Eucalyptus globulus as a multifunctional forest resource: Integrating human health, ecosystem services, socioeconomic benefits, and sustainability challenges

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Eucalyptus globulus ( E. globulus ) is one of the most widely cultivated forest tree species globally, valued for its rapid growth, adaptability, economic importance, and diverse ecosystem services. In contrast to previously published literature that typically focused on either medicinal attributes or silvicultural aspects of E. globulus , this review provides a multidisciplinary synthesis via integrating the human health benefits, ecosystem services, socioeconomic contributions, ecological trade-offs, and sustainability challenges within a unified framework. The species contains a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals and essential oils, particularly 1,8-cineole, which have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Along with the available evidence, limitations and knowledge gaps like limited toxicological data, insufficient clinical validation, underexplored pharmacokinetic parameters, and standardization are evaluated critically. Consequently, despite encouraging preclinical findings, these challenges restrict broader therapeutic translation of E. globulus . Beyond its medicinal relevance, E. globulus plays a significant role in forest-based bioeconomies through timber, pulpwood, fuelwood, essential oil production, and livelihood generation. The species contributes to carbon sequestration, land restoration, biomass production, and climate change mitigation, while supporting rural development and employment opportunities in many regions. Nevertheless, large-scale plantations may also generate ecological trade-offs, including impacts on biodiversity, water resources, soil quality, fire regimes, and ecosystem functioning. These effects are highly context-dependent and influenced by local environmental conditions, land-use history, and plantation management practices. This review highlights the need for balanced and evidence-based approaches to the cultivation and utilization of E. globulus , emphasizing sustainable forest management, mixed-species plantation strategies, and site-specific ecological assessments. This review not only critically synthesizes current knowledge across health, environmental, economic, and social dimensions but also identifies limitations and future opportunities for further investigation. This framework offers guidance to for researchers, forest managers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to maximize the benefits of E. globulus while minimizing environmental risks. The findings underscore the importance of integrating human well-being, ecosystem services, and sustainable development considerations in future research and management frameworks for this globally important forest species.

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