Eucalyptol is a monoterpenoid and cyclic ether and is also commonly known as cineole. Eucalyptol not surprisingly got its name from eucalyptus, of which it’s the primary terpene. Eucalyptol comprises over 80% of the total in the essential oils from eucalyptus trees, and it’s also found in tea tree, mugwort, bay leaves, sweet basil, rosemary, sage, and cannabis.
Eucalyptol is utilized as an ingredient in many products you associate with minty-freshness, including mouthwash, toothpaste, and cough suppressants. It is also prominent in the wellness industry for its use in aromatherapy, massage lotions, and oils.
Eucalyptol is known for possessing pain-relieving,1 anti-inflammatory,2 and antioxidant properties,3 and is an effective treatment for nonturbulent rhinosinusitis. Eucalyptol’s anti-inflammatory cytokine inhibition has been shown to control airway mucus hypersecretion and asthma. Eucalyptol has also been shown to suppress colorectal cancer cell growth in humans.4
A variety of cannabis strains contain eucalyptol including Bubba Kush, Headband, Super Silver Haze, and Girl Scout Cookies.
Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is a terpene present in many aromatic plants. It is also an active ingredient in many plant essential oils. It has been shown to have synergistic effects with many low-dose synthetic medications for pain and inflammation and can provide antidepressant effects as well. It has been shown to increase antimicrobial activity when used in conjunction with honey. Medicinal plants other than eucalyptus that contain eucalyptol include sage, mint, and rosemary.
Lab Effects is a trusted source for all categories of terpenes (CDTs, BDTs, flavors, therapeutics, water-soluble, flowable powders, etc.) available in every format suitable for various manufacturing processes. Eucalyptol/cineole has shown much therapeutic potential for medical applications in experimental studies. Isolated terpenes purchased from Lab Effects are guaranteed pure, 100% botanically-derived, and free from chemical adulterants such as synthetic flavorants, industrial odorizers, solvents, pesticides, and metals.
Eucalyptol is a frequent ingredient in mouthwashes and cough suppressants to alleviate common symptoms of cold and flu, as well as conditions like infectious bronchitis. It's a frequently used ingredient in topicals with analgesic properties designed to numb pain, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that can add to its antinociceptive effects. Antioxidant enzyme activity also helps wounds heal more quickly.
Eucalyptol can have an anti-tumor mechanism with inhibitory effects that result in cell cycle arrest. The terpene has also been shown to have fungal and antimicrobial resistance. Some studies have shown that plants containing eucalyptol can even have an anti-diabetic effect.
1,8-cineole treatment can drive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It also has antimicrobial and anticancer properties. It can modulate key signaling pathways and is used currently in clinical practice for rhinosinusitis, COPD, asthma, and acute bronchitis. This is due to its antisecretory activity which reduces mucus production, aids in mucociliary clearance, and relieves airway resistance while modulating myeloperoxidase activity. This anti-mucus activity also helps suppress gastric acid secretion, delivering gastroprotective benefits.
1,8-cineole administration can also result in antiviral activity, which can make it even more useful in treating viral infections. 1,8-cineole's effects can improve quality of life for chronic rhinosinusitis patients, asthmatic patients, and those with COPD and asthma. The effects of treatment can also provide a relief from anxiety related to chronic illness, as cineol has anxiolytic properties that can kick in during the treatment period.
Eucalyptol has been approved by the FDA as a food additive. It is used around the world to flavor a variety of nutraceuticals, cakes, creams, and other foods.
Plants and spices high in eucalyptol include eucalyptus, cannabis, wormwood, sagebrush, sweet basil, rosemary, black pepper, oregano, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and many others.