Eucalyptus radiata is close to Eucalyptus globulus. It is also native to Australia but is less acclimatized to our regions; it is difficult to cultivate it in Europe. It can be found in various forms: a tree about thirty meters high or shrubs. The trunk is blue-grey, and the bark peels off in long strips. It particularly appreciates the drained soils of the subtropical heights. The twigs are reddish, the young leaves are opposite and sessile, and the adult leaves are petiolate, alternate, and sickle-shaped. The rustling of the leaves will give off a pleasant smell of mint. Eucalyptus radiata essential oil does not contain monoterpene ketones, making it less aggressive and better tolerated than eucalyptus globulus. It is perfectly suitable for children older than 2 years [1].
Optimal ranges of biochemical composition of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil:
Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is not listed in the European Pharmacopoeia (unlike Eucalyptus globulus). It is mainly composed of:
- Oxides: 65-75% (especially 1,8-cineole),
- Monoterpenes: 10-18% (especially α-pinene, limonene),
- Monoterpenols: 8-15% (especially α-terpineol),
- Sesquiterpenes: up to 2%,
- Monoterpene aldehydes: 1% (54).
Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil, along with Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil, are widely known and recommended for the treatment of respiratory system conditions. Its anti-infective activity related to the presence of alpha-terpineol, together with its mucolytic and expectorant power related to the presence of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) are really appropriate for the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and greasy cough among others. Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is specifically recommended for children, while Eucalyptus Globulus is recommended for adults.
1.8 cineole increases the ciliary motor activity of the respiratory tree, stimulating the efficient expulsion of mucus. Eucalyptol inhibits inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, interleukin-1β, leukotriene B4, inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and development of Prostaglandins PGE2. These actions contribute to reduce the inflammatory processes commonly treated by steroids. During a clinical trial with a patient treated with prednisolone, the administration of eucalyptol made it possible to reduce the dose of prednisolone, thus demonstrating an activity similar to that of steroids against obstructive respiratory pathologies such as asthma. It should be noted that eucalyptol does not have the side effects of steroids.
Sinusitis and rhinosinusitis: A study showed that the administration of 200 mg of eucalyptol PO three times a day half an hour before meals resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms after 7 days of treatment. Demonstrating that early intervention in the management of upper respiratory infections with eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) has the potential to reduce symptoms and reduce antibiotic prescription, which in turn may help reduce antibiotic resistance and the adverse effects associated with their administration, in addition to a reduction in costs [3].
Animal research warns that the indications of Eucalyptus Globulus for conditions of the respiratory system are probably related to its ability to reduce the activity of the TLR4 receptor in the bronchioles and the excess production of mucus caused by lipopolysaccharides.
Eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol have proven antibacterial and antifungal activity against various bacteria and fungi responsible for mycosis (Candidiasis) and lung infection. Both molecules are active against viruses involved in bronchopulmonary infections, flu, and colds. Terpinene-4-ol stimulates the immune system by acting on white blood cells in phagocytosis processes.
Spasmolytic and bronchodilator activity.
In obstructive pathologies of the respiratory tree, such as asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease (BCPO), the bronchi contract, inflame, and hypersecrete mucus. Eucalyptus essential oils rich in 1,8-cineole have a spasmolytic effect on smooth muscle fibers: in the event of respiratory obstructions, this muscle relaxation effect causes a dilation of the bronchi that is beneficial to the patient.
Decongestant and antitussive activity.
The anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects are generated by the rebound effect:
Decreased mucus production and therefore dryness of the nasal and bronchial passages. a decrease in the frequency of coughs associated with infectious conditions of the respiratory tract, such as colds and nasopharyngitis, or with inflammatory diseases such as asthma.
Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Do not use in babies under 3 months.
Apply under medical supervision in asthmatic and epileptic patients.
For its topical use, dilute it in a vegetable oil in a maximum proportion equivalent to 20%.
For its diffusion application, mix it with another essential oil (Lemon) in a maximum proportion equivalent to 30%.
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- Children from 3 to 6 years old: no
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Babies under 3 years: yes
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- Photosensitizer: no
- Hormonal interaction with estrogen: no
- General hormonal interaction: no
- Liver toxicity: no
- Neurotoxicity: no
- Irritating to the respiratory tract: no
- Allergy risk: no
- Dermocaustic (burns the skin if used neat): no
- Skin irritation if used neat: yes
- Cortisone-like effect: no
General medicine
Fever
Neurology
general fatigue
Otorhinolaryngology and/or Pulmonology
Bronchitis
asthmatic bronchitis
Flu
Otitis
A cold
Rhinitis
rhinopharyngitis
rhinopharyngitis
Sinusitis and/or Rhinosinusitis
Productive or oily cough
greasy cough
Allergic rhinitis
Bibliography:
- De la Charie, T. et al. Website « Compagnie des Sens » – https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/
- Franchomme, P., R. Jollois, and D. Pénoël. 2001. L'aromathérapie Exactly. Encyclopédie de L'utilisation Thérapeutique Des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Roger Jollois.
- Zhiri A., Baudoux D. Huiles essentielles chémotypées et leurs synergies.
- Passport Santé. Website https://www.passeportsante.net/
- Scott A. Johnson, 2015. Evidence-based essential oil therapy the ultimate guide to the therapeutic and clinical application of essential oils (EBEO)
- https://vanessences.fr/content/28-huile-essentielle-encens-bienfaits-proprietes-utilisation
- Image source: Nathalie Koziol. Huiles essentielles d'Eucalyptus globulus, d'Eucalyptus radiata et de Corymbia citriodora: qualité, efficacité et toxicité. Sciences pharmaceutiques. 2015. hal-01733789.
[2] Yang Suk Jun, Purum Kang, Sun Seek Min, Jeong-Min Lee, Hyo-Keun Kim, Geun Hee Seol, "Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial," Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , vol. 2013, Article ID 502727, 7 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/502727
[3] W. Kehrl, U. Sonnemann and U. Dethlefsen, Therapy for acute nonpurulent rhinosinusitis with cineole: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial . Laryngoscope, 114 (4), 738-742 ( 2004 ) .
[6] Nathalie Koziol. Huiles essentielles d'Eucalyptus globulus, d'Eucalyptus radiata et de Corymbia citriodora: qualité, efficacité et toxicité. Sciences pharmaceutiques. 2015. hal-01733789.
[7] A. Lobstein, F. Couic-Marinier, and N. Koziol, “Eucalyptus radiata essential oil,” Current. Pharm. , vol. 57, no. 575, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.actpha.2018.02.010.
[8] J. Silva, W. Abebe, SM Sousa, VG Duarte, MIL Machado, and FJA Matos, “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus,” J. Ethnopharmacol. , vol. 89, no. 2–3, 2003, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.007.
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[11] NGPB Lima et al. , “Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants,” Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. , vol. 103, no. 3, p. 450–454, 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.09.005.