The presence of eucalyptol in Artemisia australis validates its use in traditional Hawaiian medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the major organic compounds of Artemisia australis (A. australis), a plant used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for the treatment of asthma. METHODS: The dichloromethane extract of A. australis was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and major compounds were identified by a National Institute of Standards and Technology library search and confirmed by peak enhancement. RESULTS: The major chemical components of A. australis include eucalyptol, borneol, and caryophyllene. CONCLUSIONS: The presence and biological activity of eucalyptol correlate very well with the usage of this plant in traditional Hawaiian medicine.