ArticlePDF Available

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL; AN OFF-LABEL USE TO PROTECT THE WORLD FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC: REVIEW-BASED HYPOTHESES

Authors:

Abstract

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 causes both health and economic crises and up till now no drug or vaccine has yet been approved. There is an increased demand to explore other complementary methods to protect the world. Eucalyptus essential oil; a popular off-label drug used to relieve nasal congestion via inhalation with promising effects on the upper respiratory diseases including viral infections. Methods: In order to provide review-based hypotheses demonstrating eucalyptus essential oil beneficial role; several published studies were retrieved from different databases and websites till June 2020. The retrieved data declared the antiviral potentials against viruses of same subgenus or with same pattern and the beneficial effects on respiratory system, immunity and overall health improvement, along with declaring the application methods and safety. Results: Off-label use of Eucalyptus essential oil by inhaling 12drops /150mL or 1.5% v/v solution boiling water may relief COVID-19 mild and moderate symptoms as pain, cough, respiratory inflammation, cytokine storm and dyspnea. Conclusions: Experimental and clinical data proved that inhalation of eucalyptus essential oil may provide the ability to reduce COVID-19 patients symptoms and morbidity risk factors and may play a role as a preventative technique complementary to WHO guidance for beating COVID-19 virulence and transmission spread.
Hatem Sameir Abbas et al. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2020; 5(4):57-60
ISSN: 2456-8058 57 CODEN (USA): UJPRA3
Available online on 15.9.2020 at http://ujpr.org
Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
An Intern ational Peer Reviewed Jo urnal
Open access to Pharmaceutical research
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 License which permits unrestricted non
commercial use, provided the original work is properly cited
Volume 5, Issue 4, 2020
REVIEW ARTICLE
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL; AN OFF-LABEL USE TO PROTECT THE
WORLD FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC: REVIEW-BASED HYPOTHESES
Hatem Sameir Abbass
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University (Boys), Cairo 11371-Egypt.
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Kantara 41636-Egypt.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 causes both health and economic crises and up till now no drug or vaccine has yet
been approved. There is an increased demand to explore other complementary methods to protect the world. Eucalyptus essential oil; a popular off-
label drug used to relieve nasal congestion via inhalation with promising effects on the upper respiratory diseases including viral infections.
Methods: In order to provide review-based hypotheses demonstrating eucalyptus essential oil beneficial role; several published studies were
retrieved from different databases and websites till June 2020. The retrieved data declared the antiviral potentials against viruses of same subgenus
or with same pattern and the beneficial effects on respiratory system, immunity and overall health improvement, along with declaring the
application methods and safety.
Results: Off-label use of Eucalyptus essential oil by inhaling 12drops /150mL or 1.5% v/v solution boiling water may relief COVID-19 mild and
moderate symptoms as pain, cough, respiratory inflammation, cytokine storm and dyspnea.
Conclusions: Experimental and clinical data proved that inhalation of eucalyptus essential oil may provide the ability to reduce COVID -19
patients symptoms and morbidity risk factors and may play a role as a preventative technique complementary to WHO guidanc e for beating
COVID-19 virulence and transmission spread.
Keywords: Cineole, COVID-19, essential oil, eucalyptus oil, inhalation.
Article Info: Received 28 June 2020; Revised 20 July; Accepted 10 August, Available online 15 September 2020
Cite this article-
Abbass HS. Eucalyptus essential oil; an off-label use to protect the world from COVID-19 pandemic: review-
based hypotheses. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2020; 5(4):57-60.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22270/ujpr.v5i4.440
Address for Correspondence:
Dr. Hatem Sameir Abbass, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University (Boys), Cairo 11371-
Egypt. Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Kantara 41636-Egypt., Tel: +00201092900910,
E-mail: hsam8406@azhar.edu.eg
INTRODUCTION
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global
pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It first appeared in
Wuhan, Hubei, China and then spreads all over the
world through respiratory droplets, contact and the
faecal-oral route1. World Health Organization (WHO)
listed COVID-19 as a public health emergency of
international concern due to its rapid and highly
infectious pattern. The last WHO situation report-134
up to date June 2, 2020 has confirmed a total number
of infected peoples to be 6194533 from which 376320
were died2. The nowadays pandemic is characterized
by intensity variation between countries, misleading
indication of case fatality rate and unclear data about
the virus and its virulence. The absence of vaccines and
treatments encouraged the control strategies role and
non-pharmacological measurements for communities3.
Several intervention therapeutic strategies were
reported as an alternative approach to control the
COVID-19 pandemic. From these strategies the
inhalation of Eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) which
reported in several publications in addition to folkloric
traditional use in some countries during the few last
days4-9. No clinical trial, in vivo or in vitro studies
demonstrate the EEO activity against COVID-19; but
several review-based expected potentials as antiviral,
co-infection control, symptoms relief or just a safe
hygienic lifestyle. Today many companies have
advertised to EEO as a product for prevention or
treatment of COVID-1910; but, US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) had sent a warning letters to
such companies11. In this work I will declare both facts
and problems of EEO use in controlling COVID-19
pandemic.
