Eucalyptol

• Eucalyptol
• Limonene -1 ,8- oxide
• 1,8- epoxy -p-menthane
• 1,3,3- trimethyl-2- oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane

Colorless to yellowish, camphor- smelling liquid

Expectorant

Liquid

0.93 g · cm -3

1.5 ° C

174-177 ° C

Poorly in water ( 3.25 g · l-1 at 21 ° C)

1.4586 (20 ° C)

Attention

2480 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

1,8-cineole is one of the bicyclic monoterpenes epoxy, precisely the lime oxides. The organic compound is present as a colorless liquid. It is used for respiratory diseases such as asthma and hay fever.

Occurrence

1,8-cineole comes in larger quantities in eucalyptus (eucalyptus oil contains approximately 85 % cineole ) and bay front. Less strongly present, it is in mint, healing sage, thyme, basil and tea tree.

Biosynthesis

For the biosynthesis of 1,8- cineole in the plant the dimethylallyl pyrophosphate ( DMAPP ) is necessary as a starter, which to - head with the isomeric isopentenyl pyrophosphate, which dates from the pyruvate - glyceraldehyde phosphate pathway ( " Rohmer - way"), in a to-tail reaction condensed.

Extraction

Cineole can be obtained in large quantities by means of fractional distillation of oil of eucalyptus. At a purity of 99.6 to 99.8 % indicates technical cineole.

Properties

1,8-cineole and camphor smelling fresh. It is readily soluble in ether, ethanol and chloroform. The flash point is 49 ° C.

Use

1,8-cineole on the one hand for respiratory diseases in humans, but mainly used in veterinary medicine. On the other hand, it comes as a flavoring agent in the perfume industry. In dentistry, it is used in the revision of root fillings.

Pharmacological effects

1,8-cineole is a powerful human in the lungs and sinuses expectorant and bactericidal. It also inhibits certain neurotransmitters are responsible for bronchial constriction. In asthmatics, lung function can be improved under medical supervision by the administration of pure cineole. However, cineole is only in exceptional cases is an alternative to corticosteroids which may be used as an inhalation locally and has few side effects. Even with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, pure cineole as an adjunct to standard therapy to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations may in this way.

From 1,8-cineol as side effects light stool liquefaction and possibly mild nausea are known. Both occurs only when taken orally. Allergic reactions described - Continued were - especially in children. To be taken by oral administration of capsules that dissolve in the small intestine, by inhalation or through the preparation of appropriate drug -containing plants as an infusion.

Trade names

Soledum (D)

GeloMyrtol (D), Rowachol (D, A), Rowatinex (D, A), Transpulmin (D)