Eucalyptus for Lung Function

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 effects on lung function. These studies aim to explore whether eucalyptus-derived preparations, administered in various forms, can offer therapeutic benefits for individuals experiencing respiratory challenges. The relevance of this research stems from the ongoing need for effective and safe interventions to improve lung health and alleviate respiratory symptoms.

Protocols Studied in Research

[1] Inhaled peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils for their effect on spirometry in healthy individuals. (Cited by: 5) (pmid: 29913229)

• Protocol: A randomized, controlled trial involving 106 healthy participants. Participants received 15-minute nebulized treatments of one of the three essential oils or a control (no treatment).
• Outcome: Inhaled essential oils showed no significant impact on objective spirometry measures (FVC, PEF, FEV1/FVC). However, participants' expectations influenced their perceived improvement in lung function, which did not correlate with objective measurements.

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

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

[3] Cineole (200mg tid) as a concomitant therapy for asthma. (Cited by: 22) (pmid: 22978309)

• Protocol: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involving 247 asthma patients randomly assigned to receive cineole or placebo for 6 months.
• Outcome: Cineole significantly improved lung function (FEV1), asthma symptoms, and quality of life compared to placebo, indicating a beneficial effect as a concomitant therapy in asthma patients.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

Three studies investigated the effects of eucalyptus (or its constituent cineole) on lung function, employing randomized, controlled trial designs, including placebo-controlled and double-blind methodologies. Study protocols varied in participant populations (healthy individuals, COPD patients, asthma patients), treatment regimens (nebulized essential oils vs. oral cineole), and duration. While nebulized eucalyptus essential oils showed no significant impact on objective lung function measures in healthy individuals, oral cineole demonstrated significant improvements in lung function, reduced exacerbation frequency, and enhanced quality of life in both COPD and asthma patients. These findings suggest a potential benefit of cineole as an adjunctive therapy for chronic respiratory conditions, but not necessarily a direct impact on lung function in healthy individuals. The discrepancy highlights the importance of considering both the form of eucalyptus administration and the underlying respiratory health status when evaluating its effects. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimal therapeutic strategies.

Publications

[1] Koteles F; Babulka P; Szemerszky R; Domotor Z; Boros S (2018). Inhaled peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils do not change spirometry in healthy individuals Physiology & behavior 194 :319-323.

[2] 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.

[3] 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.