Symptom → Plant Sources
Blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) as a tool for helping with Wounds
inferred from antimicrobial action
Eucalyptus oil (EO) and its major component, 1,8-cineole, have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), viruses, and fungi (including Candida). Surprisingly for an antimicrobial substance, there are also immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. Of the white blood cells, monocytes and macrophages are most affected, especially with increased phagocytic activity. Application by either vapor inhalation or oral route provides benefit for both purulent and non-purulent respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a long history of folk usage with a good safety record. More recently, the biochemical details behind these effects have been clarified. Although other plant oils may be more microbiologically active, the safety of moderate doses of EO and its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action make it an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals. EO has also been shown to offset the myelotoxicity of one chemotherapy agent. Whether this is a general attribute that does not decrease the benefit of chemotherapy remains to be determined. This article also provides instruction on how to assemble inexpensive devices for vapor inhalation.
3 sources supporting Blue gum eucalyptus for Wounds. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's antimicrobial action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
A systematic review of 20 studies (2002-2022) on the antibacterial properties of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The findings suggest E. globulus essential oil has antibacterial properties against MRSA, which can be enhanced when used in combination with other essential oils and antibiotics, supporting its potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent.
Essential oil and honey of Eucalyptus globulus showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, dermatoprotective and antimicrobial activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the multiple medicinal uses of blue gum.
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO), dominated by 1,8-cineole (63.1%), p-cymene, alpha-pinene and limonene (over 99% monoterpenes), was analysed for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant and insecticidal activity. EGEO showed antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity (strongest against Gram-positive bacteria and microscopic fungi, especially in the vapour phase), antibiofilm activity and insecticidal activity.
The terpenoids aromadendrene and 1,8-cineole from Eucalyptus globulus fruit essential oil acted synergistically against antibiotic-susceptible and multidrug-resistant bacteria, supporting the antimicrobial use of blue gum.
Polyphenol extracts from Eucalyptus globulus stumps showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, documenting the phenolic constituents of blue gum.
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil and its main component 1,8-cineole showed antibiofilm and anti-quorum-sensing activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, supporting the antimicrobial use of blue gum.
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil showed in-vitro antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacteria and Candida albicans, supporting the antimicrobial use of blue gum oil.
Essential oil from Eucalyptus globulus leaves (1,8-cineole-rich), alone and with Cinnamomum cassia bark oil, showed antibacterial effects, supporting the antimicrobial use of blue gum.