Punktree
StarMelaleuca quinquenervia
Synonyms: Metrosideros quinquenervia, Melaleuca smithii, Melaleuca leucadendra var. angustifolia, Metrosideros albida, Melaleuca leucadendra var. coriacea, Melaleuca maidenii, Metrosideros coriacea, Melaleuca viridiflora var. rubriflora, Melaleuca leucadendra var. albida
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Melaleuca quinquenervia, commonly known as niaouli or broad-leaved paperbark, is an evergreen tree of the family Myrtaceae, native to coastal and near-coastal areas of eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales), New Guinea and New Caledonia, and widely planted and naturalized in tropical regions including Florida, where it is an aggressive invader of wetlands. The tree commonly reaches 8–25 m in height, with a thick trunk clothed in characteristic spongy, papery, whitish bark that peels in numerous fine, longitudinal layers. The leaves are alternate, leathery, lanceolate to elliptical, 5–10 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, with five conspicuous parallel longitudinal veins (giving the specific epithet) and a strong camphor-like fragrance when crushed. Numerous small, cream-white flowers are densely arranged in cylindrical, bottlebrush-like spikes 4–8 cm long at the branch tips, the long white stamens producing the showy effect. The fruit is a small, woody capsule 3–4 mm across, persistent on the branches for many years.
Active Constituents
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)
Monoterpene oxideConcentration: Leaf oil ~30-65% in the cineole chemotype
The principal constituent of the common (cineole) chemotype of niaouli oil, responsible for its eucalyptus-like aroma and its expectorant, mucolytic and antimicrobial properties used in respiratory preparations.
Viridiflorol
Sesquiterpene alcoholConcentration: Leaf oil ~2-30% (very high in fruit oil, ~40%)
A characteristic sesquiterpene alcohol of Melaleuca quinquenervia with reported antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity; it is a chemotaxonomic marker distinguishing niaouli from tea tree.
alpha-Pinene
Bicyclic monoterpeneConcentration: Leaf oil ~5-18%
A monoterpene contributing to the oil's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action and its fresh, resinous top note.
(E)-Nerolidol
Sesquiterpene alcoholConcentration: Dominant in the nerolidol/'nerolina' chemotype
The defining constituent of a distinct chemotype; a sesquiterpene alcohol studied for antiparasitic, antimicrobial and skin-penetration-enhancing properties.
Limonene
MonoterpeneConcentration: Leaf oil ~4-10%
A citrus-scented monoterpene contributing antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory activity to the volatile fraction.
alpha-Terpineol
Monoterpene alcoholConcentration: Leaf oil ~3-8%
A monoterpene alcohol with recognized antimicrobial activity, contributing to the oil's use against skin and respiratory pathogens.
Terpinen-4-ol
Monoterpene alcoholConcentration: Variable minor component
The key antimicrobial alcohol shared with tea tree oil; present in lower amounts in niaouli but adds to its antibacterial and antifungal profile.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 (broad class)
1,8-cineole, the dominant constituent, is a known inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 (including CYP3A4) at pharmacological doses. Substantial internal use of cineole-rich niaouli oil could theoretically accelerate clearance of co-administered CYP3A4 substrates.
Clinical note: Aromatherapeutic (inhaled/topical diluted) use is not expected to be clinically significant; the concern applies to inappropriate internal use of the essential oil.
Preparation Methods
Essential oil (steam distilled)
Parts: Leaves, Young leafy twigs
Niaouli oil is produced by steam distillation of the young foliage. In aromatherapy it is diffused or inhaled for congestion and used diluted (1-3% in a carrier oil) on the skin. Warning: because of its high 1,8-cineole content it should not be applied near the face of infants or young children (risk of bronchospasm/laryngospasm) and is not for internal use except under professional guidance.
Steam inhalation
Parts: Essential oil
A few drops of niaouli oil added to hot water for inhalation are used traditionally as a decongestant and expectorant for colds and sinus congestion in adults.
Traditional leaf preparation
Parts: Leaves, Bark
In its native range crushed leaves have been used topically and as aromatic washes; the papery bark was used as wrapping and tinder. These are traditional/ethnobotanical uses rather than standardized modern preparations.
Clinical Studies
Chemical Composition and Anti-Lung Cancer Activities of Melaleuca quinquenervia Leaf Essential Oil: Integrating GC/MS Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking
GC/MS of Egyptian niaouli leaf oil showed 1,8-cineole (~31.6%), alpha-pinene (~16%) and viridiflorol (~13.7%) as major constituents. Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted activity of these volatiles against lung-cancer-associated targets, providing a mechanistic rationale for further study.
Historical Texts
French colonial pharmacy — 'Gomenol' (Goménol)
Late 19th century (New Caledonia)Australian Aboriginal ethnobotany (broad-leaved paperbark)
Pre-colonial / traditionalReferences
- Fikry E, Orfali R, Perveen S, Ghaffar S, El-Shafae AM, El-Domiaty MM, Tawfeek N. Chemical Composition and Anti-Lung Cancer Activities of Melaleuca quinquenervia Leaf Essential Oil . Pharmaceuticals (Basel) (2025) [DOI]
- Chaverri C, Cicció JF. Chemical composition of essential oils of the tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) cultivated in Costa Rica . Revista de Biología Tropical (2021) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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