Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil

Abstract

Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) is considered as a potential source of bioactive compounds with significant biological activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of EGEO, in vitro and in situ antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, antioxidant activity, and insecticidal activity. The chemical composition was identified using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main components of EGEO were 1,8-cineole (63.1%), p-cimene (7.7%), a-pinene (7.3%), and a-limonene (6.9%). Up to 99.2% of monoterpenes were present. The antioxidant potential of essential oil and results indicate that 10 μL of this sample can neutralize 55.44 ± 0.99% of ABTS•+, which is equivalent to 3.22 ± 0.01 TEAC. Antimicrobial activity was determined via two methods: disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration. The best antimicrobial activity was shown against C. albicans (14.00 ± 1.00 mm) and microscopic fungi (11.00 ± 0.00 mm–12.33 ± 0.58 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration showed the best results against C. tropicalis (MIC 50 2.93 µL/mL, MIC 90 3.17 µL/mL). The antibiofilm activity of EGEO against biofilm-forming P. flourescens was also confirmed in this study. The antimicrobial activity in situ, i.e., in the vapor phase, was significantly stronger than in the contact application. Insecticidal activity was also tested and at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%; the EGEO killed 100% of O. lavaterae individuals. EGEO was comprehensively investigated in this study and information regarding the biological activities and chemical composition of the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus was expanded.

Essential Oil Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Leaf Micromorphology of Five Tunisian Eucalyptus Species

“…On the whole, our results agree with those of the recent literature on the chemical composition and the biological activities of Eucalyptus EOs [ 99 ], even if chemical and biological investigation are needed, due to the complex chemodiversity in the genus and also in some Eucalyptus species [ 100 ].…”

Phytochemical characterization of forest leaves extracts and application to control apple postharvest diseases

“…The phytochemical composition of essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus exhibits a remarkable multi-layered defense against fungal pathogens. Monoterpenes (1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and limonene) dominate the composition 86 , 87 . These compounds display potent radical scavenging activity, effectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage fungal cell membranes and disrupt vital cellular processes 88 .…”

“…These compounds display potent radical scavenging activity, effectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage fungal cell membranes and disrupt vital cellular processes 88 . This antioxidant shield directly protects the fungal cells from oxidative stress, potentially weakening their virulence 87 , 89 . In addition to antioxidant defenses, the essential oil has powerful fungicidal activity 90 .…”

“…Limonene and α-pinene cause disruption of fungal cell membranes through their lipophilic properties and lead to cell leakage and collapse 91 . 1,8-cineole inhibits fungal growth and spore germination, effectively cutting off the reproductive pathways and preventing further colonization 87 , 92 . Phenolic compounds exemplified by α-terpineol, add another layer of defense with their inherent antifungal properties, further bolstering the overall efficacy against fungal pathogens 93 .…”

Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents

“…Aloysia citrodora , a species of the Verbenaceae family, often used for medical, cosmetic, and aromatic purposes, has remarkable biological properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities [ 6 ]. In another study [ 7 ], the plant genus Eucalyptus , which belongs to the Myrtaceae family, is referred to as a valuable source of bioactive components with antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, making it a useful natural preservative for the pharmaceutical, cosmetical and food applications. The Cupressaceae , also known as the cypress family, is a genus of conifers that are found all over the world.…”