove, cajeput, tea tree, naiouli, and eucalyptus showed varying degrees of activity against Penicillium commune. From: Tančinová, D., Foltinová, D., Mašková, Z., Štefániková, J., & Árvay, J. (2019). Effect of essential oils of Myrtaceae plants on the Penicillium commune. Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences, 13(1), 604-613.

• Tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil aerosol and vapours cleared 95% of influenza A virus and E. coli phage M13 within 5 – 15 minutes of exposure. From: Usachev, E. V., Pyankov, O. V., Usacheva, O. V., & Agranovski, I. E. (2013). Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour. Journal of aerosol science, 59, 22-30.

• Ten minutes of exposure of vapors from essential oils Citrus bergamia, Eucalyptus globulus, and the constituents citronellol and eugenol were very active against the influenza virus. Vapors of Pelargonium graveolens, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cymbopogon flexuosus were very active with 30 minutes of exposure. Further, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus bergamia, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Thymus vulgaris liquid essential oils displayed 100% inhibitory activity at a 3.1 µL/mL concentration. From: Vimalanathan, S., & Hudson, J. (2014). Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products, 2(1), 47-53.

• Blends with Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Daucus carota, Eucalyptus globulus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Syzygium aromaticum, and Origanum vulgare showed in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities against antibiotic resistant pathogens, candida strains, and both the H1N1 and HSV1 viruses. From: Brochot, A., Guilbot, A., Haddioui, L., & Roques, C. (2017). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of three essential oil blends. MicrobiologyOpen, 6(4), e00459.

• A blend of cinnamon bark, clove bud, sweet orange, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils reduced flu virus activity in vitro. From: Wu, S., Patel, K. B., Booth, L. J., Metcalf, J. P., Lin, H. K., & Wu, W. (2010). Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection: an in vitro study in MDCK cells. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10(1), 69.

​INSECTICIDAL / REPELLENT / PESTICIDAL

• The following essential oils showed fumigant potential against these mites: Tetranychus urticae and Phytoseiulus persimilis:  caraway seed, citronella, java, lemon eucalyptus, pennyroyal, peppermint, sage, spearmint.  From: Choi, W. I., Lee, S. G., Park, H. M., & Ahn, Y. J. (2004). Toxicity of plant essential oils to Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 97(2), 553-558.
• In this double blind randomized study of over 4000 participants,  the use of a bed net treated with a natural insect repellent whose key ingredient was Eucalyptus maculata citriodon, was effective in repelling the mosquito that causes malaria. Hill, N., Lenglet, A., Arnez, A. M., & Carneiro, I. (2007). Plant based insect repellent and insecticide treated bed nets to protect against malaria in areas of early evening biting vectors: double blind randomised placebo controlled clinical trial in the Bolivian Amazon. bmj, 335(7628), 1023.
• Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli.  From:  Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
• Essential oils from 40 species were tested against larvae of Lycoriella ingénue using a fumigation bioassay.  Horseradish, anise, and garlic oils showed the most potent insecticidal activities and good insecticidal activity was demonstrated by Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus smithii. From:  Park, I. K., Choi, K. S., Kim, D. H., Choi, I. H., Kim, L. S., Bak, W. C., … & Shin, S. C. (2006). Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), anise (Pimpinella anisum) and garlic (Allium sativum) oils against Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae). Pest management science, 62(8), 723-728.
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), mint (Mentha piperita) basil (Ocimum basilicum) and laurel (Laurus nobilis) were tested and demonstrated repellency against Culex pipiens, with the eucalyptus, basil and anise being the most active.  From:  Erler, F., Ulug, I., & Yalcinkaya, B. (2006). Repellent activity of five essential oils against Culex pipiens. Fitoterapia, 77(7), 491-494.
• Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment.  In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp., and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited.  Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol.  From:  Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
• Against head lice, eucalyptus, marjoram, pennyroyal, and rosemary oils beat  δ-phenothrin and pyrethrum and activity of cade, cardamone ceylon, clove bud, myrtle, rosewood, and sage oils were comparable with the test insecticides.  From:  Yang, Y. C., Lee, H. S., Clark, J. M., & Ahn, Y. J. (2004). Insecticidal activity of plant essential oils against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 41(4), 699-704.
• Lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils and their oxygenated monoterpenoids presented insecticidal activity against A. obtectus.  From:  Papachristos, D. P., Karamanoli, K. I., Stamopoulos, D. C., & Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi, U. (2004). The relationship between the chemical composition of three essential oils and their insecticidal activity against Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say). Pest management science, 60(5), 514-520.
• Eucalyptus, marjoram, pennyroyal, and rosemary oils showed activity against human head lice.  From:  Yang, Y. C., Lee, H. S., Clark, J. M., & Ahn, Y. J. (2004). Insecticidal activity of plant essential oils against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae). Journal of medical entomology, 41(4), 699-704.
• Eucalyptus and 1,8-cineole had potent toxicity against the rice weevil.  From:  Lee, B. H., Choi, W. S., Lee, S. E., & Park, B. S. (2001). Fumigant toxicity of essential oils and their constituent compounds towards the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Crop Protection, 20(4), 317-320.
• ​Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl.  The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic.  From:  Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
• ​Fumigant vapours from anise (Pimpinella anisum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), oregano (Origanum syriacum) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were tested against the packaged food pests: Tribolium confusum, and Ephestia kuehniella. Anise and cumin resulted in 100% mortality of the eggs.  Oregano achieved 77% mortality in T. confusum and 89% in E. kuehniella. Eucalyptus and rosemary achieved up to 45 and 65% mortality, respectively.  From:  Tunc, I., Berger, B. M., Erler, F., & Dağlı, F. (2000). Ovicidal activity of essential oils from five plants against two stored-product insects. Journal of Stored Products Research, 36(2), 161-168.
• Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender) , Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus.  From:  Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.

