Cineole (also known as eucalyptol) is a monoterpene commonly found in eucalyptus oil and is widely used for its mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties in respiratory conditions. There is some scientific evidence supporting its use in upper respiratory tract diseases, including laryngitis, although the data is not robust or highly specific to laryngitis alone.

Several clinical studies have investigated cineole’s effects in conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis, and other inflammatory airway disorders. For example, a randomized, double-blind study published in Respiratory Medicine (2003) demonstrated that cineole reduced symptoms and improved mucus clearance in acute bronchitis. Its anti-inflammatory action, via inhibition of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, may theoretically benefit laryngitis, which often involves inflammation of the larynx. Cineole has also shown some antimicrobial activity, which might assist in cases where laryngitis is associated with mild bacterial infection.

While these properties are promising, there is a lack of large, high-quality trials specifically examining cineole’s efficacy for laryngitis. Most evidence is extrapolated from studies on broader respiratory illnesses. Therefore, while its use for laryngitis is scientifically plausible, it is not strongly validated, and more targeted research is needed.