Characterization of 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) from Myrtle and Its Potential Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities*

1,8-Cineole is a naturally occurring chemical molecule predominantly found in fragrant plants, particularly Myrtle. Its aroma is distinctive and has been the subject of numerous investigations due to its various biological actions. This study examines the characterization of 1,8-Cineole derived from Myrtle and investigates its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study seeks to compare 1,8-Cineole with antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Tetracycline, and moreover, to investigate its antioxidant capabilities against diverse bacterial strains (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative). 1,8-Cineole exhibits the most effective antibacterial properties, demonstrating an inhibition zone of 12.00 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 10.00 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In comparison to Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria serve as superior antibacterial agents. Moreover, Amoxicillin showed greater potency than Tetracycline in the comparative analysis of the efficacy of two prevalent antibiotics. This indicates that 1,8-Cineole may exhibit greater efficacy when used in conjunction with other therapies, rather than as a standalone treatment. The antioxidant efficacy of 1,8-Cineole was evaluated using seven antioxidant assays, revealing significant results: ferric reducing antioxidant power (85.32±1.43), reducing power (95.38±2.36), DPPH˙ scavenging (48.68±0.85), superoxide radical scavenging (65.42±1.92), and metal chelation (95.17±2.04). In conclusion, 1,8-Cineole is a prominent component of the essential oil derived from Myrtus communis. The compound has shown significant antibacterial efficacy against multiple bacterial strains and showed elevated antioxidant activity levels. The results suggest that 1,8-Cineole may be regarded as a viable natural agent for the development of antibacterial and antioxidant medicines.