POISONOUS PARTS
Leaves and pollen.3–5
TOXICITY
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Toxic Constituents
Cineole.4
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Toxic Dose
10 g cajuput oil, extracted from the leaves, can be toxic.4
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Mechanism
Cajuput oil contains high content of cineole, which is an irritant to skin.4,6
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Poisoning Features
Skin contact with cajuput oil: irritant contact dermatitis, asthma-like symptoms if applied to facial areas of infants and children. Ingestion of cajuput oil: hypotension, circulatory failure, respiratory failure.4
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Poisoning Events
Poisoning cases after accidental ingestion of 10 mL or less pure cineole-containing melaleuca oil in children have been reported. Melaleuca oil is extracted from M. alternifolia, a plant of the same genus as M. cajuputi. The symptoms, including disorientation, ataxia and loss of consciousness, generally subsided within 10 hours.6,7
CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Supportive treatment.
IDENTIFICATION FEATURES
Evergreen trees, up to 18 m tall. Bark white, thick and spongy, peeling off in thin layers. Leaves alternate, leathery; leaf blades 5–10 × 1–2 cm, basal veins 3–5(–7), with oil glands and scent. Spikes 15 cm long, flowers white. Stamens about 1 cm long, brush-like. Capsules 0.5–0.7 cm in diameter, persistent on branches.8
MEDICINAL USES
Uses in TCM—leaves: dispel wind to relieve exterior disorder, drain dampness and relieve itching; oil extracted from leaves or branches: dispel wind and unblock the collaterals, regulate qi and relieve pain, and kill parasites; bark: pacify spirit and tranquilise mind. Recommended dose: leaves 6–15 g, extracted oil 1–3 drops, bark 3–9 g.2,9
LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Cineole can be detected by GC-MS.10
