Eucalyptus oil

Identification

Summary

Eucalyptus oil is an ingredient used in a variety of natural health products.

Brand Names

Vaporex, Vicks Vaporub

Generic Name

Eucalyptus oil

DrugBank Accession Number

DB11114

Background

Eucalyptus oil is a distilled oil derived from the leaves of the tree Eucalyptus. It is shown to be effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation via its modulatory effect on the immune response. It is also shown to exhibit antibacterial activity against some bacterial species and cough suppressant actions. Eucalyptus oil can be applied directly to the skin for pain and swelling of respiratory tract mucous membranes, joint pain, genital herpes, and nasal stuffiness.

Type

Biotech

Groups

Approved

Synonyms

Blue gum leaf oil
Dinkum oil
Eucalypti aetheroleum
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus globulus leaf essential oil
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Eucalyptus globulus leaf water
Eucalyptus globulus leaf/twig oil
Eucalyptus globulus oil
Eucalyptus globulus oil burundia
Eucalyptus globulus oil pakistan
Eucalyptus globulus oil rwanda
Eucalyptus globulus oil zambia
Eucalyptus leaf oil
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus terpene oil
Eucalyptus volatile oil
Eukalyptus oel
Oil of eucalyptus
Southern blue gum leaf oil
Tasmanian blue gum leaf oil

External IDs

Caswell No. 618A
Fema no. 2466

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Pharmacology

Indication

As an active agent, eucalyptus oil has been indicated for relief of the symptoms of catarrhal colds, and/or the relief of the symptoms of minor muscular sprains and cramps ²⁴.

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Associated Conditions

Indication Type	Indication	Combined Product Details	Approval Level	Dose Form
Used in combination for symptomatic treatment of	Coughing	Combination Product in combination with: Camphor (DB01744), Levomenthol (DB00825)	••• •••	••••••• ••••••••
Used in combination for symptomatic treatment of	Coughing	Combination Product in combination with: Turpentine (DB11120), Thymol (DB02513), Camphor (DB01744), Levomenthol (DB00825)	••• •••	••••••••
Used in combination for prophylaxis of	Infection	Combination Product in combination with: Tea tree oil (DB11218), Lavender oil (DB14566)	••• •••	•••••
Used in combination to treat	Itching caused by insect bites	Combination Product in combination with: Methyl salicylate (DB09543), Zinc oxide (DB09321), Levomenthol (DB00825), Cajuput oil (DB15922), Thymol (DB02513)	••• •••	••••••••
Treatment of	Nasal congestion		••• •••	••••••••

Associated Therapies

Topical Antisepsis

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

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Pharmacodynamics

Lipophilic monoterpene formulations of eucalyptus oil appear to be readily absorbed orally, with a primarily oxidative metabolism that might necessitate induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and subsequent urinary excretion ⁶. Gastrointestinal absorption of eucalyptus appears to be rapid and may be enhanced by the intake of lipids and milk. 1,8-cineole (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) ⁴ has also been found in vitro and in animals to possess cytochrome P450 inducing activity ^7,8,9.

Mechanism of action

The general consensus is that the exact mechanism of action of eucalyptus oil is largely unknown at this time but comprises various hypotheses from various studies.

Cineol containing preparations of eucalyptus oil may contain up to 80% (or more) 1,8-cineole ¹³ and is one of the most common types of eucalyptus oil formulations used. As an active agent indicated for relieving certain cold symptoms and/or certain muscular sprains and cramps, it is believed that eucalyptus oil may possess some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Some in vitro studies of human blood monocytes suggest a dose-dependent effect of eucalyptus oil to elicit significant inhibition of multiple cytokines, perhaps in the treatment of airway inflammation ^14,15. Moreover, other studies in animal models discuss the possibility of eucalyptus oil demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects that potentially account for inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins and cytokines by stimulated monocytes in vitro ^16,17.

Furthermore, additional studies have observed eucalyptus oil anti-viral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2) in cell cultures as well as the demonstration of broad antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus medicinal plant extracts against Alicyclobacillus acidoterretris, Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, MRSA, Propionibacterium acnes, S. aureus, fungus including C. albicans isolates, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and other Gram-positive bacteria. Specific activity against periodontopathic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus has also been observed ^{18,19,20,21,22}.

Absorption

Common monoterpenoid compound preparations of eucalyptus oil have been observed to be readily absorbed after dermal application, likely due to their lipophilic character ⁵. Although maximal plasma levels were demonstrated in as short a time period as 10 minutes even with thicker preparations like eucalyptus oil ointments, like many other topically applied agents, the extent of absorption is also likely largely dependent upon additional factors like the size of treated skin area, patient skin condition(s), concentrations of the applied substance, and time of exposure to the substance ⁵.