METHODS
Literature search was performed using diffrent
databases as; Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of
Science, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and Scopus using
Hatem Sameir Abbas et al. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2020; 5(4):57-60
ISSN: 2456-8058 58 CODEN (USA): UJPRA3
main key word “Eucalyptus” in addition to “COVID-
19, COPD, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Immune
modulation, Antimicrobial, clinical trials, FDA,
Monograph, Inhalation and Potential”.
DISCUSSION
Off-label use of EEO: EEO widely used as Over The
Counter (OTC) drug in a single or combined form for
relieving nasal congestion via inhaling a few drops
either on a handkerchief or in a bowl of hot water12.
Vapor inhalation of EEO relief symptoms of
bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) which are the risk factors in COVID-
19 patients13. Traditional use of EEO for relief of
cough associated with cold are accepted without the
supervision of a medical practitioner via inhalation and
as a bath additive and had been described for a long
time14. 1,8-Cineole the major constituent of EEO (80-
95%) is well tolerated in inhalation administrations and
is registered as a licensed medicinal product which
available for airways inflammation for many years15.
As well Vicks VapoRub® vapors inhalation which
containing eucalyptus, camphor and menthol acting on
cold receptors in the nose are a common used off-label
drug. The German Standard zulassung, the
Pharmacopée Française and the WHO monograph
2002 had reported the use of EEO for the treatment of
respiratory tract disorders, bronchial catarrh and
stomach pain14. The Martindale reported that EEO
effective as an inhalant, often in combination with
other volatile oils for catarrh and coughs in a lot of
preparations16. EEO is approved by the FDA for food
use (EAFUS -Everything Added to Food in the United
States- list No 2081) [FDA 2013] and as OTC (Over
the counter) drug in cough/cold monograph sub-
categories nasal decongestant (mouthwash or lozenge),
antitussive and expectorant and in external analgesic
monograph sub-categories counter irritant, fever
blister/cold sore and poison ivy/oak/sumac and in skin
protectant monograph sub-categories astringent and
poison (ivy/oak/sumac)17.
COPD control by EEO: COPD is associated with
increased risk of morbidity in COVID-19 patients18.
Pretreatment with EEO markedly reduced the
production TNF-α and IL-β proinflammatory
cytokines, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and
malondialdehyde (MDA) level which indicates that
EEO might have its potential in COPD treatment19. The
anti-inflammatory effect EEO to reduce cytokine
release was confirmed also in ex-vivo cultured and
stimulated alveolar macrophages from patients with
(COPD)20. Few weeks (1-8) therapy with 1,8-Cineole
reduces exacerbations, dyspnea and specific airway
resistance in patients with COPD and improves lung
function parameters and health status by intervening in
the mucus membrane pathophysiology of airway
inflammation14.
Antiviral activity of EEO: The antiviral activity of
EEO was confirmed against an enveloped viruses
(similar to COVID-19); mumps virus obtained from
patients with respiratory tract infection21, herpes
simplex virus before or during host cell adsorption22,
H1N1 influenza virus23and inhibits avian influenza virus
H11N9 in aerosol, vapor and if being captured on a fiber
coating materials9. The inhibitory mechanism of EEO
is based on the inactivation of hemagglutinin protein of
the virus in its vapor phase9. As well, two preprint
articles by (Sharma et al.) demonstrated that eucalyptol
(1,8 cineole) and Jensenone from EEO represent
potential COVID-19 main viral proteinase (M-
pro/3CLpro) inhibitory effect by molecular docking
studies. Inhaling concentrated EEO vapors for 30
minutes followed by periodical inhaling vapor mixture
of EEO and tea tree oil (TTO) (50:50) with 30-120
minutes intervals; reduces the risk of infection with
SARS-CoV which is a highly pathogenic
coronavirus23,24.
Co-infection control activity of EEO: The
antibacterial potentials of EEO was confirmed by
activity against respiratory infecting bacteria;
Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae,
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Streptococcus
pneumoniae21 and by inhalation prophylactic use
against colds, tuberculosis, flus and opportunistic
infections of the human respiratory system24. In
hospitals EEO used for controlling multidrug-resistant
bacteria25, reduce endotracheal tube biofilm microbial
contamination during ventilation process26 and showed
antifungal potential against intensive care units (ICU)
isolated yeast24,27. EEO fumes inhalation affords
bactericidal components killing infections in the nasal
passages, sinuses, bronchial tubes and lungs24.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune modulation
potentials of EEO: Dexamethasone today is the first
and only drug that has made a significant difference to
patient mortality for COVID-19 due to its anti-
inflammatory and immune modulation effects.
Surprisingly EEO can implement the innate cell-
mediated immune response and anti-inflammatory
properties28,29. COVID-19 hospitalized patients
developed at latter phase a syndrome known as
cytokine storm or hyperinflammatory syndrome due to
immune overactivation that increases the acute
respiratory distress and can lead to death30.
Pretreatment with EEO markedly reduced the
production of proinflammatory cytokines which
indicates that EEO might have its potential to stop
cytokine storm19. As well suppression of human lung
macrophages inflammatory responses by EEO and its
constituent 1,8-cineole was reported31.
Other activities of EEO: EEO decreasing patient’s
pain32, cough treatment33, aid in the recovery from
certain respiratory diseases24, air freshener, fumigating
agent34 and effective in cleaning mixtures for
degreasing, deodorizing and disinfection33,35.
