Terpene Tuesday: Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is this week’s topic of discussion for Terpene Tuesday so let’s dive right in, shall we? This terpene is quite familiar, as it constitutes 90% of eucalyptus oil as its name suggests. It is also found in cannabis, rosemary, sweet basil, sage, tea tree and camphor laurel. It has a mint like smell and a spicy, yet cooling flavor. It is used in many things including flavorings, fragrances, cosmetics, insect repellants and curatives.

While eucalyptol was only officially identified in 1870 by French chemist Francois Stanislas Cloez, like many terpenes and other nutraceuticals it has a long standing folk history of effective use for many ailments, in particular for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and mood lifting abilities. Eucalyptol is one the better studied terpenes and has the research to prove itself, being one of the few terpenes to have placebo trials. It’s affects on the respiratory system are well documented and eucalyptol may prove helpful in the treatment of many lung ailments including asthma, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia and even smoke inhalation. This same ability to reduce inflammation may also prove helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, help to lower blood pressure and also increase cognitive performance. Lastly, it shows promise in helping to treat colorectal cancer by helping suppress cancer cell growth.

In small quantities it is used as a medicinal for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to inhibit the cytokinetic response. It is found commonly in cough suppressants by preventing excessive mucous secretion and reducing inflammation of the airways. Due to it’s antimicrobial properties it is frequently used in mouth wash. Eucalyptol also works well topically as a salve for inflammation, pain and has a cooling effect. Often used on the chest as a second step for open airways. However, in high doses eucalyptol can cause toxicity when ingested as well as skin and lung irritation.

Interestingly, Eucalyptol is used as a bug repellent but when it comes to a particular genus of bees, it attracts them. In fact, these bees use eucalyptol to synthesis their pheromones. This shows just how important terpenes are to all living things and why exactly plants evolved them in the first place; to protect themselves and attract pollinators. Humans and other animals evolved along side these molecules and gained the ability to use them in various, healthful ways. Science is just beginning to discover these pathways and it is an interesting time, indeed.