Litsea cubeba Essential Oil – Health Benefits, Side Effects

Litsea cubeba Essential Oil – Health Benefits, Side Effects

Litsea cubeba is a pioneer herb traditionally utilized in medicine. Litsea cubeba is an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Lauraceae family. Its fruit produces Litsea—a lemon-like essential oil with a wide range of uses and benefits. Different extracts from its plant parts, such as bark, leaf, root, and fruits, have been utilized in traditional Chinese medicines for curing various diseases [,]. Litsea essential oil is extracted from the ripened and dried fruits of the Litsea Cubeba tree through steam distillation. The scent of Litsea Cubeba oil can be compared to Lemongrass, although the former is often described as “finer” and “sweeter” than the latter. This oil is effective in skincare, particularly as an astringent for oily skin, but should be well diluted for skin application or in any products intended for that purpose. Litsea Cubeba is delightful for lifting and soothing the spirits and works wonders for the digestive, immune and nervous systems, and more.

Also known as May Chang, Litsea Cubeba is a tree belonging to the Lauraceae family. Also known as ‘Mountain Pepper’ or ‘Chinese Pepper’, the plant is native to south China, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra, and other regions of Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in Japan and Taiwan for its commercial uses although China remains the largest producer and exporter of oil.

Litsea Cubeba is a small deciduous tree that grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters (16-26 feet), with smooth trunk measuring 6-20 centimeters (2.5 to 8 inches) in diameter. The tree bears white or pale yellow, lemon-scented flowers, and small fruits which are similar in shape to small peppers, from which the word ‘cubeb’ is derived. Measuring between 4 to 6 millimeters in diameter, the aromatic fruits are almost spherical in shape and green in color, turning red then dark brown upon ripening. When dried, these small fruits look like large, dried black peppers and provide the source of Litsea Cubeba essential oil, although oil can also be extracted from the flowers, branches, bark, roots and leaves too. The essential oil derived from these parts of the plant does not have the same odor as the fruits though.

History

Litsea cubeba is native to China, Indonesia and other areas of Southeast Asia. In China it grows naturally in the south, and has been cultivated in central and eastern areas to the south of the Yangtze River for its various commercial uses. Smaller quantities of this species also grow wild in Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, between a height of 700 meters and 2,300 meters above sea level. It is also cultivated in Japan and Taiwan.

Litsea cubeba essential oil is not available in the Western world until the early 1950’s, when it began to compete with lemongrass as a source material for the extraction of citral. Widely used in soaps, fragrances and flavorings, production of the essential oil is still almost entirely based in China, and very little is currently known about their methods of cultivation or harvesting.

Compounds

Litsea cubeba encompasses a varied number of structurally diverse biologically active compounds, and their uses in traditional medicines and their various functions are listed. The major groups of compounds include alkaloids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoids, amides, lignans, steroids, and fatty acids. These compounds have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-HIV properties, and therefore have immense potential for treating various diseases [,].

 Alkaloids

Around 63 alkaloid compounds have been identified in the genus Litsea. Most of the natural aporphine alkaloids have medicinal properties like antioxidant, antitumor, anticonvulsant, and antiplasmodial properties. These alkaloid compounds and their synthetic derivatives have the potential for curing various diseases [].

Monoterpenes

The maximum proportion of essential oils from Litsea species are comprised of monoterpene compounds, i.e., approximately 90% of essential oils. To date, around 20 monoterpene compounds have been extracted from the EO of L. cubeba but with varying structures [,]. These compounds exhibit a wide range of functions like antioxidant, antifungal, antiasthmatic, and anti anaphylactic properties []. The monoterpenes can be broadly classified into two categories: menthane and cineole. Menthane has been reported to occur in almost all species of Litsea except in L. coreana var. sinensis (Allen). Further, cineole is present in surplus amounts in L. mollis Hemsl. and L. lancilimaba.

Sesquiterpenes

Nearly 73 sesquiterpenoid compounds have been extracted from different Litsea species. These compounds exhibit varying structures, namely aliphatic, monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic sesquiterpenes, along with their oxygenated derivatives. Most of the sesquiterpenes and their derivatives exert natural anti-HIV properties [].

Diterpenes

This group of compounds is rare in Litsea species. Recently, Trisonthi et al. [] identified and isolated a new cytotoxic diterpene, known as cubelin (235), from the fruits of L. cubeba using methanol extract. No other compounds have been reported to exhibit a similar molecular structure as cubelin in L. cubeba or any other species of Litsea.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are another important and major group of compounds present in Litsea species. Around 39 compounds have been identified, which include mainly flavones, flavanols, flavanones, flavanonols, anthocyanidins, chalcones, and flavan-3-ols; and their glycosidic forms consisting of either glucose, galactose, or rhamnose [,]. These compounds are mainly present in L. coreana, Litsea glutinosa, and L. cubeba. However, some compounds like pinocembrin chalcone (271) and kaempferol 3,4′-di-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (258) were isolated from L. fruticosa (Hemsl.) []. Flavonoids have therapeutic properties and exhibit beneficial properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities [,].

Amides

Approximately ten amide compounds have been identified from the genus Litsea. The major Litsea species from where amides are obtained include L. acutivena, L. auriculataL. hypophaea, L. greenmaniana, and L. cubeba. The application of amides as chemotaxonomic markers is, however, limited for individual species within the genus Litsea [].