Dose and safety of EEO: The WHO monograph EEO
reported doses were 12drops /150mL or 1.5% v/v
solution boiling water for inhalation three times
daily36,37. The oral LD50 in rats (2.5g/kg)38. A
toxicological study influenced the use of EEO with
certain concentration less than (233.44 mg/kg) to avoid
serious metabolic and cellular damage39. As well, EEO
also may cause irritation to the skin, toxic effects
especially in children and adverse effects as slurred
speech, ataxia, muscle weakness progressing to
unconsciousness and seizures if used in high
Hatem Sameir Abbas et al. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2020; 5(4):57-60
ISSN: 2456-8058 59 CODEN (USA): UJPRA3
concentration40-42. Because of EEO strong odor, an
accidental poisoning is not common, as intoxication
occurs only via oral consumption of 4-5ml EEO5.
There is no danger of accumulating inhaled essential
oils in the body even with repeated inhalation as the
concentration of inhaled EOs decreases to half its
original value within 30-40 minutes24. However the oils
liquid phase are generally irritant and possibly toxic for
nasopharyngeal and lung epithelial cells, the vapor
phase of the same oils might be useful as inhalers for
respiratory infections in low concentrations15. Studies
on 1,8-cineole confirmed that it is well absorbed from
breathing air. Upon inhalation of 2 ml 1,8-cineole 99%
for 20 min. the blood serum concentration was
increasing in a linear way with distribution half-life 2-
13 min. and elimination half-life 31-281 min.
Clinical trials of EEO on human volunteers: The
effect of 0.25ml EEO inhalation for 10 minutes on
cardiovascular responses using a disposable face mask
was reported in (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT02656004) and smelling of pure EEO in vial for
training of the olfactory nerve for improving smell
sense after radiation therapy also reported in
(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03049358). EEO
100% concentration was confirmed as a safe method of
protection from mosquito bites on human volunteers
skin in indoor conditions34. Inhalation of EEO was
effective in reducing blood pressure and pain after total
knee replacement32. Another clinical study had
concluded that the treatment with 1,8-cineole of
patients with acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis was
effective and safe with only mild side effects and can
avoid antibiotic treatment43. Another study had
concluded that acute rhinosinusitis can be managed
by treatment with 1,8-cineole and confirmed its safety
and significant benefit for bronchitis44.
Precautions for using EEO: EEO should not be used
during pregnancy or lactation as there is no information
available on inhalation of EEO or its main constituent
1,8-cineole for pregnant women and 1,8-cineole has
been reported to penetrate the rodents placenta. EEO
should not be used for babies and very young children
less than 12 years as the risk of reflex spasm is
expected.
CONCLUSION
Off-label use of EEO as an inhaler via inhalation
vaporizers, diffusers or as a fragrance in cleaning
mixtures should be announced as a concomitant safe
hygienic lifestyle to hand washing, face mask wearing
and social distancing. The use of EEO for COVID-19
patients will reduce muscle and stomach pain, cough
and dyspnea which are the common symptoms, and
protect patients from co-infection susceptibility and
decrease chance of hyper inflammatory syndrome and
COPD associated risk morbidity. Researchers should
start the clinical trials and in vivo studies on EEO
safety and efficacy as soon as possible to confirm or
reject its antiviral potentials against COVID-19 to
evaluate the possibility of its use for treatment and/or
prevention. Community pharmacies and essential oil
manufactories should sell EEO just as an off-label drug
not as treatment or preventative protocol for COVID-
19 pandemic.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The author declares no conflict of interest.
REFERENCES
1. Yeo C, Kaushal S, Yeo D. Enteric involvement of corona
viruses: is faecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2
possible? The lancet Gastroenterology & hepatology.
2020; 5(4):335-337.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30048-0
2. Organization WH. Corona virus disease (COVID-19).
Situation Report 134. 2 June 2020.
3. Mansuri FM. Situation analysis and an insight into
assessment of pandemic COVID-19. J Taibah University
Medical Sci 2020; 15(2):85.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.04.001
4. Marwah A, Marwah P. Coronavirus (COVID-19): A
protocol for prevention, treatment and control. J App Nat
Sci 2020:119-123.
https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.vi.2269
5. Nkeck JR, Tsafack EE, Ndoadoumgue AL, Endomba FT.
An alert on the incautious use of herbal medicines by sub-
Saharan African populations to fight against the COVID-
19. The Pan African Med J 2020; 35(26).
https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.2.23161
6. Szalkai I, Radnai A, Karacsony F, Körmendi-Racz J,
Nyerges A, Hegyi G. Possibilities of pre-hospital
intervention in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19
recommendations of The Hungarian Integrative Medicine
Association. J Med Healthcare SRC/JMHC/118 J Med
Healthcare 2020; 2(2):2.
7. Ainane T. Moroccan traditional treatment for fever and
influenza, similar to symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19
disease: Mini Review. J Analyt Sci App Biotech
2020;2(1):1-3.
8. Chakraborty MK. Novel Corona Virus Disease 19 (N
COVID-19) Epidemic origin, symptoms and precaution
measure. Purakala 2020;31(8):1395-1409.
