1,8-Cineole

Eucalyptol is a cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid. It is identified and ascribed the name eucalyptol in 1870 by F. S. Cloez. It is a natural organic compound that is a colorless liquid, also known by various names like 1,8-cineol, cajeputol, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane,  1,8-epoxy-p-menthane,  eucalyptole , eucalyptol, and cineole.

The name eucalyptol was given to it based on the dominant portion of Eucalyptus globulus oil. The constituent Eucalyptol is seen in 90 percent of the essential oil in most species of Eucalyptus oil. It’s component is majorly constituted of 1,8 cineole syn eucalyptol and monoterpenes, and hence it gets its’ name Eucalyptol.

1,8-Cineole  is also found in Common Sage,  Bay leaves, Camphor laurel, Tea tree, Sweet basil, Wormwood, Mugwort, Rosemary, Cannabis sativa and other aromatic flora.

Therapeutic Properties of 1,8-Cineole:

1,8-Cineole finds itself serving multiple therapeutic purposes such as  analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, airborne antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, mucolytic, hypotensive, antispasmodic and it also increases the cerebral blood flow.

1,8-Cineole & Its Uses:

Flavoring and Fragrance:

A report in 1994 stated that the top cigarette companies used eucalyptol as an ingredient in about 599 additives in cigarettes, to improve the flavor. Cineole-based eucalyptus oil is used as a flavoring in various products, including beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and meat products, owing to its pleasant spicy aroma and taste. 1,8-Cineole is also used in flavorings, fragrances, and cosmetics.1 8-cineole

Remedial benefits of 1,8-Cineole:

In the areas of medicine, 1,8-Cineole is widely used as an ingredient in many popular brands of cough suppressant, mouthwashes, and as well as an inactive ingredient in body powder. It serves well in treating system related disorders as mentioned below.

Digestive system: 

A study conducted in 2010 with details from the Aromatherapy Journal of the NAHA states that Eucalyptol does play a crucial role against Candida and fungi. It is seen to restrict the filamentation in fungi, and is also effective on intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea.

It’s does exhibit anti-fungal activity on candida albicans.  When the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were taken internally during an experiment with diabetic rats, Candia albicans and its proliferation were inhibited.

Musculoskeletal system: 

It can be used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, sprains and plantar fasciitis. Studies suggest that both analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, were projected by Eucalyptus globules and Eucalyptus citriodora.

Immune System:

The Aromatherapy Journal (2010) of the NAHA indicates, “Eucalyptus globules was able to instinctively put into action a cell-meditated immune response, making it actively function as a immuno-regulatory agents which can be used in infectious diseases, and in chemotherapy, as adjuvant in immuno-suppressive pathologies.”

Respiratory system: 

1,8-Cineole is indicated in several respiratory conditions right from sinusitis, asthma, acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. It is also preferred in the treatment of sore throat and infections such as laryngitis, for its antiseptic qualities.

It is also used to clear the head especially when used in a combination of Peppermint and Rosemary under conditions of nasal congestion, coughs, cold, flu and pertussis.

1, 8-cineole is seen to provide positive responses even under the conditions of severe respiratory illnesses such as lung function parameters during the treatment of COPD and the common cold.

Eucalyptus globules have been identified to create positive battling effects on bacterial strains which have been isolated from respiratory infections. It has been proved effective for its growth restraining activity against bacterial strains including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, H. parainfluenzae, S. pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Staphylococcus aureus.

Skin: 

For the skin, 1,8-Cineole is used in the treatment of shingles, herpes simplex, measles, acne, chickenpox, ulcers, wounds, boils, burns, cuts. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Journal concurs, “bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity was extensively displayed by 1,8 cineole”.

Insecticide and repellent

Eucalyptol is used as an insect repellent and as an insecticide. This oil is said to elevate territorial behavior and specifically attracts the male bees. This was done so these males would periodically leave their territories to forage for chemicals such as cineole, to attract and mate with females, to synthesize pheromones.

Reference Links:

  1. 1,8-Cineole by Wikipedia
  2. About Eucalyptus globulus and 1,8 cineole by The School for Aromatic Studies
  3. Eucalyptus globulus & 1, 8 cineole – Seasonal Self Care Issue by The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Journal