Currently, more data regarding the oral absorption of eucalyptus would be useful, given the relative lack of existing information ⁵. Lipophilic monoterpene compound formulations of eucalyptus oil seems to be readily absorbed orally ⁶. Regardless, there is some data that suggests that the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract has no particularly significant role in the absorption of cineole based eucalyptus oil ⁵.

Pulmonary absorption of eucalyptus oil is also possible although little information exists regarding this element at the moment. Nevertheless, 1,8-cineol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) ⁴ appears to be well absorbed via inhalation with peak plasma levels observed reportedly at 18 minutes ¹⁰.

Given the three main constituents from Eucalyptus globulus Labill fruits, the intestinal absorption of macrocarpal A (M-A), macrocarpal B (M-B), and cypellocarpa C (Cy-C) is predominantly via passive diffusion while Cy-C demonstrates some partly ATP-dependent absorption ¹².

Volume of distribution

Studies have determined a large terminal volume of distribution for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of 27 l/kg in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) ⁴.

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

With in vivo models, eucalyptol or cineole (which make up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils), undergoes oxidation to form hydroxycineole which is excreted as glucuronide ²³. In rats, 2-hydroxycineole, 3-hydroxycineole, and 1,8--dihydroxycineol-9-oic acid were identified as main urinary metabolites ²³. After oral administration to brushtail possums, p-cresol, 9-hydroxycineole, and Cineole-9-oic acid were found in urine ²³. Rabbits given eucalyptol by savage excreted 2-exo- and 2-endo-hydroxycineole in the urine ²³.

The monterpene bicyclic ketone verbenone is a known component in eucalyptus globules ¹¹. In one study, this component was observed to be converted to 10-hydroxyverbenone by rat and human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes, and indicated that CYP2A6 is a principal enzyme in verbenone hydroxylation in humans ¹¹.

Route of elimination

Studies suggest the route of elimination for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), rats, and rabbit subjects as being in the urine ⁴.

Half-life

Studies have determined a terminal half-life for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of approximately 7h in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) ⁴.

Clearance

Studies have determined a high clearance rate for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of 43 ml/min/kg in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) ⁴.

Adverse Effects

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Toxicity

Overdose with eucalyptus oil may result in epigastric burning, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, mitosis, tachycardia, a sensation of suffocation, cyanosis, ataxia, pulmonary damage, delirium, convulsions, CNS depression, coma. Deaths have been recorded from doses as low as 3.5 ml.

The given oral LD50 for rats is 2480 mg/kg ^MSDS

Pathways

Not Available

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Interactions

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This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

Drug	Interaction
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Abacavir	Abacavir may decrease the excretion rate of Eucalyptus oil which could result in a higher serum level.
Aceclofenac	Aceclofenac may decrease the excretion rate of Eucalyptus oil which could result in a higher serum level.
Acemetacin	Acemetacin may decrease the excretion rate of Eucalyptus oil which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetaminophen	Acetaminophen may decrease the excretion rate of Eucalyptus oil which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetazolamide	Acetazolamide may increase the excretion rate of Eucalyptus oil which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.

Food Interactions

No interactions found.

Products

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Over the Counter Products

Name	Dosage	Strength	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End
Eucalyptus Oil	Liquid		Topical	Dawson Traders Ltd.	1977-12-31	2006-03-22
Eucalyptus Oil	Liquid		Respiratory (inhalation)	Regal Pharms, Division Of Bradcan Corporation	1983-12-31	1998-07-29
Eucalyptus Oil	Liquid		Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical	Stanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc.	1972-12-31	2000-07-27
Eucalyptus Oil Liq 100%	Liquid	100 %	Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical	Jedmon Products Ltd.	1990-12-31	2006-03-22
EUKY BEAR BRAND EUCALYPTUS OIL BP	Oil	100 %	Cutaneous; Respiratory (inhalation)	ROSLIND ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD.	2020-09-08	Not applicable