• Eucalyptus ssp. were insecticidal and repellent against Sitophilus zeamais.  From:  Mossi, A. J., Astolfi, V., Kubiak, G., Lerin, L., Zanella, C., Toniazzo, G., … & Restello, R. (2011). Insecticidal and repellency activity of essential oil of Eucalyptus sp. against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 91(2), 273-277.
• Multiple Australian plants have provided mosquito repelling activity in studies, including eucalyptus, tea tree, balm mint bush, and more. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
• Eucalyptus saligna and Cupressus sempervirens leaves  and the constituent cymol were tested against Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium confusum and results suggested they might be used in grain storage against insect pests. From:  Tapondjou, A. L., Adler, C., Fontem, D. A., Bouda, H., & Reichmuth, C. H. (2005). Bioactivities of cymol and essential oils of Cupressus sempervirens and Eucalyptus saligna against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Tribolium confusum du Val. Journal of Stored Products Research, 41(1), 91-102.
• Eucalyptus was discussed as a valuable environmentally friendly pesticide.  From:  Batish, D. R., Singh, H. P., Kohli, R. K., & Kaur, S. (2008). Eucalyptus essential oil as a natural pesticide. Forest Ecology and Management, 256(12), 2166-2174.
• Three types of eucalyptus showed fumigant anctivity against lice, with 1,8-cineole being an active constituent.  From:  Toloza, A. C., Lucia, A., Zerba, E., Masuh, H., & Picollo, M. I. (2008). Interspecific hybridization of Eucalyptus as a potential tool to improve the bioactivity of essential oils against permethrin-resistant head lice from Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(15), 7341-7347.
• Eucalyptus oil used when washing bed sheets and clothing may reduce dust mites and allergens.  From:  Tovey, E. R., & McDonald, L. G. (1997). A simple washing procedure with eucalyptus oil for controlling house dust mites and their allergens in clothing and bedding. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 100(4), 464-466.
• The study showed the following as possible termite fumigants:  Melaleuca dissitiflora, Melaleuca uncinata, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus dives, Eucalyptus globulus, Orixa japonica, Cinnamomum cassia, Allium cepa, Illicium verum, Evodia officinalis, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Cacalia roborowskii, Juniperus chinensis var. horizontalis, Juniperus chinensis var. kaizuka, clove bud, and garlic as well as the constituents of Diallyl trisulfide was the most toxic, followed by diallyl disulfide, eugenol, diallyl sulfide, and β-caryophyllene.  From: Park, I. K., & Shin, S. C. (2005). Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from garlic (Allium sativum) and clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) oils against the Japanese termite (Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(11), 4388-4392.
• Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens.  Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool.  From:  Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.
• The following plant oils showed repellent activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti:  Acantholippia seriphioides, Achyrocline satureioides, Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), Anemia tomentosa, Baccharis spartioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Eucalyptus saligna, Hyptis mutabilis, Minthostachys mollis (mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tagetes minuta and Tagetes pusilla (marigold).   From:  Gillij, Y. G., Gleiser, R. M., & Zygadlo, J. A. (2008). Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(7), 2507-2515.
• Of 53 tested plant oils, bay, caraway seed, clove leaf, lemon eucalyptus, lime, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosewood, spearmint, and tea tree oils were highly effective against the greenhouse whitefly. From:  Choi, W. I., Lee, E. H., Choi, B. R., Park, H. M., & Ahn, Y. J. (2003). Toxicity of plant essential oils to Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 96(5), 1479-1484.

