6779. Oil of Cajeput

Nomenclature

Cajuput oil; cajeputi oil.

Description and references

Volatile oil from fresh leaves and twigs of several varieties of Melaleuca leucadendron L., and other species of Melaleuca, Myrtaceae. Constit. 50-60% eucalyptol (cineol); l-pinene, terpineol; valeric, butyric, benzoic and other aldehydes. Toxicity: P. M. Jenner et al., Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 2, 327 (1964).

Properties

Colorless or yellowish liquid, agreeable camphor odor, and bitter aromatic taste. d 0.912-0.925. αD20 <-4°. nD20 1.4660-1.4710. Very slightly sol in water; sol in 1 vol 80% alcohol. Misc with alcohol, chloroform, ether, carbon disulfide. Keep well closed, cool, and protected from light. LD50 orally in rats: 3870 mg/kg (Jenner).

Therapeutic Category

Expectorant, counterirritant, scabicide.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Rubefacient, topical antimycotic.