Cajeput oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Alloaromadendrene, alpha-terpineol, betulinaldehyde, betulinic acid, cajeput, cajeput essential oil, castalin, dendra, ellagic acid, flavonoids, gallic acid, grandinin, ledene, ledol, linalool, Melaleuca, Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca decora, Melaleuca leaves, Melaleuca leucadendra (L), Melaleuca leucadendron, Melaleuca leucadendron leaf, Melaleuca pollen, Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves, Melaleuca quinquenervia tree, Melaleuca tree, Melaleuca tree pollen, Myrtaceae (family), niaouli, oxyresveratrol, palustrol, paper bark tree, phytol, piceatannol, platanic acid, polyphenols, punk tree, roseoside, squalene, ursolic acid, Vietamese cajeput oil, viridiflorol.

Note: Cajeput oil should not be confused with tea tree oil, although the plants are part of the same genus. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Melaleuca leucadendron and Melaleuca quinquenervia refer to the same plant and this monograph may use these terms interchangeably.

Background

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Melaleuca leucadendron and Melaleuca quinquenervia refer to the same plant.

Cajeput (Melaleuca quinquenervia leucadendron, Melaleuca leucadendron) is a tree native to Australia. Cajeput oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the plant. Cajeput leaves may be useful for high blood pressure, herpes simplex, and Helicobacter pylori inhibition. They may also have hypoglycemic effects and may be able to lower blood sugar levels. However, currently there is not enough scientific evidence in humans to support the use of cajeput oil for any indication.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Anesthetic (pain blocker), antibacterial, antihistamine, antioxidant, diabetes, H. pylori gastric infection, herpes simplex, hypertension (high blood pressure), mosquito repellent.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cajeput oil in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cajeput oil in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cajeput. Cajeput pollen is a known allergen and may cause positive skin test reactions. In addition, there is a high cross-sensitivity between cajeput, Paspalum notatum, and Callistemon citrinis pollen.

Side Effects and Warnings

There are very few reported adverse effects associated with cajeput. Nonetheless, use cautiously in patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or high or low blood pressure. Leaves harvested from certain areas of the world may contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cajeput oil is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

In theory, cajeput oil may intensify local anesthetic power when combined with other anesthetics.

Although not well studied in humans, cajeput may have potential interactions with antibiotics, antihistamines, antioxidants, or mosquito repellent agents. Consult a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Cajeput oil may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and in those taking drugs that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Cajeput may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Use cautiously with ulcer medications. Cajeput fruit may also inhibit herpes simplex I and there is an interaction is possible when taking in combination with other antiviral agents. In addition, early evidence suggests that cajeput leaves may alter blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients taking blood pressure medications.

Cajeput may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

In theory, cajeput oil may intensify local anesthetic power when combined with other anesthetic herbs or supplements.

Although not well studied in humans, cajeput may have potential interactions with antibiotics, antihistamines, antioxidants, or mosquito repellent herbs or supplements. Consult a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Cajeput oil may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring and doses may need adjustment.

Cajeput may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements used to manage ulcers. Cajeput fruit may also inhibit herpes simplex I and an interaction is possible when taking in combination with other antiviral herbs and supplements. In addition, early evidence suggests that cajeput leaves may alter blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients taking blood pressure-altering herbs and supplements.

Cajeput may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Dilys Burke, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Julie Goodfriend, PharmD (Northeastern University); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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Wheeler GS, Massey LM, Southwell IA. Dietary influences on terpenoids sequestered by the biological control agent Oxyops vitiosa: effect of plant volatiles from different Melaleuca quinquenervia chemotypes and laboratory host species. J Chem Ecol 2003;29(1):189-208.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.