• Essential oil from eucalyptus was insecticidal against the house fly. From:   Kumar, P., Mishra, S., Malik, A., & Satya, S. (2012). Compositional analysis and insecticidal activity of Eucalyptus globulus (family: Myrtaceae) essential oil against housefly (Musca domestica). Acta tropica, 122(2), 212-218.

• A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.

• The repellency of Austrailian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.

ANTI-PARASITE

• Eucalyptus showed anti-parasite activity.  From:  Taur, D. J., Kulkarni, V. B., & Patil, R. Y. (2010). Chromatographic evaluation and anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus globulus oil. Pharmacognosy research, 2(3), 125.
• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

IMPROVED ATTENTION / COGNITION / MEMORY

• Peppermint and eucalyptus oil improved cognitive ability and was mentally relaxing.  Peppermint also reduced headache.  From:  Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., & Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228-234.
• Lavender and eucalyptus increased reaction time and improved attention in humans.  Lavender helped to prolong attention and control vigilance, and thus reduced human error. From:  Shimizu, K., Gyokusen, M., Kitamura, S., Kawabe, T., Kozaki, T., Ishibashi, K., … & Kondo, R. (2008). Essential oil of lavender inhibited the decreased attention during a long-term task in humans. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 72(7), 1944-1947.  Read more…

​​ANTI-DIABETIC

• Eucalyptus globulus was an effective antihyperglycemic dietary supplement for the treatment of diabetes.  From:  Gray, A. M., & Flatt, P. R. (1998). Antihyperglycemic actions of Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) are associated with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects in mice. The journal of nutrition, 128(12), 2319-2323.

IMPROVED RESPIRATION

• In this double blind, placebo controlled, multi-center, placebo controlled study with 242 patients, 200 mg of cineole three times a day reduced airway inflammation in COPD.  From:  Worth, H., Schacher, C., & Dethlefsen, U. (2009). Concomitant therapy with Cineole (Eucalyptole) reduces exacerbations in COPD: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Respiratory research, 10(1), 69.
• Inhalation of eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol improved airway and breathing of those affected by the common cold.  From:  Cohen, B. M., & Dressier, W. E. (1982). Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration, 43(4), 285-293.
• A combination of pinene, limonene, and cineole improved mucociliary clearance.  From:  Dorow, P., Weiss, T. H., Felix, R., & Schmutzler, H. (1987). [Effect of a secretolytic and a combination of pinene, limonene and cineole on mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 37(12), 1378-1381.
• In a randomized double blind study of 42 patients with nasal congestion, a nasal spray with Capsicum annum and eucalyptol taken over two weeks reduced symptoms.  From:  Bernstein, J. A., Davis, B. P., Picard, J. K., Cooper, J. P., Zheng, S., & Levin, L. S. (2011). A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 107(2), 171-178.
• 1,8-cineole was shown to improve symptoms of bronchial asthma.  From:  Juergens, U. R., Stöber, M., Schmidt-Schilling, L., Kleuver, T., & Vetter, H. (1998). Antiinflammatory effects of euclyptol (1.8-cineole) in bronchial asthma: inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood monocytes ex vivo. European journal of medical research, 3(9), 407-412.
• This article summarized the use of Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Origanum syriacum, Salvia fruticosa and Rosmarinus officinalis in treating respiratory ailments.  From:  Rakover, Y., Ben-Arye, E., & Goldstein, L. H. (2008). The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants. Harefuah, 147(10), 783-8.