Mixture Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End
24/7 Life Medicated Chest Rub	Eucalyptus oil (1.2 g/100g) + Menthol (2.6 g/100g) + Synthetic camphor (4.8 g/100g)	Ointment	Topical	Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.	2022-11-11	Not applicable
4Jointz	Eucalyptus oil (4 g/100g) + Allantoin (0.025 g/100g) + Tannic acid (5 g/100g)	Cream	Topical	Arp(usa) Pty Ltd	2017-01-31	2018-04-05
4oz Medicated Chest Rub	Eucalyptus oil (1 g/100g) + Menthol (1 g/100g) + Synthetic camphor (4.7 g/100g)	Ointment	Topical	Pride Products Corporation	2017-12-01	Not applicable
Aboniki Balm - Topical Pain Relief Balm	Eucalyptus oil (23 mg/1g) + Menthol (51 mg/1g) + Methyl salicylate (42.5 mg/1g) + Synthetic camphor (50.4 mg/1g)	Cream	Topical	J C UDEOZOR & SONS GLOBAL INDUSTRIES LTD	2022-06-01	Not applicable
Aldamed	Eucalyptus oil (1 mg/100mL) + Menthol (2 mg/100mL) + Synthetic camphor (3 mg/100mL)	Cream	Topical	Herbamedicus, s.r.o.	2023-03-21	Not applicable

Unapproved/Other Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End
Cellskin Clean Pine Mist	Eucalyptus oil (0.01 g/100mL) + Grapefruit (0.05 g/100mL) + Tea tree oil (0.01 g/100mL)	Spray	Topical	Gtg Wellness Co., Ltd.	2020-07-01	Not applicable
Dona	Eucalyptus oil (5 mg/100mg) + Menthol (10 mg/100mg)	Patch	Topical	Sj Incorporation Ltd	2023-11-20	Not applicable
Elmore Oil	Eucalyptus oil (38.6 mg/1mL) + Tea tree oil (42.5 mg/1mL)	Oil	Topical	Elmore Oil Company Pty Ltd	2013-07-01	Not applicable
Elmore Oil	Eucalyptus oil (38.6 mg/1mL) + Tea tree oil (42.5 mg/1mL)	Oil	Topical	Ultra Mix (Aust) Pty Ltd	2015-02-16	Not applicable
Golf Pain Away GPA	Eucalyptus oil (38.6 mg/1mL) + Tea tree oil (42.5 mg/1mL)	Oil	Topical	Elmore Oil Company Pty Ltd	2012-06-01	Not applicable

Chemical Identifiers

UNII: 2R04ONI662
CAS number: 8000-48-4

References

General References

Jun YS, Kang P, Min SS, Lee JM, Kim HK, Seol GH: Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:502727. doi: 10.1155/2013/502727. Epub 2013 Jun 18. [Article]
Serafino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Andreola F, Zonfrillo M, Mercuri L, Federici M, Rasi G, Garaci E, Pierimarchi P: Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response. BMC Immunol. 2008 Apr 18;9:17. doi: 10.1186/1471-2172-9-17. [Article]
Bachir RG, Benali M: Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012 Sep;2(9):739-42. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60220-2. [Article]
McLean S, Boyle RR, Brandon S, Davies NW, Sorensen JS: Pharmacokinetics of 1,8-cineole, a dietary toxin, in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): significance for feeding. Xenobiotica. 2007 Sep;37(9):903-22. doi: 10.1080/00498250701570277. [Article]
Kohlert C, van Rensen I, Marz R, Schindler G, Graefe EU, Veit M: Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of natural volatile terpenes in animals and humans. Planta Med. 2000 Aug;66(6):495-505. doi: 10.1055/s-2000-8616. [Article]
McLean S, Foley WJ: Metabolism of Eucalyptus terpenes by herbivorous marsupials. Drug Metab Rev. 1997 Feb-May;29(1-2):213-8. [Article]
Jori A, Bianchetti A, Prestini PE, Gerattini S: Effect of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) on the metabolism of other drugs in rats and in man. Eur J Pharmacol. 1970 Mar;9(3):362-6. [Article]
Pass GJ, McLean S, Stupans I, Davies N: Microsomal metabolism of the terpene 1,8-cineole in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), rat and human. Xenobiotica. 2001 Apr;31(4):205-21. doi: 10.1080/00498250110043535 . [Article]
Miyazawa M, Shindo M, Shimada T: Oxidation of 1,8-cineole, the monoterpene cyclic ether originated from eucalyptus polybractea, by cytochrome P450 3A enzymes in rat and human liver microsomes. Drug Metab Dispos. 2001 Feb;29(2):200-5. [Article]
Jager W, Nasel B, Nasel C, Binder R, Stimpfl T, Vycudilik W, Buchbauer G: Pharmacokinetic studies of the fragrance compound 1,8-cineol in humans during inhalation. Chem Senses. 1996 Aug;21(4):477-80. [Article]
Miyazawa M, Sugie A, Shimada T: Roles of human CYP2A6 and 2B6 and rat CYP2C11 and 2B1 in the 10-hydroxylation of (-)-verbenone by liver microsomes. Drug Metab Dispos. 2003 Aug;31(8):1049-53. doi: 10.1124/dmd.31.8.1049. [Article]
Yang XW, Guo QM, Wang Y, Xu W, Tian L, Tian XJ: Intestinal permeability of antivirus constituents from the fruits of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. in Caco-2 Cell Model. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007 Feb 15;17(4):1107-11. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.11.021. Epub 2006 Nov 10. [Article]
Schnitzler P, Schon K, Reichling J: Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture. Pharmazie. 2001 Apr;56(4):343-7. [Article]
Juergens UR, Stober M, Vetter H: Inhibition of cytokine production and arachidonic acid metabolism by eucalyptol (1.8-cineole) in human blood monocytes in vitro. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):508-10. [Article]
Juergens UR, Stober M, Schmidt-Schilling L, Kleuver T, Vetter H: Antiinflammatory effects of euclyptol (1.8-cineole) in bronchial asthma: inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood monocytes ex vivo. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Sep 17;3(9):407-12. [Article]
Santos FA, Rao VS: Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 1,8-cineole a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils. Phytother Res. 2000 Jun;14(4):240-4. [Article]
Atta AH, Alkofahi A: Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Mar;60(2):117-24. [Article]
Sartorelli P, Marquioreto AD, Amaral-Baroli A, Lima ME, Moreno PR: Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from two species of Eucalyptus. Phytother Res. 2007 Mar;21(3):231-3. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2051. [Article]
Ahmad I, Beg AZ: Antimicrobial and phytochemical studies on 45 Indian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant human pathogens. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Feb;74(2):113-23. [Article]
Takahashi T, Kokubo R, Sakaino M: Antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts and flavonoids from Eucalyptus maculata. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2004;39(1):60-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2004.01538.x. [Article]
Osawa K, Yasuda H, Morita H, Takeya K, Itokawa H: Macrocarpals H, I, and J from the Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus. J Nat Prod. 1996 Sep;59(9):823-7. doi: 10.1021/np9604994. [Article]
Takarada K, Kimizuka R, Takahashi N, Honma K, Okuda K, Kato T: A comparison of the antibacterial efficacies of essential oils against oral pathogens. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2004 Feb;19(1):61-4. [Article]
Safety Assessment of Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) - Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics [Link]
Electronic Medicines Compendium: Eucalyptus Oil BP Monograph [Link]
Sigma-Aldrich: Eucalyptus oil Profile [Link]

