Antibiotic activity of Eucalyptus globulus against Gram positive bacteria: a review article

Abstract

Eucalyptus spp. is an ancestral plant with a long history in Peru, used for medicinal purposes. The study of the antibacterial activity of Eucalyptus globulus is based on the need to provide alternatives to the use of conventional antibacterials that, over time, have often been limited by the different sensitivity profiles due to the antimicrobial resistance of different pathogens causing bacterial infectious diseases. This study is generated through a nonsystematic literature search, with the objective of discussing the available evidence regarding the possible use of Eucalyptus globulus as an antibacterial agent. It is concluded that information has been found that would suggest a potential antibacterial activity, which is exerted by the essential oil because it is composed in a large percentage by eucalyptus which is presumed to be responsible for this activity. Likewise, it is important to consider the adverse effects in order to evaluate the extraction methods and improve the safety profile by taking advantage of the properties of the plant.