CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Eucalyptus

  • Anti-Fatigue, Antioxidation, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Eucalyptus Oil Aromatherapy in Swimming-Exercised Rats.

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    Abstract Title:

    Anti-Fatigue, Antioxidation, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Eucalyptus Oil Aromatherapy in Swimming-Exercised Rats.

    Abstract Source:

    Chin J Physiol. 2018 Oct 31 ;61(5):257-265. PMID: 30384399

    Abstract Author(s):

    Tso-Ching Lin, Sue-Hong Wang, Chuan-Chuan Huang, Yung-Cheng Lai, Tuzz-Ying Song, Ming-Shiun Tsai

    Article Affiliation:

    Tso-Ching Lin

    Abstract:

    Eucalyptus globulus possesses important pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of eucalyptus essential oil after swimming exercise using an animal model. Male Sprague– Dawley rats were administered eucalyptus oil (200 μL/h) daily via inhalation (15 min), and anti-fatigue effects were assessed following eucalyptus essential oil administration for 2 or 4 weeks when forced to swim until exhaustion while carrying ~5% body weight-equivalent. To assess antioxidantand anti-inflammatory effects, control and oil-treated groups were subjected to swimming, which was intensified from 90 min to 120 min daily over 4 weeks, with non-swimming groups included as controls. The 2- and 4-week-treated rats increased their swimming-to-exhaustion time by 46 s and 111 s, respectively. Additionally, lactate (LA), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities increased significantly in the non-treated swimming relative to levels observed in the non-swimming groups (P<0.05); however, no significant differences in these markers were observed between the treated groups. The anti-fatigue effects were related to LA clearance and reduced LDH and CK concentrations. Moreover, compared to the corresponding levels in the non-swimmers, the non-treated swimmers showed markedly elevated levels of liver malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XO), and other factors, but significantly decreased (P<0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentrations. However, compared with that of the non-swimmer group, the treated swimming group showed no significant changes in these levels (P>0.05), suggesting stable XO and MDA production and maintenance of GSH levels. These results suggested that eucalyptus oil aromatherapy increased rat swimming performance and antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidative damage and inflammatory reactions in tissues, indicating good anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects after high-intensity endurance exercise.

    Article Published Date : Oct 30, 2018

  • Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients.

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    Abstract Title:

    Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients.

    Abstract Source:

    J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017 Jul ;49(4):379-388. Epub 2017 Jun 12. PMID: 28605119

    Abstract Author(s):

    Zehra Gok Metin, Ayse Arikan Donmez, Nur Izgu, Leyla Ozdemir, Ismail Emre Arslan

    Article Affiliation:

    Zehra Gok Metin

    Abstract:

    PURPOSE:This study aimed to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy.

    DESIGN AND METHODS:This open-label randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in a university hospital endocrine outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 46 patients, randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 25). The intervention group received aromatherapy massage three times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected from patients using the Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire, the visual analog scale, and the Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life questionnaire.

    FINDINGS:Neuropathic pain scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study. Similarly, QoL scores significantly improved in the intervention group in the fourth week of the study.

    CONCLUSIONS:Aromatherapy massage is a simple and effective nonpharmacological nursing intervention that can be used to manage neuropathic pain and improve QoL in patients with painful neuropathy.

    CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Aromatherapy massage is a well-tolerated, feasible, and safe nonpharmacological method that can be readily integrated into clinical settings by nursing staff. The essential oils rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile can be safely used by nurses in the clinical setting, if applicable. However, training and experience of nurses in aromatherapy massage is critical to achieving positive results.

    Article Published Date : Jun 30, 2017

  • EUCALYPTUS

     

    Overview

    Today, oil from the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil is also used in creams and ointments to relieve muscle and joint pain, and in some mouthwashes.

    In its native Australia, the eucalyptus tree is the main food for koalas. It has been used in the past as an antiseptic to kill germs. The oil was used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections. Teas made of eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. Eucalyptus was soon used in other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Greek and European.

