Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (Jul 2014)
The presence of eucalyptol in Artemisia australis validates its use in traditional Hawaiian medicine
Abstract
Objective: To identify the major organic compounds of Artemisia australis (A. australis), a plant used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for the treatment of asthma. Methods: The dichloromethane extract of A. australis was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and major compounds were identified by a National Institute of Standards and Technology library search and confirmed by peak enhancement. Results: The major chemical components of A. australis include eucalyptol, borneol, and caryophyllene. Conclusions: The presence and biological activity of eucalyptol correlate very well with the usage of this plant in traditional Hawaiian medicine.
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