9. Panyod S, Ho C-T, Sheen L-Y. Dietary therapy and herbal
medicine for COVID-19 prevention: A review and
perspective. J Trad Comp Med 2020; 10(4):420-27.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.05.004
10. Lim GY. Essential oils and COVID-19: Industry warns no
sufficient evidence for efficacy amid sales surge. 2020;
11. Ashley DD. Unapproved and Misbranded Products
Related to Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 2020;
12. Shelley A, Horner K. Otolaryngology: Nasal perforation.
British Dent J 2017; 222(7):495-495.
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.288
13. Sadlon AE, Lamson DW. Immune-modifying and
antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple
inhalation devices. Alt Med Rev 2010; 15(1):33-43.
14. Assessment report on Eucalytus globulus Labill.,
Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker and/or Eucalyptus
smithii R.T. Baker, aetheroleum.
15. Pasdaran A, Sheikhi D. Volatile oils: Potential agents for
the treatment of respiratory infections. The Microbiology
of Respiratory System Infections. Elsevier; 2016:237-261.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-804543-5.00016-6
16. Sweetman S. The complete drug reference (Martindale).
The Pharmaceutical Press, London; 2007.
17. FDA. OTC Active Ingredients.
18. Lippi G, Henry BM. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease is associated with severe corona virus disease 2019
(COVID-19). Respiratory Medicine. 2020; 167:105941.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2020.105941
19. Wang L, Sun J, Li W, Lv Y, Shi W, Zhao C. Protective
effect of eucalyptus oil against pulmonary destruction and
inflammation in COPD rats. J Dis Med Plts 2017; 3:17-22.
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jdmp.20170301.14
Hatem Sameir Abbas et al. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2020; 5(4):57-60
ISSN: 2456-8058 60 CODEN (USA): UJPRA3
20. Rantzsch U, Vacca G, Dück R, Gillissen A. Anti-
inflammatory effects of Myrtol standardized and other
essential oils on alveolar macrophages from patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. European J Med
Res 2009; 14(4):1-5.
https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783X-14-S4-205
21. Cermelli C, Fabio A, Fabio G, Quaglio P. Effect of
eucalyptus essential oil on respiratory bacteria and viruses.
Curr Micro 2008; 56(1):89-92.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-007-9045-0
22. Schnitzler P, Schön K, Reichling J. Antiviral activity of
Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes
simplex virus in cell culture. Die Pharmazie 2001;
56(4):343-347. PMID: 11338678
23. Vimalanathan S, Hudson J. Anti-influenza virus activity of
essential oils and vapors. American J Essent Oils Nat Prod
2014;2(1):47-53.
24. Vail III WB, Vail ML. Methods and apparatus to prevent,
treat and cure infections of the human respiratory system
by pathogens causing severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS). Google Patents; 2006.
25. Mulyaningsih S, Sporer F, Reichling J, Wink M.
Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Eucalyptus and
of selected components against multidrug-resistant
bacterial pathogens. Pharm Biol 2011; 49(9):893-899.
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2011.553625
26. Amini N, Rezaei K, Yazdannik A. Effect of nebulized
eucalyptus on contamination of microbial plaque of
endotracheal tube in ventilated patients. Iranian J Nursing
Midwifery Res 2016; 21(2):165.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.178242
27. Suman A, Chauhan S, Lata S, Sharma RK. Antifungal
activity of various plant oils against yeast isolates from
ICU patients. Int J Res Med Sci 2017; 5(7):3227.
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20173018
28. Han X, Parker TL, Dorsett J. An essential oil blend
significantly modulates immune responses and the cell
cycle in human cell cultures. Cogent Biol 2017;
3(1):1340112.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23312025.2017.1340112
29. Serafino A, Vallebona PS, Andreola F, et al. Stimulatory
effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated
immune response. BMC Immunol 2008; 9(1):17.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2172-9-17
30. Ingraham NE, Lotfi-Emran S, Thielen BK, et al.
Immunomodulation in COVID-19. The Lancet
Respiratory Medicine 2020;
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30226-5
31. Yadav N, Chandra H. Suppression of inflammatory and
infection responses in lung macrophages by eucalyptus oil
and its constituent 1, 8-cineole: Role of pattern recognition
receptors TREM-1 and NLRP3, the MAP kinase regulator
MKP-1, and NFκB. PLoS One. 2017; 12(11):e0188232.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188232
32. Jun YS, Kang P, Min SS, Lee J-M, Kim H-K, Seol GH.
Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and
inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a
randomized clinical trial. Evidence-Based Com Alt Med
2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/502727
33. Penfold AR. Eucalyptus Oils. Environment: a magazine of
science. 1934; 1(3).
34. Mandal S. Repellent activity of Eucalyptus and
Azadirachta indica seed oil against the filarial mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in India.
Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2011;1(1):S109-S112.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60135-4
35. Kutumian DM. Multipurpose cleaner and method of
cleaning using therapeutic grade essential oils. Google
Patents; 2012.
36. Fugh-Berman A. The 5-minute herb and dietary
supplement consult. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins;
2003. https://doi.org/10.4065/78.11.1436-a
37. Organization WH. WHO monographs on selected
medicinal plants. Vol 2. World Health Organization; 1999.
38. Carson C, Riley T, Cookson B. Efficacy and safety of tea
tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. J Hospital Inf
1998;40(3):175-178.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-6701(98)90135-9
39. Shalaby SE, El-Din MM, Abo-Donia SA, Mettwally M,
Attia ZA. Toxicological affects of essential oils from
eucalyptus Eucalyptus globules and clove Eugenia
caryophyllus on albino rats. Pol J Environ Stud. 2011;
20(2):429-434.