    In 19th century England, eucalyptus oil was used in hospitals to clean urinary catheters. Laboratory studies later showed that eucalyptus oil contains substances that kill bacteria. It also may kill some viruses and fungi. Studies in animals and test tubes show that eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant, meaning it helps coughs by loosening phlegm.

     

     

    Plant Description

    There are many species of eucalyptus. Some are the size of an ornamental shrub, and some grow to be giant trees. The kind most often used as medicine is called blue gum or Australian fever tree. It can grow as high as 230 feet. Its 4 to 12 inch leaves are dark green and shiny. Its blue-gray bark peels to reveal a cream-colored inner bark.

     

     

    Medicinal Uses and Indications

    DO NOT take eucalyptus oil by mouth unless your doctor tells you to. Ingesting eucalyptus oil can be dangerous.

    Cough and cold

    Many medicines to treat coughs and the common cold contain eucalyptus. It is found in many lozenges, cough syrups, rubs, and vapor baths throughout the United States and Europe. Herbalists often recommend using fresh leaves in gargles to soothe sore throats and treat bronchitis and sinusitis.

    Eucalyptus ointments are also used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people breathe in eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu.

    Plaque and gum disease

    Eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole, an antiseptic that kills the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Some antiseptic mouthwashes use eucalyptus along with other oils, and have been shown to help prevent plaque and gingivitis.

    Other uses

    On the skin, eucalyptus oil has been used to treat arthritis, boils, sores, and wounds. The oil is also used in some insect repellents. Preliminary studies have also shown that oil of lemon eucalyptus may also keep ticks away.

     

     

    What is it Made of?

    The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus plant are used as medicine. Eucalyptus oil is made from the fresh leaves and branch tops of the eucalyptus plant. Eucalyptus leaves contain flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants), volatile oils, and tannins. Researchers think tannins may help reduce inflammation.

     

     

    Available Forms

    Eucalyptus oil is available in many products, including liquids and ointments. The leaves are available fresh, dried (to be used in teas), and in liquid extracts. Cough drops, syrups, vaporizer fluids, liniments, toothpastes, and mouthwashes may contain eucalyptus oil or cineole, the active ingredient in eucalyptus oil. Some familiar, over-the-counter remedies that have eucalyptus oil include Listerine, Mentholatum Cherry Chest Rub, and Vicks VapoRub.

     

     

    How to Take it

    Pediatric

    DO NOT give a child eucalyptus orally (by mouth) because it is toxic. DO NOT give cough drops containing eucalyptus to children under 6.

    For a cold, DO NOT put eucalyptus oil, salve, or chest rub on the face or nose of a child under 2. Ask your doctor before using preparations that contain eucalyptus oil as a chest rub for your child or to inhale steam for congestion.

    Adult

    DO NOT take eucalyptus oil orally (by mouth) except under your doctor's supervision due to toxicity.

     

     

    Precautions

    The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects, and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

    For adults, eucalyptus oil is generally safe when applied to the skin. DO NOT put eucalyptus oil, salve, or chest rub on the face or nose of a child under 2.

    People with asthma, seizures, liver disease, kidney disease, or low blood pressure should not use eucalyptus without first talking to their doctors.

    Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use eucalyptus.

    Eucalyptus oil is toxic when taken by mouth. DO NOT ingest eucalyptus oil except under your doctor's supervision.

     

     

    Possible Interactions

    You should never take eucalyptus orally. It is toxic if consumed by mouth, and may interact with several medications. If you are currently taking medications that are processed by the liver, speak with your physician before using eucalyptus preparations. Eucalyptus may act on the liver, and thus impact how a wide variety of medications are metabolized. You should not take eucalptus without talking to your doctor first if you are being treated with the following medication:

    5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): In an animal study, using eucalyptus oil on the skin caused more absorption of topical 5-FU, a medication used to treat cancer.

     

     

    Supporting Research

    Abdullah D, Ping QN, Liu GJ TI. Enhancing effect of essential oils on the penetration of 5-fluorouracil through rat skin. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao. 1996;31(3):214-221.

    Ashour HM. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities of volatile oils and extracts from stems, leaves, and flowers of Eucalyptus sideroxylon and Eucalyptus torquata. Cancer Biol Ther. 2008 Mar;7(3):399-403.

