Research Paper on Eucalyptol: Uses, Benefits, Risks & Warnings

Introduction

Eucalyptol is a colorless liquid with a crisp, spicy taste and a fresh mint-like smell. It is classified as acyclic ether, monoterpenoid anti-infective natural organic compound. It contains fundamental grease of species extracted from Eucalyptus oil, thus the name of the compound- eucalyptol. This paper focuses on antimicrobial aspects of Eucalyptol, its uses, advantages, disadvantages, human health risks, and warnings about the use of the compound.

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Studies in Clinical Microbiology & Infection established that Eucalyptol could eradicate pathogenic bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza usually found inside the human respiratory tract. The bacterium causes strains of streptococcus and an array of infections (Christianson, 2017). The compound may also destroy some fungi and viruses. In addition, the study showed that Eucalyptol works as an expectorant, thus eases coughs through loosening phlegm.

According to Christianson (2017), Eucalyptol has antimicrobial activity against positive gram bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and negative gram bacteria (Escherichia coli). Therefore, Eucalyptol may be developed as a natural antibiotic treatment against diseases caused by these two germs.

Due to its amusing taste and piquant fragrance, Eucalyptol is used as a component in products such as beverages, meat products, and baked products. It is also used as an ingredient in cough suppressant, mouthwash products as well as an additive in cigarettes to improve their flavor. Moreover, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes, as well as its physic-chemical properties, make the compound an effective treatment for chronic diseases. However, despite Eucalyptol having an array of uses, it is not effective in curing protozoa, and algae caused diseases.

Eucalyptol, as an agent, is beneficial in several ways. The compound decelerates the multiplication and intensification of cancer cells and prevents oxidation to other body molecules. Further, the chemical is an efficient control of asthma and hyper discharge of mucus by the use of cytokine anti-inflammatory. To add on, Eucalyptol is effectual in treating non-purulent rhinosinusitis. However, the drug is potentially dangerous when taken recklessly as it can be lethal to the reproductive health or worse cause multi-organs failure.

Use of Eucalyptol comes with various side effects on the human body, including abdominal pain, short breaths, irregular heartbeats, skin discoloration, and hypotension. The potential human dose for Eucalyptol is between one teaspoon and an ounce for persons weighing 70 kg per and below (Christianson, 2017). Therefore, the drug should be taken with caution as an abnormally higher dose of Eucalyptol through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact is perilous to human health. Continuous use of the chemical can result in severe health implications on the nervous system, respiratory system, and general behavior. Further, Eucalyptol is regarded as a toxin on the female reproduction health and suspected to have lethal effects on male reproduction.

Reference

Christianson, D. W. (2017). Structural and chemical biology of terpenoid cyclases. Chemical Reviews, 117(17), 11570-11648. Retrieved from