Eucalyptus for Anti-inflammatory

Eucalyptus, a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal use, has been the subject of several clinical trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating its potential anti-inflammatory properties. These studies explore the possibility that eucalyptus-derived compounds may offer therapeutic benefits for conditions characterized by inflammation. The focus of this review/analysis [adjust as needed depending on the overall context] will be on examining the evidence from these clinical trials regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of eucalyptus.

Protocols Studied in Research

[1] 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) for steroid-dependent bronchial asthma. (Cited by: 96) (pmid: 12645832)

• Protocol: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 12 weeks involving 32 patients with severe asthma. Participants received either 200 mg 1.8-cineol three times daily or placebo, with concurrent reduction of oral glucocorticosteroids.
• Outcome: 1.8-cineol demonstrated a significant steroid-sparing effect in patients with steroid-dependent asthma, showing a substantially greater reduction in prednisolone dosage compared to the placebo group. This suggests anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol in asthma.

[2] Novel topical diclofenac formulation (DCF100C) for enhanced diclofenac bioavailability. (Cited by: 11) (pmid: 21241352)

• Protocol: A single-center, open-label, three-period crossover trial in 20 healthy males compared four DCF100C formulations (varying concentrations and excipients) to Voltaren Emulgel. Topical application to the thigh for 3 days, followed by blood and tissue sampling.
• Outcome: DCF100C formulations showed 3-5 fold greater systemic diclofenac availability and significantly improved skin penetration compared to Voltaren Emulgel. DCF100C was deemed safe, with mild erythema as the most frequent adverse event.

[3] Laser therapy and conventional periodontal treatment for generalized periodontitis. (Cited by: 0) (pmid: 16905811)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial comparing two treatment groups (with and without laser therapy) in 60 patients (20 women, 40 men) with generalized periodontitis. Treatment included antiseptic solutions, herbal rinses, and topical ointments.
• Outcome: Laser therapy, in addition to conventional treatment, resulted in better therapeutic outcomes and a shorter treatment period for generalized periodontitis.

[4] Eezpain spray (a polyherbal formulation) for muscular pain relief. (Cited by: 4) (pmid: 25553684)

• Protocol: A prospective, open-label pilot study of 20 subjects (male and female) applied Eezpain spray (containing Gaultheria, Eucalyptus, Turpentine, Clove, Menthol, and Camphor oils) topically to affected areas for 14 days.
• Outcome: Eezpain spray demonstrated efficacy in relieving mild to moderate muscular pain from various ailments.

[5] Bonipar (topical analgesic) for musculoskeletal pain. (Cited by: 0) (pmid: 39293126)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial comparing Bonipar to 1.5% diclofenac solution in 164 adults with localized musculoskeletal pain. Participants applied the treatments twice daily for one week.
• Outcome: Bonipar demonstrated comparable efficacy and onset of action to diclofenac in reducing musculoskeletal pain, showing non-inferiority and fewer adverse effects.

[6] Cineole therapy for asthma. (Cited by: 22) (pmid: 22978309)

• Protocol: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involving 247 asthma patients. Participants received 200mg of cineole or placebo three times daily for six months.
• Outcome: Cineole significantly improved lung function, asthma symptoms, and quality of life compared to placebo, as demonstrated by multiple criteria testing.

[7] Cineole (eucalyptole) therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations. (Cited by: 37) (pmid: 19624838)

• Protocol: A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial randomly assigned 242 stable COPD patients to receive 200mg cineole or placebo three times daily.
• Outcome: Cineole significantly reduced the frequency, severity, and duration of COPD exacerbations compared to placebo, also improving lung function, dyspnea, and quality of life. Adverse events were similar between groups.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

Multiple studies investigated the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of eucalyptus, primarily focusing on 1,8-cineole, a major component. Methodologies varied, employing double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, open-label studies, and crossover designs, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 247 participants. Consistent findings across several studies demonstrated 1,8-cineole's significant anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by steroid-sparing effects in asthma, improved lung function, and reduced exacerbation frequency in COPD. Furthermore, topical application of eucalyptus-containing products showed efficacy in relieving musculoskeletal pain. However, some studies focused on other components or formulations, limiting direct comparison of eucalyptus's isolated effects. While some studies involved only specific populations (e.g., asthma or COPD patients), the overall evidence suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of eucalyptus and its components in managing inflammatory conditions and pain. Further research is warranted to clarify the specific mechanisms and optimal formulations for various applications.

Publications

[1] Juergens UR; Dethlefsen U; Steinkamp G; Gillissen A; Repges R; Vetter H (2003). Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial Respiratory medicine 97 (3) :250-6.

[2] Brunner M; Davies D; Martin W; Leuratti C; Lackner E; Muller M (2011). A new topical formulation enhances relative diclofenac bioavailability in healthy male subjects British journal of clinical pharmacology 71 (6) :852-9.

[3] Mdinaradze N (2006). Comprehensive treatment of generalized parodontitis Georgian medical news (135) :60-3.

[4] Nawaz A; Sheikh ZA; Feroz M; Alam K; Nazar H; Usmanghani K (2015). Clinical efficacy of polyherbal formulation Eezpain spray for muscular pain relief Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences 28 (1) :43-7.

[5] Roy LA; Li YJ; Feliu MH; Bloomfield A; Parris WCV (2024). Study to determine the efficacy and onset of Bonipar, a topical analgesic for the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain Complementary therapies in clinical practice 57 :101908.

[6] Worth H; Dethlefsen U (2012). Patients with asthma benefit from concomitant therapy with cineole: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma 49 (8) :849-53.

[7] Worth H; Schacher C; Dethlefsen U (2009). Concomitant therapy with Cineole (Eucalyptole) reduces exacerbations in COPD: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial Respiratory research 10 (1) :69.