40. Mathew T, Kamath V, Kumar RS, et al. Eucalyptus oil
inhalation-induced seizure: A novel, under recognized,
preventable cause of acute symptomatic seizure. Epilepsia
Open 2017;2(3):350-354.
https://doi.org/10.1002/epi4.12065
41. Niggemann B, Grüber C. Side effects of complementary
and alternative medicine. Allergy 2003;58(8):707-716.
https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00219.x
42. Devi MP, Chakrabarty S, Ghosh S, Bhowmick N.
Essential oil: its economic aspect, extraction, importance,
uses, hazards and quality. Value addition of horticultural
crops: recent trends and future directions. Springer;
2015:269-278.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2262-0_15
43. Kehrl W, Sonnemann U, Dethlefsen U. Therapy for acute
nonpurulent rhino sinusitis with cineole: results of a
double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. The
Laryngoscope 2004;114(4):738-742.
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005537-200404000-00027
44. Tesche S, Metternich F, Sonnemann U, Engelke J-C,
Dethlefsen U. The value of herbal medicines in the
treatment of acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis. European
Arch Oto-rhino-Laryngol2008; 265(11):1355.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0683-z
... Recently, eucalypts have been widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including the temperate and subtropical regions, i.e., Brazil, Chile, Portugal, and Spain, until the tropical and arid regions, i.e., Asia and Africa [2,4,5]. Eucalypts is one of the priorities in forestry due to its three main functions, (1) raw materials for the timber and plywood industries [1,3,4], (2) raw materials for the pulp and paper industries [1,3,[6][7][8], and (3) essential oil production [9][10][11][12][13][14]. The essential oil extracted from eucalypts consisted of 1.8 cineole [9 -13] and jensenone [14], which had antiviral potentials against COVID-19. ...
... The essential oil extracted from eucalypts consisted of 1.8 cineole [9 -13] and jensenone [14], which had antiviral potentials against COVID-19. Therefore, the demand for eucalypts has greatly increased because it is materials for Covid-19 drugs and diffusers [9][10][11][12][13][14]. ...
... Other eucalypts eligible for crossing is E. brassiana which is highly adaptive and drought-resistant; and E. urophylla, which is fast-growing, IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 914 (2021) 012051 IOP Publishing doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/914/1/012051 2 resistant to pests and diseases, having good wood quality, and having high wood biomass for pulps [1]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The demand for eucalypts has greatly increased since they are raw materials for timbers, plywoods, pulp and papers, and essential oil production. This study aimed to select the plus trees and determine the sprouting and rooting ability of E. pellita, E. brassiana , and their hybrids in Wanagama. Plus trees selection and girdling were conducted in December 2019. Cuttings were picked from the 3 rd -4 th nodes of sprouting at 8-10 cm in length. A completely randomized design was applied in a factorial experiment with three levels of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) (100, 1000, and 4000 ppm) and two types of media (media 1: sand, rice husk charcoal and cocopeat (2:2:1), media 2: sand, topsoil and dung-fertilizer (2:2:1)), with ten replications. Results selected a total of 53 plus trees candidates (29 of E. pellita , 12 of E. brassiana , and 12 of hybrid). E. pellita is the best in sprouting ability (100% survival; 41-60 shoot/trees, 127-161cm shoot length, 0.53-0.57cm shoot diameter, and 194-252 leaves/shoot). Cuttings of E. pellita treated with 100 ppm IBA gained the highest survival and leaves production (96%-100%; 14-16 leaves), followed by E. brassiana (52%-66.67%; 7 leaves) and the hybrid (4% to 8.33%; 3-4 leaves). These results may contribute to arranging better strategies for mass production of selected eucalypts.
... Among the most common symptoms are fever, chills, dry cough, sputum production, fatigue, lethargy, arthralgia, myalgia, headache, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea [15]. In extreme cases, patients experience a condition known as a "cytokine storm", which is characterized by a dramatic increase in the levels of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α), leading to the development of SARS, pneumonia, septic shock, metabolic acidosis, coagulation dysfunction and even death [16,60]. Currently, there are licensed vaccines that can be used to generate immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and that have demonstrated high efficacy in the prevention of COVID-19 [61]. ...
... In this context, the use of natural products has been evaluated as a complement to conventional treatments for this disease [15,32,59,62,63]. Several studies have evaluated the monoterpenes present in Eucalyptus essential oil, either for the treatment of symptoms caused by COVID-19 or to evaluate their ability to inhibit the M pro protein, a key homodimeric cysteine protease enzyme that cleaves polyproteins into individual proteins necessary for the replication and transcription of SARS-CoV-2 [1,11,12,60]. They also evaluated the action of 1,8-cineole against SARS-CoV-2 M pro through an in silico molecular docking assay. ...
... 60 and 120 mg/kg prolonged the survival time of the mice. Treatment decreased IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and MCP-1 levels in nasal lavage fluids and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in lung tissue of mice infected with the virus. ...
