Chemical Variability and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus spp. Essential Oils

Abstract

Many plant species produce mixtures of odorous and volatile compounds known as essential oils (EOs). These mixtures play important roles in Nature and have been utilized by mankind for different purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, aromatherapy, and food flavorants. There are more than 3000 EOs reported in the literature, with approximately 300 in commercial use, including the EOs from Eucalyptus species. Most EOs from Eucalyptus species are rich in monoterpenes and many have found applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food flavorants, and perfumes. Such applications are related to their diverse biological and organoleptic properties. In this study, we review the latest information concerning the chemical composition and biological activities of EOs from different species of Eucalyptus. Among the 900 species and subspecies of the Eucalyptus genus, we examined 68 species. The studies associated with these species were conducted in 27 countries. We have focused on the antimicrobial, acaricidal, insecticidal and herbicidal activities, hoping that such information will contribute to the development of research in this field. It is also intended that the information described in this study can be useful in the rationalization of the use of Eucalyptus EOs as components for pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications as well as food preservatives and flavorants.

Essential Oils of Myrtaceae Species Growing Wild in Tunisia: Chemical Variability and Antifungal Activity Against Biscogniauxia mediterranea, the Causative Agent of Charcoal Canker

“…[43] In contrast, Hristova et al [44] showed a weak antifungal activity of linalool and linalyl acetate against Candida species in comparison with essential oil. [47] Conclusions This study describes for the first time the antifungal activity of essential oils against B. mediterranea responsible for the charcoal canker disease. [45] Nevertheless, the absence of significant correlation between the amount of other major compounds and the level of antifungal activity does not omit their fungitoxic potentialities.…”

1H‐NMR and GC for detection of adulteration in commercial essential oils of Cymbopogon ssp

“…The value of commercial essential oils correlates with the nature of their major chemical constituents . According to the British Pharmacopeia (BP), a quality citronella oil must contain citronellal (between 30 to 45%), geraniol (between 20 to 25%), and citronellol (between 9 to 15%) as major constituents…”

Promotion of anagen, increased hair density and reduction of hair fall in a clinical setting following identification of FGF5-inhibiting compounds via a novel 2-stage process

“…In our screening program of numerous botanical isolates, we identified a number of compounds from the monoterpenoid family as having FGF5 inhibitory activity. Monoterpenes are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and constitute the major volatile components of essential oils from plants, including citrus28 and eucalyptus species 29,30. Monoterpenes are C10 compounds that may be cyclic or acyclic with the generalized cyclic structure illustrated in Figure 1.…”

“…Monoterpenes are C10 compounds that may be cyclic or acyclic with the generalized cyclic structure illustrated in Figure 1. Numerous monoterpenoid compounds of botanical origin are known to have pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities, growth modulation and anti-tumor actions 29,31…”