• Eucalyptus Globulus
  • Eucalyptus Globulus

Eucalyptus Globulus

  • Scientific Name
    Eucalyptus globulus
  • Family
    Myrtaceae
  • Origin
    China, Australia, Spain, Portugaletc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Eucalyptus Globulus belongs to the Myrtaceae family and grows very large, reaching up to 100 meters in height.  Its bark is characterized by its easy-to-peel white texture, while the flowers possess a cotton-like appearance. The tree produces white berries, and its leaves contain oil spores where it stores its fragrant compounds. Eucalyptus buds are notably well-sheltered, which is believed to be the etymological origin of the Greek words “eu-” meaning “well” and “kalyptós” meaning “covered,” forming “well-covered”. The plant is known to have numerous number of species, but the most common is called “Globulus”, also known as “Blue Gum”. Eucalyptus trees are characterized by their deep roots and rapid growth, making them highly robust and resilient. While native to Australia, they are now cultivated globally due to their adaptability and ease of growth.

Essential oil composition

Eucalyptus Globulus

  • Eucalyptus Globulus

  • INCI
    EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Leaf
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.7%
  • Notes
    Top - Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Woody

Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 0.7% of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from its leaves, and it is colorless or pale yellow in color. Its primary constituent is 1,8-cineole, also known as "eucalyptol," which imparts a refreshing, cool, and throat lozenge-like aroma. It is popular for its refreshing, slightly sweet, and clear characteristics. It has a slightly weighty green quality, coupled with freshness and a subtle bitterness. Its distinct aroma carries a pungent and bitter character, with an overall calming effect. Eucalyptus has many different species, and Eucalyptus Globulus is one of the most well-known and widely used in various fragrant products. It is used in a wide range of items, including toiletries, diffusers, and bath essences. While it blends harmoniously with many essential oils, it particularly complements uniquely fragrant Juniper, Rosemary, and Roman chamomile. Despite its neutral strength, it's recommended add in amounts that maintain a well-balanced blend.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • 1,8-Cineole　87.60%
  • γ-Terpinene　3.06%
  • p-Cymene　4.42%
  • α-Pinene　2.32%
  • Other components　2.60%

Functions and Efficacies

α-Pinene

α-Pinene
  • IUPAC Name
    (+)-α-Pinene: (1R,5R)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
    (-)-α-Pinene: (1S,5S)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    (+)-α-Pinene: 7785-70-8
    (-)-α-Pinene: 7785-26-4
  • Structure
    Bicyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of α-Pinene

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that brain tumors in mice that inhaled the fragrance of α-pinene became smaller. However, no melanoma cell growth was observed with the addition of α-pinene, indicating a potential psychological effect .1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that α-pinene had an inhibitory effect on the growth of blue staining fungi, both when exposed to gas and when added to the culture medium2)

Anti-inflammatory Effects

It is known that the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells induces the production of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that causes inflammation. A study reported that the production of NO was suppressed by the addition of α-pinene.3)

  • 1)Kusuhara et al., Biomedical Research, 2012
  • 2)岡村、木材保存、
  • 3)Kwak et al., Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2019

1,8-Cineole

1,8-Cineole
  • IUPAC Name
    1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
  • Molecular Formula
    C15H26O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    470-82-6
  • Structure
    Monocyclic monoterpene ether

Functions and Efficacies of 1,8-Cineole

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Deodorizing Effects
Anti-malaria Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that in mice with inflammation in the leg, swelling was concentration-dependently reduced in the 1,8-cineole-treated group.1)

Deodorizing Effects

A study reported that when common odorants like skatole and 3-methylbutanoic acid were stored in a sealed container with 1,8-cineole, the odorant components were significantly diminished.2)

Antimalarial Effects

A study reported that the addition of 1,8-cineole reduced the number of infected cells in malaria-infected erythrocytes. Furthermore, it was found to inhibit the intracellular growth of Plasmodium falciparum and mitigate the brain edema caused by the infection3)

  • 1)Yin et al., Br J Pharmacol., 2019
  • 2)Henmi et al., J. Japan Association on Odor Environment, 2020
  • 3)Santos et al., plos one, 2022

IFRA

Eucalyptus Globulus：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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