Article
Full-text available
Given the limited therapeutic management of infectious diseases caused by viruses, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the medicinal use of essential oils obtained from Eucalyptus trees has emerged as an antiviral alternative, either as a complement to the treatment of symptoms caused by infection or to exert effects on possible pharmacological targets of viruses. This review gathers and discusses the main findings on the emerging role and effectiveness of Eucalyptus essential oil as an antiviral agent. Studies have shown that Eucalyptus essential oil and its major monoterpenes have enormous potential for preventing and treating infectious diseases caused by viruses. The main molecular mechanisms involved in the antiviral activity are direct inactivation, that is, by the direct binding of monoterpenes with free viruses, particularly with viral proteins involved in the entry and penetration of the host cell, thus avoiding viral infection. Furthermore, this review addresses the coadministration of essential oil and available vaccines to increase protection against different viruses, in addition to the use of essential oil as a complementary treatment of symptoms caused by viruses, where Eucalyptus essential oil exerts anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and spasmolytic effects in the attenuation of inflammatory responses caused by viruses, in particular respiratory diseases.
... Steam inhalation with Eucalyptus oil is a popular remedy to relieve nasal and chest congestion. Due to its antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus oil helps in reducing inflammation of the respiratory tract and clearing airways [37]. ...
... Modulated CD69-expressing immune cells and exhibited a significant enhancement of influenza virus-specific IgA antibody in mice lungs [138] Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus polybractea) Inhibited avian influenza virus H11N9 in aerosol and vapor form [139] Probiotics strain of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium ...
Article
Full-text available
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmittable respiratory virus that causes COVID-19 disease. Since its emergence in the early 2000s, SARS has posed significant public health challenges and continues to be a concern. This review provides an overview of current treatment strategies for SARS-CoV and explores the potential utility of herbal molecules in combating this viral infection. The primary treatment approach for SARS-CoV has historically centered on supportive care, which includes oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and antipyretic medications to manage symptoms. However, with the ongoing advancement of medical research and our evolving understanding of the virus, several antiviral drugs have been developed and repurposed to target SARS-CoV. Recent developments in the field of herbal medicine have drawn attention to the potential efficacy of natural compounds in the management of viral infections, including SARS. Herbal molecules, characterized by their diverse bioactive constituents, exhibit antiviral properties that could be harnessed to mitigate SARS symptoms and inhibit viral replication. Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng , and Aloe vera have been identified for their immunomodulatory effects. This review highlights promising herbal molecules such as quercetin, and curcumin, which have demonstrated antiviral effects in–vitro and in some preclinical studies. While current treatment strategies for SARS primarily rely on supportive care and antiviral medications, the exploration of herbal molecules presents an exciting avenue for potential adjunctive therapies. Further research is required to validate their efficacy, safety profiles, and mechanisms of action. A holistic approach that combines conventional medicine with herbal remedies may offer new insights into the treatment of SARS and other viral respiratory illnesses.
... Similarly, Paniagua-Zambrana et al. [30] reported its use in respiratory conditions such as colds, flu, and pneumonia, both as an infusion and in steam baths. On the other hand, Abbass [31] claims that it reduces muscle and stomach pain, cough, and shortness of breath in COVID-19 patients, thereby reducing risk factors for morbidity. In addition, Sharifi-Rad et al. [32] describe its use in the treatment of respiratory conditions, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. ...
Article
Full-text available
After the emergence of COVID-19, respiratory sequelae persisted, and one alternative worth reconsideration is Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson. The objective is to determine the ethnobotany and the total phenolic and flavonoid content of C. citriodora. The ethnobotanical information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire from herbalists in markets in the city of Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru. Corymbia citriodora was collected in Agallpampa, Otuzco, and identified in the Herbarium Truxillense. Three extracts were prepared and evaluated (infuse, decoct, and hydroethanolic). The total phenols were quantified using the Folin Ciocalteau method, and total flavonoids were quantified using the aluminum chloride method. Corymbia citriodora reported a higher medicinal use in bronchitis (39.1%), in the preparation of a frequent infusion, made from leaves, often in combination with Piper aduncum (35.7%). Total phenols and flavonoids were reported as 118.65 mg GAE and 33.95 mg QCE per gram of dried drug, with the hydroethanolic extract standing out. The high presence of phenolic and flavonoid bioactives is directly related to anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that C. citriodora remains a viable option and demonstrates efficacy in a traditional context for improving respiratory conditions.
... Overall, due to multi-targeting therapy, cinnamon, and its components can be suggested for SARS-CoV2 control [21]. Eucalyptus essential oil is used to treat upper respiratory conditions, particularly viral infections, by inhaling it to reduce nasal congestion [22]. ...
Chapter
Eucalyptus globulus Labill., sometimes called as Tasmanian blue gum, is a Myrtaceae family flowering tree. The genus Eucalyptus contains around 700 species used for various purposes. Eucalyptus globulus is an intermediate to big evergreen and broad-leafed tree growing up to 70 meters in height and 5-7 feet in diameter. Its leaf oil contains α-pinene, p-cymene, spathulenol, 1,8-cineole, & cryptone, α-limonene, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, & p-cymene. E. globulus essential oil is a potent source of chemicals with biological activities such as antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Significant in vitro antibacterial activity was found against gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, MTCC 40. The anti-diabetic properties of the essential oil increase its market value. This review surveys the main chemical constituents, as well as the in situ & in vitro biological properties of E. globulus that can aid both conservative and advanced systems of medicine.
