Eucalyptus compounds found in the leaves of Eucalyptus trees.

Flavoniods

Flavonoids are often referred to as bioflavonoids, and they are polyphenol antioxidants found naturally in some plants. They are secondary metabolites, that means they are "organic" compounds that have no direct involvement with the growth or development of plants. That means they are plant nutrients that, when they consumed in the form of fruits and vegetables, are non-toxic as well as potentially beneficial to the human body.

They are widely disbursed throughout plants and are what provide the flowers and fruits of many plants their vibrant colors. They also play a role in protecting the plants from microbe and insect attacks. Most importantly, the consumption of foods containing flavonoids has been linked to numerous health benefits. Some research has shown that flavonoids by themselves provide minimal antioxidant benefit (due to slow absorption by the body) there are indications that they biologically trigger the production of natural enzymes that fight disease.

Recent research also indicates that flavonoids can be nutritionally helpful by triggering enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases. Some research also indicates flavonoids may help prevent tooth decay and reduce the occurrence of common ailments such as the flu. These potential health benefits, many of which have been proven, have become of particular interest to consumers and food manufacturers.

Foods that contain high amounts of flavonoids include blueberries, red beans, cranberries, and blackberries. Many other foods, including red and yellow fruits and vegetables and some nuts, also contain flavonoids. Red wine and some teas also are rich in flavonoids.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a phytochemical that is part of the coloring found in the skins of apples and red onions. It has been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant. It is also a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory. Recent research shows that quercetin may help to prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Quercetin's antihistamine action may help to relieve allergic symptoms and asthma symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce pain from disorders such as arthritis. Men who are concerned about prostate problems would also benefit from quercetin. Quercetin may also help reduce symptoms like fatigue, depression and anxiety. To get more quercetin, you can increase your intake of apples and red onions, which will improve your diet. If you want more quercetin, you can take a dietary supplement.

Tannins are found in many fruits, in coffeee, tea, wine and beer. Tannins may be employed medicinally in anti-diarrheal, hemostatic, and antihemorrhoidal compounds. The anti-inflammatory effect of tannins help control all indications of gastritis, esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders. Diarrhea is also treated with an effective astringent medicine that does not stop the flow of the disturbing substance in the stomach; rather, it controls the irritation in the small intestine.

Tannins not only heal burns and stop bleeding, but they also stop infection while they continue to heal the wound internally. The ability of tannins to form a protective layer over the exposed tissue keeps the wound from being infected even more. Tannins are also beneficial when applied to the mucosal lining of the mouth. Tannins can also be effective in protecting the kidneys. Tannins have been used for immediate relief of sore throats, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhaging, fatigue, skin ulcers and as a cicatrizant on gangrenous wounds.

Tannins are used indirectly as molluscicides to interrupt the transmission cycle of schistosomiasis. They have also been reported to have anti-viral effects. When incubated with red grape juice and red wines with a high content of condensed tannins, the poliovirus, herpes simplex virus, and various enteric viruses are inactivated. Tannins are sometimes used to treat poisons from poison oak or from bee stings, some claim causing instant relief.

Tannins have shown potential antiviral,antibacterial and antiparasitic effects. In the past few years tannins have also been studied for their potential effects against cancer through different mechanisms.

Other Compounds

Researches are continually looking for other compounds in the Eucalyptus leaves. Ancient Aboriginals used to put bunches of Eucalyupt leaves into shallow ponds where they were heated by the sun. The eucalyptus leaf impregnated water was used for bathing, and for washing wounds.

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