Evidence supporting the use of: Cineole
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Cineole (also known as eucalyptol) is a major component of eucalyptus oil and has a long history of use as an expectorant and cough suppressant. Recent scientific research supports its use for relieving cough symptoms, especially those associated with respiratory tract infections. Clinical trials have shown that cineole possesses anti-inflammatory, mucolytic (mucus-thinning), and bronchodilatory properties. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in "Cough" (2013) demonstrated that cineole significantly reduced cough frequency and improved lung function in patients with acute bronchitis compared to placebo. Other studies have shown cineole can decrease the viscosity of bronchial secretions, making it easier to expel mucus. Cineole's mechanism is primarily attributed to its ability to reduce cytokine production and modulate airway inflammation.
While much of the initial use was based on traditional medicine (e.g., inhalation of eucalyptus preparations), the growing body of clinical evidence, particularly in the last two decades, provides scientific support for its effectiveness in treating cough. However, most studies are limited to short-term use and specific respiratory conditions like acute bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Overall, the evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), with further large-scale trials needed to confirm benefits and establish optimal dosing and safety profiles for broader cough indications.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
juniper berries
amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Arrowroot
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Aspen
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Chenopodium
Cistus
Common madia
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Empresstree
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Ephedrine
Embelia
Fig
Garlic
Galangal
Himalayan Salt
Ivy
Lily
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sumac
Zucchini
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