• 1,8-cineol controlled airway mucus hypersecretion by cytokine inhibition, and may be a useful treatment to reduce symptoms of asthma, sinusitis and COPD.  From:  Juergens, U. R., Engelen, T., Racké, K., Stöber, M., Gillissen, A., & Vetter, H. (2004). Inhibitory activity of 1, 8-cineol (eucalyptol) on cytokine production in cultured human lymphocytes and monocytes. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 17(5), 281-287.
• In a randomized double blind placebo controlled study of 152 patients, 100 mg of cineole three times a day reduced symptoms of accute sinusitis.  From:  Kehrl, W., Sonnemann, U., & Dethlefsen, U. (2004). Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. The Laryngoscope, 114(4), 738-742.
• Eucalyptus smithii and J. communis were active against bacteria biofilms and may be useful as an inhalatory treatment of chronic and/or recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.  From:  Camporese, A. (2013). [In vitro activity of Eucalyptus smithii and Juniperus communis essential oils against bacterial biofilms and efficacy perspectives of complementary inhalation therapy in chronic and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections]. Le infezioni in medicina: rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 21(2), 117-124.
• Inhaled 1,8-cineole reduced inflammation in airways of guinea pigs. From:  Bastos, V. P., Gomes, A. S., Lima, F. J., Brito, T. S., Soares, P. M., Pinho, J. P., … & Magalhães, P. J. (2011). Inhaled 1, 8‐Cineole Reduces Inflammatory Parameters in Airways of Ovalbumin‐Challenged Guinea Pigs. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 108(1), 34-39.
• Camphor, eucalyptus and menthol stimulate cold receptors in the noses of people to improve airflow.  From:  Burrow, A., Eccles, R., & Jones, A. S. (1983). The effects of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol vapour on nasal resistance to airflow and nasal sensation. Acta oto-laryngologica, 96(1-2), 157-161.
• In participants with the common cold who inhaled a mixture of aromatic vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, breathing was improved.  From:  Cohen, B. M., & Dressier, W. E. (1982). Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration, 43(4), 285-293.

• The activity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against respiratory bacteria and viruses was tested.  From:  Cermelli, C., Fabio, A., Fabio, G., & Quaglio, P. (2008). Effect of eucalyptus essential oil on respiratory bacteria and viruses. Current microbiology, 56(1), 89-92.
• Olbas oil, a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and cajuput oil, along with a small amount of juniper berry and wintergreen showed strong antimicrobial activity in vitro that may be effective against various skin or respiratory infections.  From:  Hamoud, R., Sporer, F., Reichling, J., & Wink, M. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of a traditionally used complex essential oil distillate (Olbas® Tropfen) in comparison to its individual essential oil ingredients. Phytomedicine, 19(11), 969-976.

