PDR for Herbal Medicines

284 /EUCALYPTUS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

to 30 mm and is a depressed-globose, somewhat tapering

toward the base, with 4 main ribs.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Eucalyptus is a deciduous tree up to

40 m tall with silver-gray bark, which has scattered warts.

The trunk is twisted. The juvenile leaves are 7 to 16 by 4 to 9

cm, ovate to broadly lanceolate, cordate, very glaucus. The

mature leaves are 10 to 13 by 3 to 4 cm, lanceolate to

falcate-lanceolate, acuminate, asymmetrical rounded and

glossy green.

Habitat: Eucalyptus is indigenous to Australia and Tasma-

nia. It is cultivated today in some subtropical regions of

southern Europe, Africa, Asia and America.

Production: Eucalyptus oil consists of the volatile oil from

various cineol-rich species of Eucalyptus, such as Eucalyptus

globulus, Eucalyptus fructicetorum (syn. Eucalyptus poly-

bractea) and/or Eucalyptus smithii. The oil is obtained by

steam distillation, followed by rectification of the fresh

leaves and branch tops. Eucalyptus leaf consists of the dried,

mature leaves from older trees of Eucalyptus globulus. To

harvest eucalyptus, the trees are cut down; drying takes place

in the shade.

Not To Be Confused With: Camphor oil and by-products of

turpentine manufacture: the oil is also blended with other

expensive oils, such as rosemary and thyme. The properties

of Eucalyptus leaves vary from species to species.

Other Names: Blue Gum, Fever Tree, Gum Tree, Red Gum,

Stringy Bark Tree

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: EUCALYPTUS OIL

Chief constituent of the rectified volatile oil: 1,8-cineol (over

80%), furthermore p-cymene, alpha-pinenes, limonene, gera-

niol, camphene

EFFECTS: EUCALYPTUS OIL

Some of the subsequent properties mentioned refer to

isolated cineole. As the standardized commodity, the drug

contains 80 to 90% cineole.

In vitro, eucalyptus oil has an antibacterial and fungicidal
effect. The drug inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis and has a
mild hyperemic, expectorant and secretolytic motor effect
when used topically. In animal experiments eucalyptus was
demonstrably cough relieving and displayed a surfactant
effect. In vitro, the oil was enzyme inducing and improved
pulmonary compliance. It is secretolytic, expectorant, mildly
antispasmodic, and a mild local hyperemic.

COMPOUNDS: EUCALYPTUS LEAF
Volatile oil: chief constituent 1,8-cineol (45-75%), in addi-
tions myrtenol, alpha-pinenes, beta-pinenes, pinocarvon,

gamma-terpenes, aliphatic aldehydes (butyr-, capron-,

valerenaldehyde)

Euglobale: macrocarpale (with acylphloroglucinol-monoter-

pene or else sesquiterpene- parent substances)

Flavonoids: rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin

EFFECTS: EUCALYPTUS LEAF

The drug has been shown to be secretolytic, expectorant,

weakly antispasmodic, deodorizing, cooling and diuretic. In

animal experiments the blood-sugar level of uninfluenced

plasma insulin was reduced. The euglobulin is said to have

an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect in animal

experiments and inhibits in vitro TPA-induced EBV-EA

activity.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

EUCALYPTUS OIL

Approved by Commission E:

• Cough/bronchitis


• Rheumatism

Eucalyptus oil is used internally and externally for catarrh of

the respiratory tract and externally for rheumatic complaints.

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, the oil is used for asthma,

coughs, diseases of the frontal sinuses, fever, flu, gastric

complaints, hoarseness, incipient scarlet fever and measles,

worm infestation and as an intestinal antiseptic.

EUCALYPTUS LEAF

Approved by Commission E:

• Cough/bronchitis

Eucalyptus leaf is used internally as a catarrh of the

respiratory tract.

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, it is used internally for the

treatment of bladder diseases, asthma, fever, flu, whooping

cough, liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite and

diabetes. It is used externally for wounds, acne, poorly

healing ulcers, stomatitis, bleeding gums, pain and rheuma-

tism, neuralgia, gonorrhea and as a gastrointestinal remedy.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

EUCALYPTUS OIL

General: The administration of the drug leads in rare cases

to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be taken

internally with inflammation of the gastrointestinal area and

the biliary ducts or with severe illnesses of the liver.

Pediatric Use: Infants and small children should not have

preparations containing the oil applied to their faces as this

practice can lead to glottal or bronchial spasms, asthma-like

attacks or even death by asphyxiation.