Chemical Properties
The oil, obtained from the distillation of the leaves and twigs, has an agreeable, penetrating, camphoraceous odor
and aromatic bitter taste. Most commercial cajeput oil comes from the tree Melaleuca leucadendron. Apart from its use as general
household remedies for colds, throat irritation, pain, headache, etc., in the Far East, cajeput oil has found very little use in Europe
and America.
Chemical Properties
Cajeput oil (cajuput oil) is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flowers
of Melaleuca cajuputi Powell (syn.Melaleuca minor Smith), an evergreen tree
growing in Southeast Asia. Cajeput oil is a colorless to yellow-greenish liquid with
a fresh camphoraceous odor.
d
2020 0.915–0.932; n
20D 1.4660–1.4720; α
20D 4°to 0°; 1.8-cineole content 50–65%
(data for marketable qualities).
1.8-Cineole is by far the main constituent of cajeput oil; additional components
are, for example,α-terpineol and a number of monoterpene and sesquiterpene
hydrocarbons. Cajeput oil is produced mainly in Indonesia in a quantity
of 300 t annually. It is mainly used in the domestic market in Indonesia for
refreshing notes in soaps and detergents and in pharmaceutical preparations.
Physical properties
The oil is an almost colorless, green or yellow liquid.
Uses
cajeput oil (Melaleuca leucadendron) is healing, antiseptic, stimulating, and mildly counterirritant. It is used for acne and other skin problems, such as psoriasis and eczema. The principal constituent of this oil is cineol, at an average level of 45 to 55 percent. Also present is solid terpineol as well as valeric, butyric, and benzoic aldehydes. It is similar in odor to camphor and eucalyptus. Cajeput oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the cajeput tree.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Melaleuca leucadendron, Myrtaceae.