COUGH AND CONGESTION

• An in vitro study showed topical application of eucalyptus oil could reduce bacteria-induced mucus hypersecretion.  From:  Sudhoff, H., Klenke, C., Greiner, J. F., Müller, J., Brotzmann, V., Ebmeyer, J., … & Kaltschmidt, C. (2015). 1, 8-Cineol reduces mucus-production in a novel human ex vivo model of late rhinosinusitis. PloS one, 10(7), e0133040.
• Inhalation of eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol improved airway and breathing of those affected by the common cold.  From:  Cohen, B. M., & Dressier, W. E. (1982). Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration, 43(4), 285-293.
• In this double blind, placebo controlled, multi-center, placebo controlled study with 242 patients, 200 mg of cineole three times a day reduced airway inflammation in COPD.   From:  Worth, H., Schacher, C., & Dethlefsen, U. (2009). Concomitant therapy with Cineole (Eucalyptole) reduces exacerbations in COPD: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Respiratory research, 10(1), 69.
• A combination of pinene, limonene, and cineole improved mucociliary clearance.  From:  Dorow, P., Weiss, T. H., Felix, R., & Schmutzler, H. (1987). [Effect of a secretolytic and a combination of pinene, limonene and cineole on mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 37(12), 1378-1381.
• In a randomized double blind study of 42 patients with nasal congestion, a nasal spray with Capsicum annum and eucalyptol taken over two weeks reduced symptoms.  From:  Bernstein, J. A., Davis, B. P., Picard, J. K., Cooper, J. P., Zheng, S., & Levin, L. S. (2011). A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 107(2), 171-178.
• 1,8-cineol controlled airway mucus hypersecretion by cytokine inhibition, and may be a useful treatment to reduce symptoms of asthma, sinusitis and COPD.  From:  Juergens, U. R., Engelen, T., Racké, K., Stöber, M., Gillissen, A., & Vetter, H. (2004). Inhibitory activity of 1, 8-cineol (eucalyptol) on cytokine production in cultured human lymphocytes and monocytes. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 17(5), 281-287.
• In a randomized double blind placebo controlled study of 152 patients, 100 mg of cineole three times a day reduced symptoms of accute sinusitis.  From:  Kehrl, W., Sonnemann, U., & Dethlefsen, U. (2004). Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. The Laryngoscope, 114(4), 738-742.
• Inhaled 1,8-cineole reduced inflammation in airways of guinea pigs. From:  Bastos, V. P., Gomes, A. S., Lima, F. J., Brito, T. S., Soares, P. M., Pinho, J. P., … & Magalhães, P. J. (2011). Inhaled 1, 8‐Cineole Reduces Inflammatory Parameters in Airways of Ovalbumin‐Challenged Guinea Pigs. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 108(1), 34-39.
• Camphor, eucalyptus and menthol stimulate cold receptors in the noses of people to improve airflow.  From:  Burrow, A., Eccles, R., & Jones, A. S. (1983). The effects of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol vapour on nasal resistance to airflow and nasal sensation. Acta oto-laryngologica, 96(1-2), 157-161.
• In participants with the common cold who inhaled a mixture of aromatic vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, breathing was improved.  From:  Cohen, B. M., & Dressier, W. E. (1982). Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration, 43(4), 285-293.
• Cinnamon and eucalyptus oils showed antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.  From:  Fani, M. M., & Kohanteb, J. (2019). Inhibitory activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and eucalyptus globulus oils on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species isolated from patients with oral infections. Journal of Dentistry, 11(Supplement Winter 2011), 14-22.

ANTI-ASTHMA

• 1,8-cineole was shown to improve symptoms of bronchial asthma.  From:  Juergens, U. R., Stöber, M., Schmidt-Schilling, L., Kleuver, T., & Vetter, H. (1998). Antiinflammatory effects of euclyptol (1.8-cineole) in bronchial asthma: inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood monocytes ex vivo. European journal of medical research, 3(9), 407-412.
• 1,8-cineol controlled airway mucus hypersecretion by cytokine inhibition, and may be a useful treatment to reduce symptoms of asthma, sinusitis and COPD.  From:  Juergens, U. R., Engelen, T., Racké, K., Stöber, M., Gillissen, A., & Vetter, H. (2004). Inhibitory activity of 1, 8-cineol (eucalyptol) on cytokine production in cultured human lymphocytes and monocytes. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 17(5), 281-287.

