Regulation of monocyte redox balance by 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) controls oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses in vitro: A new option to increase the antioxidant effects of combined respiratory therapy with budesonide and formoterol?

We report an inhibition of superoxide anions, balancing partial dismutation of superoxide anions and independent inhibition of H2O2 by 1,8-cineole. These results suggest a non-specific combined, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mode of action of 1,8-cineole as bifunctional drug for further clinical evaluation in mild to severe COPD and as adjunctive therapy to control disease progression.