The pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Eucalyptus species grown in Iraq

Abstract

Eucalyptus species grown in Iraq were included Eucalyptus bicolor (Syn: Eucalyptus largiflorens), Eucalyptus griffithsii, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Syn: Eucalyptus rostrata) Eucalyptus incrassate, Eucalyptus torquata and Eucalyptus microtheca (Syn: Eucalyptus coolabahs). Eucalypts contained volatile oils which occurred in many parts of the plant, depending on the species, but in the leaves that oils were most plentiful. The main constituent of the volatile oil derived from fresh leaves of Eucalyptus species was 1,8-cineole. The reported content of 1,8-cineole varies for 54-95%. The most common constituents co-occurring with 1,8cineole were limonene, α-terpineol, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, globulol and α , β and Υ-eudesmol, and aromatic constituents. The pharmacological studies revealed that Eucalypts possessed gastrointestinal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, insecticidal, repellent, oral and dental, dermatological, nasal and many other effects. The current review highlights the chemical constituents and pharmacological and therapeutic activities of Eucalyptus species grown in Iraq.