THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Abstract

Eucalyptus camaldulensis, the River Red Gum, has emerged as a significant plant species with diverse therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes recent scientific literature (2016-2023) to provide a comprehensive overview of its therapeutic applications, particularly focusing on its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and insecticidal properties. The analysis reveals that E. camaldulensis exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against numerous bacterial and fungal species, as well as antiviral effects against viruses like Varicella-Zoster and Herpes Simplex. Its efficacy as a natural insect repellent against a wide range of pests is also highlighted. Furthermore, the review explores the promising antidiabetic and anticancer properties of E. camaldulensis extracts and oils against various cancer cell lines. The traditional and contemporary uses of this plant in oral hygiene, respiratory ailments, and pain relief due to its analgesic properties are also discussed. The multifaceted therapeutic potential of E. camaldulensis positions it as a valuable resource for developing natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents, insecticides, and potentially anticancer therapies. Further research, especially on regional species, is warranted to fully exploit its advantageous traits for medicinal and commercial applications.