Eucalyptol was first discovered by French chemist Stanislas Cloez in 1870. But long before that discovery, herbal medicine touted eucalyptus as a cough suppressant, mood enhancer, and antibacterial agent. Today, eucalyptol still has a wide range of applications, from its prominent use in the skincare industry and a massage oil and aromatherapy product.
Many wellness companies also advertise eucalyptol to treat cold and sinus infections due to its bronchodilating properties. The tobacco industry has also used eucalyptol to its advantage, adding it to cigarettes to improve flavour.
Low doses of eucalyptol can be a culinary ingredient, but high doses can be toxic, negatively impacting the respiratory tract, reproductive system, and nervous system. Similar to other terpenes, such as cedrene, eucalyptol may constitute the chemical formulas of commercial insecticides.
When it comes to eucalyptol and insects, it can be attractive to male orchid bees, causing them to behave more territorially aggressively.
What Does Eucalyptol Smell Like?
Eucalyptol is a distinctive “cooling” aroma that smells refreshingly and has a calming effect on the user when applied in aromatherapy. That’s why many companies incorporate it into topical products such as balms, lotions, and rubs. Eucalyptol’s aroma is also redolent of that of tea tree.
What Are the Effects of Eucalyptol?
Eucalyptol is a versatile terpene; you may find it in your medicine cabinet, at the spa, or in a sweet treat. You’ve probably taken eucalyptol in the form of cough drops or a bottle of mouthwash. Its trace amounts (0.002%) can be found in a pastry from the bakery, a chewy candy, or a soft drink. You may have even sprinkled eucalyptol unintentionally, perhaps through bay leaves or rosemary.
The health benefits of eucalyptol are very well documented compared to some other, less common terpenes, such as fenchol. Studies have shown eucalyptol to have far-reaching positive effects on the respiratory system, memory, and more.
Research shows that eucalyptol is:
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Bronchodilating
Neuroprotective
Plant Sources of Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol is most abundant in the eucalyptus tree, but there are many other species of plants that produce this unique terpene as well (albeit in much lower concentrations).
Basil
Black Pepper
Cannabis
Cinnamon
Clove
Eucalyptus
Oregano
Rosemary
Eucalyptol Research
A 2013 study posted by Oncology Reports found that eucalyptol suppressed the growth of colorectal tumor cells. Research is still in its infancy for now, but scientists in the study suggest that eucalyptol could be an important part of adjunctive cancer treatment [1].
Eucalyptol has also been shown in several placebo-controlled clinical trials, the golden standard in human research, to help with various respiratory disorders. The authors concluded that all conditions mentioned in the study could benefit from eucalyptol’s ability to improve lung function and reduce mucus ([2]).
Many of the health benefits of eucalyptol also stem from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
A 2014 study published in Neurochemistry Research found that eucalyptol reduced inflammation markers caused by amyloid-beta peptides — a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s. Although the study was conducted on petri dish models, other human studies have shown that using eucalyptus in rosemary oil positively correlates with cognitive performance [3].
Summary: What Makes Eucalyptol Special
Eucalyptol is a unique terpene with considerable health benefits. It can reduce discomfort, mental clarity, and protection against bacterial infections.
The terpene is mostly associated with another plant — eucalyptus. When you say “eucalyptus,” it’s difficult not to imagine the fresh menthol-like breeze running through your nostrils, which is exactly how eucalyptol smells like. You’ve probably consumed it in cough drops, mint sweets, or mouth cleaners.
Researchers are particularly interested in eucalyptus’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, as it gives them a better insight into its potential use in managing neurological conditions.
References:
Murata, S., Shiragami, R., Kosugi, C., Tezuka, T., Yamazaki, M., Hirano, A., Yoshimura, Y., Suzuki, M., Shuto, K., Ohkohchi, N., & Koda, K. (2013). Antitumor effect of 1, 8-cineole against colon cancer. Oncology reports, 30(6), 2647–2652. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2013.2763
Juergens, U. R., Dethlefsen, U., Steinkamp, G., Gillissen, A., Repges, R., & Vetter, H. (2003). Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Respiratory medicine, 97(3), 250–256. https://doi.org/10.1053/rmed.2003.1432
Khan, A., Vaibhav, K., Javed, H., Tabassum, R., Ahmed, M. E., Khan, M. M., Khan, M. B., Shrivastava, P., Islam, F., Siddiqui, M. S., Safhi, M. M., & Islam, F. (2014). 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) mitigates inflammation in amyloid Beta toxicated PC12 cells: relevance to Alzheimer’s disease. Neurochemical research, 39(2), 344–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-013-1231-9