CARDIAC HEALTH

• In a small study with 12 adults, inhaling eucalyptus aroma while exercising reduced systolic blood pressure during aerobic exercise and recovery.  From:  Teixeira-Araujo, A. A., Almeida, J. R., da Cruz, L. C., Nunes, X. P., & Moreira, S. R. (2017). Aerobic Exercise and Eucalyptus Globulus: Cardio-affective effects on recovery and stress. International Journal of Cardiovascular Practice, 2(1), 1-6.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• This article discussed the effect of 1,8- cineole on mast cells related to rat paw inflammation.  From:  Santos, F. A., & Rao, V. S. (1997). Mast cell involvement in the rat paw oedema response to 1, 8-cineole, the main constituent of eucalyptus and rosemary oils. European journal of pharmacology, 331(2), 253-258.
• 1,8-cineole may be effective as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.  From:  Santos, F. A., & Rao, V. S. N. (2000). Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 1, 8-cineole a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils. Phytotherapy research, 14(4), 240-244.​
• Eucalyptus extracts possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.  From:  Silva, J., Abebe, W., Sousa, S. M., Duarte, V. G., Machado, M. I. L., & Matos, F. J. A. (2003). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 89(2), 277-283.
• Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Apium graveolens, Eucalyptus camaldulentis, and Ruta graveolens possessed an anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rodents.   From:  Atta, A. H., & Alkofahi, A. (1998). Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 60(2), 117-124.

ANALGESIC

• In a double-blind study of 46 diabetic patients with neuropathic pain, receiving an aromatherapy massage three times a week for 4 weeks reduced pain.  Essential oils used included: rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile.  From:  Gok Metin, Z., Arikan Donmez, A., Izgu, N., Ozdemir, L., & Arslan, I. E. (2017). Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(4), 379-388.
• 1,8-cineole may be effective as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.  From:  Santos, F. A., & Rao, V. S. N. (2000). Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 1, 8-cineole a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils. Phytotherapy research, 14(4), 240-244.​
• Eucalyptus extracts possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.  From:  Silva, J., Abebe, W., Sousa, S. M., Duarte, V. G., Machado, M. I. L., & Matos, F. J. A. (2003). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 89(2), 277-283.
• Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Apium graveolens, Eucalyptus camaldulentis, and Ruta graveolens possessed an anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rodents.   From:  Atta, A. H., & Alkofahi, A. (1998). Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 60(2), 117-124.
• In a double-blind study, a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus reduced pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.  From:  Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156.
• Research on analgesic activities of essential oils is reviewed. Included is: wild caraway (Bunium persicum ), lemon (Citrus limon), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), hogweed (Heracleum persicum), Hofmeisteria schaffneri, bushmint (Hyptis fruticosa), star anise (Illicum lanceolatum), verbenea (Lippia gracilis), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Cuban mint (Mentha x villosa), catmint (Nepeta crispa Willd), basil (Ocimum basilicum), Peperomia serpens, Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, long pepper (Piper alyreanum), Summer savory (Satureja hortensis), Senecio rufinervis, Tetradenia riparia, Teucrium stocksianum, Ugni myricoides, valerian (Valeriana wallichii), Xylopia laevigata, and candeeiro (Vanillosmopsis arborea). From: Sarmento-Neto, J., do Nascimento, L., Felipe, C., & de Sousa, D. (2015). Analgesic potential of essential oils. Molecules, 21(1), 20.