Article
Full-text available
Eucalyptus essential oils (EEOs) have gained significant attention recently anticipated to their broad range of prospective benefits in various biological applications. They have been proven to have strong antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes them valuable in combating infections and supporting overall hygiene. The active compounds present in these oils can help alleviate inflammation, making them valuable in addressing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, respiratory ailments, and skin disorders. Respiratory health benefits are another prominent aspect of EEOs. Inhalation of these oils can help promote clear airways, relieve congestion, and ease symptoms of respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and sinusitis. They are often utilized in inhalation therapies and chest rubs. They can be used topically or in massage oils to alleviate muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, these oils have shown potential in supporting wound healing. Their antimicrobial activity helps prevent infection, while their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties contribute to reducing inflammation and pain associated with wounds. In aromatherapy, EEOs are renowned for their invigorating and uplifting qualities, promoting mental clarity, relaxation, and stress relief. Overall, EEOs hold great promise in biological applications, offering a natural and versatile approach to promote health and well-being. Continued research and exploration of their therapeutic potential will further unveil their benefits and broaden their applications in various fields.
Article
Full-text available
The COVID-19 outbreak has once again prompted individuals to seek treatment through traditional and alternative approaches. Due to their therapeutic properties, chemical makeup, and biological activities, plants with medicinal properties have the ability to both prevent and treat illness symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of medicinal plants used to treat and prevent respiratory symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic in Islamabad, Pakistan. To gather primary information about the herbal remedies used throughout COVID-19, which extended from January 1 st to March 30 th , 2021, this study used a web-based survey. The poll received responses from 914 participants in total. The data was collected using a 10-item structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The parameters associated with the utilization of botanical medicines in combating the COVID-19 and the management of respiratory symptoms during the pandemic were evaluated using qualitative statistics and multivariate later multivariate logistic regression (MLR) analysis. This empirical study shows that a total of 914 participants reported their usage of medicinal plants; out of which, 78.44% (n=717) said they used them as preventives, and 68.17% (n=623) were of the view that plants are used for the treatment of respiratory problems. When exhibiting more than one of the respiratory symptoms, no less than 22% of respondents utilize medicinal plants, while a minimum of 10% utilized plants to treat fatigue. The MLR analysis revealed that the majority of respondents used ginger and eucalyptus for both prevention and treatment, while garlic and matico were utilized mainly for prevention. Several community factors and participants having COVID-19 were connected with the considerable usage of medicinal plants for treatment as well as prevention.
Article
Eucalyptus plants are found to be located in a variety of places such as low rainfall areas, schools, colleges, and government hospitals. The leaves remain fallen beneath the plants for several months, as they contain a variety of phenolic compounds and terpenes, which are responsible for its multipurpose properties, such as antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Out of this 1.8 cineol is found to be major constituent and responsible for inhibiting microbial growth, which is a prime requirement of biological waste degradation and composting. To fasten the degradation process, the phenolic compounds were isolated smoothly by grinding the eucalyptus leaves, followed by extraction with hot boiling water, precomposting of residue with available garden soil and water from bio-reactor of effluent treatment plant (ETP), instead of cow dung and then vermicomposting. This process was found to be cost-effective, giving better quality of vermicompost with good carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, macro- and micronutrients for valuable soil amendment and sustainable agriculture growth. The process was found to be user-friendly, eco-friendly, sustainable and could be used for available substrates with possible pre-treatment. The process could be converted from conventional batch process to continuous process by the technique of precomposting with carbon- and nitrogen-rich biodegradable substrates. Physico-chemical analysis techniques such as electrical conductivity, pH, humification index, FT-IR spectroscopic technique and C/N ratio are found to be comparatively easy, fast, and effective techniques for monitoring vermicomposting process as well as determining completion, quality, and stability of vermicompost produced.
Article
Full-text available
Over the Covid-19 pandemic, the whole world withdraws in the interest of the isolation and eradication of the disease. Governments over the world have ordered the narrowing of mobility, the usage of self-protective equipments, and invest tremendous efforts in finding the tools of treatment and vaccination. However, nobody mentions therapeutic options applicable in the prehospital phase regarding those prestigious methods with great traditions such as the integrative and complementary medicines. Therefore, according to observations of the elements of the disease process, we divided and categorized the practices which individuals can simply and easily exercise in their homes, acting upon verificationally effective advices that approve to enhance immunity along with the reduction of viral effects. We based our examinations on the methods and tools of Ayurveda, apitherapy, phytotherapy, homeopathy, and oxygen therapy. Our suggestions do not explain treatments of intensive care under hospitalization.
Article
Full-text available
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an extremely infectious disease and has already infected almost three million persons in more than two hundred countries. Based on our current knowledge of this virus and in the absence of a vaccine, this article is an attempt to propose ways to prevent, treat and control COVID-19 virus, using linear lipid molecules such as sodium stearate (a major component of ordinary bar soap) for hand sanitization, mouth wash, gargling, steam inhaling and as lungs inhaler along with zinc and copper to trap and inactivate COVID-19. Sunbathing will boost desperately needed a good immune system. The ancient Indian techniques of Yoga (Developing inherent power in a balanced manner), Pranayama (Retention and Extension of the breath), Jal-Neti (Nasal irrigation by saline water) and Havan (Holy fire ritual) will also help in controlling this epidemic (COVID-19) of gargantuan proportions.
