Abstract
Eucalyptus oil is frequently used in phytotherapy. The objective of the present paper was to investigate to what extent 1.8-cineole influences the activity of smooth muscle fibres. The effects of 1.8-cineole on the spontaneous contractile activity were investigated in in vitro experiments with circular smooth muscle fibres of guinea pig stomach. 1.8-cineole was found to have agonistic effects on the a1 and a2 adrenergic receptors. These effects can be registered at low concentrations of up to 3 × 10-7 to 2 × 10-5 M 1.8-cineole. At higher concentrations, the well-known spasmolytic effect appears. At concentrations above 4 × 10-4 M 1.8-cineole, the effect of 10-5 M acetylcholine is 100% suppressed. The results allow for the assumption that, besides the spasmolytic effects investigated to date and owing to its specific effects on the a2 adrenergic receptors of the nerve cells, 1.8-cineole brings about an additional improvement to local blood circulation and alleviates pain. Key words: Smooth muscle fibre, 1.8-cineole (eucalyptol), a1 and a2 adrenergic receptors, papaverine, pain, clonidine.
Highlights
1.8-cineole is found in many essential oils. 1.8-cineole is the main ingredient of both eucalyptus (70%) and rosemary oils, the concentration of which can exceed
Because of its efficacy and excellent tolerance, 1.8cineole has been successfully used for decades to treat rheumatic disorders topically, as well in encapsulated form to be orally applied against inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, sinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis and as an add-on therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and steroiddependent asthma (Juergens et al 2003; Worth et al, 2009)
The changes of the smooth muscle fibre (SMF) concerning spontaneous contractile activity (SCA) with various substances are given in Newtons (N)
Summary
1.8-cineole is found in many essential oils. 1.8-cineole is the main ingredient of both eucalyptus (70%) and rosemary oils, the concentration of which can exceed. 1.8-cineole is found in many essential oils. 1.8-cineole is the main ingredient of both eucalyptus (70%) and rosemary oils, the concentration of which can exceed. Through freeze drying and steam distillation, a 99% pure eucalyptus oil can be produced from which a pure form of 1.8-cineole can be attained, which is used for the production of many herbal medicines. There have been no studies on whether 1.8cineole affects, for example receptors. Such studies are complicated because of the fact that 1.8-
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