    Biruss B, Kahlig H, Valenta C. Evaluation of a eucalyptus oil containing topical drug delivery system for selected steroil hormones. Int J Pharm. 2007;328(2);142-51.

    Cermelli C, Fabio A, Fabio G, Quaglio P. Effect of eucalyptus oil on respiratory bacteria and viruses. Curr Microbiol. 2008;56(1):89-92.

    Chen ZZ, Ho CK, Ahn IS, Chiang VL. Eucalyptus. Methods Mol Biol. 2006;344:125-34.

    George J, Hegde S, Rajesh KS, Kumar A. The efficacy of a herbal-based toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis: a clinico-biochemical study. Indian J Dent Res. 2009 Oct-Dec;20(4):480-2.

    Jaenson TG, Garboui S, Palsson K. Repellency of oils of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, and lavender and the mosquito repellent MyggA natural to Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory and field. J Med Entomol. 2006 Jul;43(4):731-6.

    Kehrl W, Sonnemann U, Dethlefsen U. Therapy for acute nonpurulent rhinosinusitis with cineole: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:738-742.

    Kumar A, et al. Antibacterial properties of some Eucalyptus oils. Fitoterapia. 1988;59:141-144.

    Osawa K, Yasuda H, Morita H, Takeya K, Itokawa H. Macrocarpals H, I, and J from the Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus. J Nat Prod. 1996;59:823-827.

    Rehman JU, Ali A, Khan IA. Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: A review. Fitoterapia. 2014;95:65-74.

    Sadlon AE, Lamson DW. Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Apr;15(1):33-47. Review.

    Salari MH, Amine G, Shirazi MH, Hafezi R, Mohammadypour M. Antibacterial effects of eucaluyptus globulus leaf extract on pathogenic bacteria isolated from specimens of patients with respiratory tract disorders. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2006;12(2):194-6.

    Sartorelli P, Marquioreto AD, Amaral-Baroli A, et al., Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from two species of Eucalyptus. Phytother Res. 2006;[Epub ahead of print].

    Serafino A, et al. Stimulatory effect of eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response. BMC Immunol. 2008;9:117.

    Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailye CJ, Flatt PR. Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetologia. 1990;33(8):462-464.

    Tesche S, Metternich F, Sonnemann U, et al. The value of herbal medicines in the treatment of acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis : Results of a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Apr 25.

    Thorsell W, Mikiver A, Tunón H. Repelling properties of some plant materials on the tick Ixodes ricinus L. Phytomedicine. 2006 Jan;13(1-2):132-4.

    Webb NJ, Pitt WR. Eucalyptus oil poisoning in childhood: 41 cases in south-east Queensland. J Paediatr Child Health. 1993;29(5):368-371.

    Woolf A. Essential oil poisoning. Clin Toxicol. 1999;37(6):721-727.

     

  • The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients

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    Abstract Title:

    [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients].

    Abstract Source:

    Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2005 Feb ;35(1):186-94. PMID: 15778570

    Abstract Author(s):

    Myung-Ja Kim, Eun-Sook Nam, Seun-In Paik

    Article Affiliation:

    College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea.

    Abstract:

    PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and feelings of satisfaction in life of arthritis patients.

    METHOD:This study used a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group, pre-and post-test. The sample consisted of 40 patients, enrolled in the Rheumatics Center, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, South Korea. The essential oils used were lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint blended in proportions of 2:1:2:1:1. They were mixed with a carrier oil composed of almond (45%), apricot(45%), and jojoba oil(10%) and they were diluted to 1.5% after blending. The data were analyzed using an 2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and paired t-test.

    RESULT:Aromatherapy significantly decreased both the pain score and the depression score of the experimental group compared with the control group. However, aromatherapy didn't increase the feeling of satisfaction in life of the experimental group compared with the control group.

    CONCLUSION:The result of this study clearly shows that aromatherapy has major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels. Based on our experiment's findings, we suggest that aromatherapy can be a useful nursing intervention for arthritis patients.

    Article Published Date : Jan 31, 2005