Botanical, Phytochemical, and Anticancer Properties of the Eucalyptus Species

Abstract

The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is mainly native to Australia; however, some species are now distributed globally. Eucalyptus has been used in indigenous Australian medicines for the treatment of a range of aliments including colds, flu, fever, muscular aches, sores, internal pains, and inflammation. Eucalyptus oils containing volatile compounds have been widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for a multitude of purposes. In addition, Eucalyptus extracts containing nonvolatile compounds are also an important source of key bioactive compounds, and several studies have linked Eucalyptus extracts with anticancer properties. With the increasing research interest in Eucalyptus and its health properties, this review briefly outlines the botanical features of Eucalyptus, discusses its traditional use as medicine, and comprehensively reviews its phytochemical and anticancer properties and, finally, proposes trends for future studies.

Investigation of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of selected Eucalyptus species using conventional extraction

“…The term Eucalyptus was coined by the French botanist, Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle, in 1788, meaning 'well covered' with reference to the operculate nature of the flower which lacks conspicuous petals and sepals (Rozefelds, 1996;Vuong et al, 2015a). Eucalyptus is mostly indigenous to Australia, with a small number found in the adjacent areas of New Guinea and Indonesia (Gupta et al, 2013;Konoshima & Takasaki, 2002).…”

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil from dried leaves of Eucalyptus staigeriana

“…One of the best-known genera in this family is Eucalyptus. This genus covers more than 700 species found in various parts of the world, from which 300 species are extracted essential oils, which are used for their antiseptic and healing properties, fragrance and for food preservation (VUONG et al, 2015). Previous studies performed with essential oils of green leaves of Eucalyptus sp.…”

Exploring the Least Studied Australian Eucalypt Genera: Corymbia and Angophora for Phytochemicals with Anticancer Activity against Pancreatic Malignancies

“…The leaves were then transferred to the laboratory and stored at −20 °C to avoid potential degradation of phytochemicals. The leaves were dried at 70 °C for 5 h to constant mass using a dry air oven, then ground to a fine powder using in a commercial grade blender ( Rio ™ Commercial Bar Blender, Hamilton Beach ), sieved (≤ 1 mm) using a 1 mm EFL 2000 stainless steel mesh sieve ( Endecotts Ltd ., London, England) then packed in a sealed container and stored at −20 °C until required.…”

“…Eucalypts are one of the worldʼs most important plants, with about twenty eucalypt species being exploited commercially worldwide for their medicinal and pharmaceutical properties as well as for food additives . The classification of the eucalypts, especially recognition of the genus Corymbia has generated considerable controversy . Molecular (nuclear DNA and plastid DNA) and morphological research have indicated that Angophora and Corymbia together are a distinct lineage, separate from Eucalyptus .…”

“…Corymbia has a largely tropical and arid zone distribution in Australia and New Guinea and comprises about 115 species whereas, the genus Angophora consists of 9 species, all confined to mainland eastern Australia . The current literature contains numerous studies profiling the wide ranging bioactivity (including anticancer properties) of the genus Eucalyptus , comparatively little attention has been paid to the other two eucalypt genera: Corymbia and Angophora .…”