External Links

PubChem Substance: 347911122
RxNav: 59087
Wikipedia: Eucalyptus_oil

MSDS

Download (47.5 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">

Phase	Status	Purpose	Conditions	Count
4	Completed	Treatment	Tonsillopharyngitis / Viral Respiratory Tract Infection	1
2	Completed	Treatment	Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19)	1
2, 3	Recruiting	Treatment	Hepatocellular Carcinoma	1
1	Completed	Diagnostic	Gingivitis / Plaque, Dental	1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms

Form	Route	Strength
Liquid	Respiratory (inhalation)	6 %
Oil	Percutaneous; Topical; Transdermal
Ointment	Respiratory (inhalation); Topical
Ointment	Respiratory (inhalation)
Spray	Topical
Oil
Mouthwash	Dental
Liquid	Respiratory (inhalation)	1 %w/v
Liquid	Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical
Liquid	Respiratory (inhalation)
Liquid	Topical
Liquid	Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical	100 %
Oil	Cutaneous; Respiratory (inhalation)	100 %
Lozenge	Oral
Tablet
Solution	Topical
Liniment	Topical
Oil	Topical; Transdermal
Tablet	Oral
Oil	Topical
Liquid	Respiratory (inhalation)
Jelly	Topical
Stick	Topical
Cream	Topical
Oil	Topical
Liquid	Topical
Patch	Cutaneous; Topical; Transdermal
Patch	Topical
Lotion	Topical
Gel	Topical
Plaster	Cutaneous
Plaster
Plaster	Topical
Cream	Cutaneous
Salve	Topical
Ointment	Cutaneous
Ointment	Topical
Ointment	Topical	5 %
Gum, chewing	Oral
Aerosol	Respiratory (inhalation)	100 ml/100ml
Oil	Nasal	100 ml/100ml
Oil	Topical	100 ml/100ml

Prices

Not Available

Patents

Not Available

Properties

State: Not Available
Experimental Properties: Not Available

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at February 20, 2024 23:55

Eucalyptus oil

Identification

Pharmacology

Interactions

Products

Categories

Chemical Identifiers

References

Clinical Trials

Pharmacoeconomics

Properties