Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi Leaf Oil, commonly known as cajeput oil, is an essential oil obtained through the steam distillation of the leaves of the cajeput tree, which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This oil is used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It has been traditionally used to treat skin conditions and for its aromatic properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Cajeput oil is rich in active compounds such as cineole (eucalyptol), terpineol, limonene, and other monoterpenes. These components give the oil its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cineole, in particular, is known for its disinfectant and decongestant effects, making cajeput oil useful in a wide range of cosmetic applications.

Physical Properties

Cajeput oil appears as a clear liquid with a light yellow-greenish hue and a characteristic aromatic scent, similar to eucalyptus and camphor. It is oil-soluble and can be easily incorporated into oil-based formulations such as balms, ointments, and massage oils.

Production Process

Cajeput oil is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi tree. The distillation process captures the pure essence of the leaves, preserving the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the essential oil. 

• Steam Distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi. During this process, steam passes through the leaves, extracting the essential oil, which is then condensed and collected.
• Purification. After distillation, the oil is purified to remove any impurities and optimize the quality of the fragrance and therapeutic properties.
• Quality Control. Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi leaf oil undergoes quality testing to ensure it meets the required standards in terms of purity, aromatic profile, and chemical properties.

What it is for and where

This oil is used in aromatherapy, skincare products, and as a natural remedy for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It contains 50-60% eucalyptol (cineol), L-pinene, terpineol, valeric, butyric benzoic and other aldehydes.

Cosmetics

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

CAS   85480-37-1

EC Number   287-316-4

Form and Color

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi Leaf Oil, also known as cajeput leaf oil, is typically a liquid. This essential oil has a color that ranges from light yellow to green.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use

Cajeput oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products, but it should be used in proper concentrations to avoid potential irritation. It is not recommended for use directly on the skin without dilution in a carrier oil. Care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Allergic Reactions

Although allergic reactions to cajeput oil are rare, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to essential oils should be cautious.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity

There is no evidence that cajeput oil is toxic or carcinogenic when used properly. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines for essential oil use, especially when applied topically or used in aromatherapy diffusers.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Cajeput oil is a natural and biodegradable product, derived from a plant that is sustainably cultivated in many parts of Asia and Australia. The steam distillation process used to produce the oil is considered environmentally friendly and has a low ecological impact.

Regulatory Status

Cajeput oil is approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the European Union and the United States. It is widely used in natural and organic products due to its

Melaleuca Leucadendron commonly known as cajeput is a tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family, known for its medicinal and aromatic properties. It is commonly used for cajeput oil, which is extracted from its leaves and used in various treatments. This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (1) and antimicrobial (2) properties. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of terpenes, methyl eugenol and other interesting compounds useful for human health (3) It is often used in skin care products, in cold and cough remedies, and as an analgesic. Melaleuca Leucadendron is native to Australia and Indonesia, but is also cultivated in other tropical regions.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Surh J, Yun JM. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Butanol Extract of Melaleuca leucadendron L. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2012 Mar;17(1):22-8. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2012.17.1.022. 

Abstract. Melaleuca leucadendron L. has been used as a tranquilizing, sedating, evil-dispelling and pain-relieving agent. We examined the effects of M. leucadendron L. extracts on oxidative stress and inflammation. M. leucadendron L. was extracted with methanol (MeOH) and then fractionated with chloroform (CHCl3) and butanol (BuOH). Antioxidant activity of the MeOH extract and BuOH fraction were higher than that of both α-tocopherol and butyrated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Total phenol content in the extracts of M. leucadendron L., especially the BuOH fraction, well correlated with the antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of BuOH extracts were investigated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The BuOH fraction significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production. Furthermore, BuOH extract of M. leucadendron L. inhibited the expression of COX-2 and iNOS protein without an appreciable cytotoxic effect on RAW264.7 cells. The extract of M. leucadendron L. also suppressed the phosphorylation of inhibitor κBα (IκBα) and its degradation associated with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Furthermore, BuOH fraction inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that M. leucadendron L. could be useful as a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory resource.

(2) Valdés AF, Martínez JM, Lizama RS, Vermeersch M, Cos P, Maes L. In vitro anti-microbial activity of the Cuban medicinal plants Simarouba glauca DC, Melaleuca leucadendron L and Artemisia absinthium L. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2008 Sep;103(6):615-8. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000600019. PMID: 18949336.

Abstract. In the present study, an extensive in vitro antimicrobial profiling was performed for three medicinal plants grown in Cuba, namely Simarouba glauca, Melaleuca leucadendron and Artemisia absinthium. Ethanol extracts were tested for their antiprotozoal potential against Trypanosoma b. brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum. Antifungal activities were evaluated against Microsporum canis and Candida albicans whereas Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used as test organisms for antibacterial activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed against human MRC-5 cells. Only M. leucadendron extract showed selective activity against microorganisms tested. Although S. glauca exhibited strong activity against all protozoa, it must be considered non-specific. The value of integrated evaluation of extracts with particular reference to selectivity is discussed.

(3) Tsuruga T, Chun YT, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Biologically active constituents of Melaleuca leucadendron: inhibitors of induced histamine release from rat mast cells. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1991 Dec;39(12):3276-8. doi: 10.1248/cpb.39.3276. 

Abstract. Chloroform and methanol extracts of the fruits of Melaleuca leucadendron strongly inhibited histamine release from rat mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or concanavalin A. Ursolic acid, a triterpene, was the most active compound contained in the chloroform extract and two stilbenes, piceatannol and oxyresveratrol, were isolated as active compounds from the methanol extract. Several other stilbenes and related compounds were examined to obtain information on the structure activity relationships of stilbenes.