Evidence supporting the use of: Cineole
For the health condition: Cough (damp)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Cineole, also known as eucalyptol, is a monoterpene found in eucalyptus oil and other plant essential oils. Its use for cough, particularly “damp” cough characterized by excessive mucus production, is supported by scientific evidence. Clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that cineole possesses expectorant, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory effects that can alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchitis and sinusitis. In randomized controlled trials, cineole has been shown to improve mucociliary clearance, reduce sputum viscosity, and ease coughing in patients with acute and chronic bronchitis. For example, a 2012 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with acute bronchitis found that cineole significantly reduced cough frequency and improved breathing compared to placebo. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been documented in vitro and in animal models, with evidence of reduced cytokine production and inhibition of bronchial hyperreactivity. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges cineole as a traditional and well-established herbal medicinal product for the relief of cough and mild upper respiratory tract conditions. However, while the evidence base is moderately strong, most studies are of short duration and focus on mild-to-moderate cases. Thus, cineole is scientifically validated for use in relieving coughs with excessive mucus, with a moderate level of clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Cough (damp)
AdenophoraAllium tuberosum
Aloe vera
alpinia galangal
Anamarrhena
anise
asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
atractylodes
atractylone
bael
balloon flower
black currant
black pepper
butternut
Chekiang Fritillary
chen pi
Chondrus
cineole
clove
coltsfoot
common madia
cowage seed
Dichrostachys glomerata
elderberry
eucalyptus
ferula assafoetida
fritillaria
Galangal
Gallesia
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
green tea
Grindelia
honey
horehound
hyssop
inula racemosa
Ivy
Japanese kadsura
Javanese Long Pepper
licorice root
Ligusticum
ligustilides
Lilium polyphyllum
long pepper
loquat
Loranthus
Mentha haplocalyx
Monoterpenes
Mucolase
oregano
Osha
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
Pinellia ternata
pistacia integerrima gall
Platycodon
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
radish
ravinsara
rhizome
Shogaol
Solanaceae
Sundew
Tamarind
thyme
turmeric
Vasicine
Vasicinol
Vasicinone
Visnea Mocanera
Wax Gourd
Zedoary
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by cineole
Allergies (respiratory)Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Inflammation
Influenza
Laryngitis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Wheezing