JOINT HEALTH

• In a double-blind study, a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus reduced pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.  From:  Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Eucalyptus leaf extract showed strong antioxidant activity.  From:  Osawa, T., & Namiki, M. (1981). A novel type of antioxidant isolated from leaf wax of Eucalyptus leaves. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, 45(3), 735-739.
• Of 25 essential oils tested, thyme and clove showed the highest antioxidant activity; indicated were their thymol and eugenol components..  Cinnamon, basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, chamomile, bitter orange, and aloe vera were also effective.  From:  Wei, A., & Shibamoto, T. (2010). Antioxidant/lipoxygenase inhibitory activities and chemical compositions of selected essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(12), 7218-7225

​ORAL HEALTH

• Essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Mentha spicata significantly retard dental biofilm formation. From:  Rasooli, I., Shayegh, S., & Astaneh, S. D. A. (2009). The effect of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils on dental biofilm. International journal of dental hygiene, 7(3), 196-203.
• Against the oral bacteria: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the 13 most effective essential oils were: myrrh, ginger, basil, carrot seed, tea tree, patchouli, ylang ylang, cypress, lemongrass, cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. From: Park, C., & Yoon, H. (2018). Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil against Oral Strain. International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry, 14(4), 216-221.
• Cinnamon and eucalyptus oils showed antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.  From:  Fani, M. M., & Kohanteb, J. (2019). Inhibitory activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and eucalyptus globulus oils on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species isolated from patients with oral infections. Journal of Dentistry, 11(Supplement Winter 2011), 14-22.

BONE DENSITY

• Essential oils of sage, rosemary, thyme, juniper, pine, turpentine, and eucalyptus and their constituents of thujone, eucalyptol, camphor, borneol, thymol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, bornylacetate, and menthol inhibited bone resorption.  From:  Mühlbauer, R. C., Lozano, A., Palacio, S., Reinli, A., & Felix, R. (2003). Common herbs, essential oils, and monoterpenes potently modulate bone metabolism. Bone, 32(4), 372-380.

SKIN / WOUNDS

• Olbas oil, a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and cajuput oil, along with a small amount of juniper berry and wintergreen showed strong antimicrobial activity in vitro that may be effective against various skin or respiratory infections.  From:  Hamoud, R., Sporer, F., Reichling, J., & Wink, M. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of a traditionally used complex essential oil distillate (Olbas® Tropfen) in comparison to its individual essential oil ingredients. Phytomedicine, 19(11), 969-976.

NEUROPROTECTIVE

• In a review of essential oils from the Myrtaceae family, those containing higher amount of 1,8-cineole demonstrated the highest activity to inhibit the AchE.  Alzheimer’s disease is related to a loss of neuron function and neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).  From:  Petrachaianan, T., Chaiyasirisuwan, S., Athikomkulchai, S., & Sareedenchai, V. (2019). Screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in essential oil from Myrtaceae. TJPS, 43(1), 63-68.

IMPROVED DERMAL DRUG ABSORPTION

• Drug delivery via the skin can be enhanced with eucalyptus, which may also help fight microorganisms present in the skin as an antisepsis.  From:  Karpanen, T. J., Conway, B. R., Worthington, T., Hilton, A. C., Elliott, T. S., & Lambert, P. A. (2010). Enhanced chlorhexidine skin penetration with eucalyptus oil. BMC infectious diseases, 10(1), 1.
• Of the essential oils tested, Eucalyptus and chenopodium were most effective, but also ylang ylang showed potential as a skin penetration enhancer for drug delivery.  From:  Williams, A. C., & Barry, B. W. (1989). Essential oils as novel human skin penetration enhancers. International journal of pharmaceutics, 57(2), R7-R9.

GREEN GARDENING

• Thirty essential oils were tested against pathogenic plant bacteria. Ceylon cinnamon (leaf and bark), oregano, clove bud, palmarosa, basil, peppermint, rosemary, blue gum, camphor, lemongrass, aniseed, ylang ylang, silver fir, lemon, dwarf mountain pine, bay laurel, scots pine, black cumin, Indian frankincense, bergamot orange, common juniper, bitter orange, and neem showed varying degrees of reaction.  From: Popović, T., Milićević, Z., Oro, V., Kostić, I., Radović, V., Jelušić, A., & Krnjajić, S. (2018). A preliminary study of antibacterial activity of thirty essential oils against several important plant pathogenic bacteria. Pesticidi i fitomedicina, 33(3-4), 185-195.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 3/24/2020