Article
Full-text available
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread around the world. Genomic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir. The intermediate source of origin and transfer to humans is not known, however, the rapid human to human transfer has been confirmed widely. There is no clinically approved antiviral drug or vaccine available to be used against COVID-19. However, few broadspectrum antiviral drugs have been evaluated against COVID-19 in clinical trials, resulted in clinical recovery. In the current review, we summarize and comparatively analyze the emergence and pathogenicity of COVID-19 infection and previous human coronaviruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We also discuss the approaches for developing effective vaccines and therapeutic combinations to cope with this viral outbreak. In this article we are trying to find out the origin of N COVID 19 & employ the home or traditional methods to protect our body from Corona Virus.
Article
Full-text available
A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), transmitted from humans to humans, has rapidly become the pandemic responsible for the current global health crisis. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is said to be of zoonotic origin. This review describes the etiology and signs and symptoms as well as the current allopathic therapy for COVID-19. Additionally, findings of previous studies on the immunomodulatory effects and antiviral activities of particular foods and herbs on influenza virus and coronaviruses have been collated, with the aim of promoting the use of dietary therapy and herbal medicine as COVID-19 preventive therapies, while specific drugs and vaccines are yet to be discovered or are still under development. The volume of existing reports is irrefutable evidence that foods and herbs possess a potential antiviral ability against SARS-CoV-2 and can prevent COVID-19. Foods and herbs could be used as dietary or complementary therapy to prevent infection and strengthen immunity, as antiviral agents for masks, as disinfectants to curb aerosol transmission, or as sanitizing agents to disinfect surfaces. However, these hypotheses need to be experimentally verified for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 patients.
Article
Full-text available
Coronavirus disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and is the causative agent of a life-threatening disease that is of great concern to global public health. Currently, according to the definition given by Morocco's public health of this pandemic: "The symptoms described mainly evoke an acute respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath), but also breathing difficulties and pulmonary complications of pneumonia type are also described, as well as more severe forms. Digestive and ocular symptoms (conjunctivitis) have also been observed in some confirmed cases ". Human-to-human transmission of coronavirus infection has led to the isolation of patients who then received various drug treatments (chloroquine, lopinavir / ritonavir, teicoplanin, azithromycin, ...) who are likely to be administered are therefore those who allow to fight against its symptoms, on the other hand, the effectiveness of these drugs remains a big problem considering the large number of deaths mentioned in the totality. In the meantime, it's the global race to find a specific drug, stop this pandemic, we will present a traditional Moroccan treatment for fever and flu, the major symptoms similar to those of coronavirus disease, this treatment based on two (2) medicinal plants used in the countryside for several centuries (Since 19th century). May this minireview be helpful for conquering COVID-19 in the near future
Article
Full-text available
Eucalyptus oil (EO) used in traditional medicine continues to prove useful for aroma therapy in respiratory ailments; however, there is a paucity of information on its mechanism of action and active components. In this direction, we investigated EO and its dominant constituent 1,8–cineole (eucalyptol) using the murine lung alveolar macrophage (AM) cell line MH-S. In an LPS-induced AM inflammation model, pre-treatment with EO significantly reduced (P ≤0.01or 0.05) the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1 (α and β), and NO, albeit at a variable rate and extent; 1,8-cineole diminished IL-1 and IL-6. In a mycobacterial-infection AM model, EO pre-treatment or post-treatment significantly enhanced (P ≤0.01) the phagocytic activity and pathogen clearance. 1,8-cineole also significantly enhanced the pathogen clearance though the phagocytic activity was not significantly altered. EO or 1,8-cineole pre-treatment attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory signaling pathways at various levels accompanied by diminished inflammatory response. Among the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in LPS signaling, the TREM pathway surface receptor (TREM-1) was significantly downregulated. Importantly, the pre-treatments significantly downregulated (P ≤0.01) the intracellular PRR receptor NLRP3 of the inflammasome, which is consistent with the decrease in IL-1β secretion. Of the shared downstream signaling cascade for these PRR pathways, there was significant attenuation of phosphorylation of the transcription factor NF-κB and p38 (but increased phosphorylation of the other two MAP kinases, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2). 1,8-cineole showed a similar general trend except for an opposite effect on NF-κB and JNK1/2. In this context, either pre-treatment caused a significant downregulation of MKP-1 phosphatase, a negative regulator of MAPKs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory activity of EO and 1,8-cineole is modulated via selective downregulation of the PRR pathways, including PRR receptors (TREM-1 and NLRP3) and common downstream signaling cascade partners (NF-κB, MAPKs, MKP-1). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the modulatory role of TREM-1 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and the MAPK negative regulator MKP-1 in context of the anti-inflammatory potential of EO and its constituent 1,8-cineole.
Article
The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that COPD is associated with a significant, over five-fold increased risk of severe CODID-19 infection. Patients with a history of COPD should be encouraged adopt more restrictive measures for minimizing potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and contact with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Clinicians should also carefully monitor all COPD patients with suspected infection and, finally, it may be advisable to consider COPD as a variable in future risk stratification models.