Changes in Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of 'Eremophila longifolia' (F. Muell) (Scrophulariaceae) in Conditions Simulating Australian Aboriginal Traditional Ceremonial and Medicinal Smoking Applications (BA 24)

Abstract

'Eremophila longifolia' is one of the most valued of the traditional medicinal plants used by Australian Aboriginal people. Though there are several reported usage modalities, the most consistently reported application involved smouldering leaves over fire embers to produce an acrid smoke, believed to have therapeutic effects broadly consistent with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. The current study aims to examine the contribution of normal and partially pyrolysed essential oils to specific therapeutic effects in these applications.