Lignans

Different types of lignans have been reported in Litsea species. To date, 35 lignans have been extracted from various Litsea species: L. acutivena, L. costalisL. cubebaL. chinpingensis, L. euosma, L. glutinosa, L. greenmaniana, L. grandis, L. gracilipes, L. hypophaea, L. lancifolia, L. lii var. nunkao-tahangensis, L. turfosa, and L. verticillata [].

Steroids

This group of compounds has limited structural diversity and only about seven steroid compounds have been reported to date from Litsea plants.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are predominant in Litsea species. Some of the major fatty acids present include cinnamic acid, canoic acid, octanoic acid, decenoic acid, dodecenoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid [].

Health benefits of Litsea Cubeba essential oil

Litsea Cubeba essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of ripened and dried fruits of the Litsea Cubeba tree. Litsea Cubeba oil has characteristic citrusy fragrance with fruity and spicy undertones compared to lemongrass or lemon verbena. This oil is effective in skin care, particularly as an astringent for oily skin, but should be well diluted for skin application or in any products intended for that purpose. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of Litsea cubeba essential oil

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1. Fighting Infections

Litsea Cubeba’s antibacterial and antiviral properties make it effective against common infections like cold and cough. Simply pop a few drops into a vaporizer to keep any respiratory problems at bay. Litsea Cubeba is also very useful in treating infectious skin conditions such as Athlete’s Foot because of its pronounced antifungal action.

2. Stimulates your mind

Litsea cubeba essential oil has an enthusiastic aroma that is flowery and lemony in nature. It is for this purpose Litsea cubeba herb and its oil has been used in making perfumes, soaps and other cosmetic products.

Inhaling the magical aroma of this oil uplifts your mood, augments mental alertness, refreshes your mind, influences new ideas for life, pacifies your depressed mind and grants you a sense of freedom and confidence. Litsea cubeba oil is used for calming the mind and senses.  Adding 2 drops of this oil to vaporizer, diffuser or burner aids in treating your mental worries and give a new lease of life to your world around.

3. Treat the Fatigue

The medical science found that Litsea cubeba essential oil is very effective to treat the fatigue problem. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil will heal and treat the stressed mind and also laziness.

4. Good for Skin and Personal Care

If you have oily skin that is prone to acne and breakouts, Litsea Cubeba may be just what you need. While its gentle astringent properties work to cleanse your pores, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action minimizes and heals existing flare-ups.

Mix 7 drops of Litsea Cubeba in a 1 Oz bottle of Jojoba Oil and dab it all over your face twice a day.

Apart from that Litsea Cubeba has the ability to control excessive perspiration and check bacterial growth that leads to unpleasant body odor. Just pour a few drops of the essential oil into your regular body lotion and turn it into a fragrant deodorant without any alcohol or harmful chemicals!

5. Combat Athlete’s Foot

Litsea Cubeba is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial, which makes it a great treatment for athlete’s foot, ringworm, or any other type of fungal infection. Simply add 5 or 6 drops of Litsea Cubeba to carrier oil or foot lotion and massage it into your feet. You can also add the oil to a foot soak to enjoy its benefits.

6. Treats pain and inflammation

Litsea cubeba oil assists in increasing blood circulation, reducing inflammation and strengthening the muscles. This oil aids in eliminating the excess fluid deposits and toxic substances in the body and tones your tissues.

Massaging the affected area with 2 to 3 drops of Litsea cubeba oil blended with 20 drops of coconut oil helps relieve pain, headache, muscular tension, respiratory ailments, arthritis and rheumatism. You can also use this oil in hot or cold compress for assisting inflammation and pain.

7. Asthma

Since long time ago the ancients used Litsea cubeba essential oil to heal asthma. The aroma of Litsea cubeba essential oil will give the fresh air and it will promote the fresh air through the respiratory system. Thus it will be the effective way to heal asthma.

8. Emotional Wellbeing

Just like it is cleansing for the body, Litsea Cubeba is also cleansing for the soul.  Scientific studies have proven that Litsea Cubeba can help control arrhythmia (which is a common sign of stress and anxiety) and induce relaxation. Its alluring scent soothes the nervous system and helps us express our emotions in a more constructive manner.

Litsea Cubeba is the perfect antidote for seasonal blues, stress, anger and irritability. It helps get rid of negative emotions and promotes relaxation, mental clarity and restful sleep. Use it in a diffuser, bath or massage oil to liven up your day.

9. Cures problems with digestion

With the strong citrus aroma and warming stomachic properties, Litsea essential oil increases pitta energy, which governs the process of digestion, thinking and body temperature. This herb and its essential oil augment the digestive fire and enhance the appetite, treat indigestion and flatulence.

It prevents the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines. To support the process of digestion, blend 3 drops of Litsea cubeba oil with 15 drops of sesame oil and massage your abdomen or add 2 drops of this oil to warm bathing water.

10. Backache

It has also been proved since long time ago the ancients used Litsea cubeba essential oil as the effective herb to heal the back pain. The relaxation contained in Litsea cubeba essential oil can effect positively to the lower back pain. Thus for those who are suffering from backache, it will be better to use a few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil as the alternative treatment.

11. Muscles Pain

Litsea cubeba essential oil will be the effective way to solve muscle pain problem. Litsea cubeba essential oil contains anti-inflammatory in which it can heal any pains including muscles pain. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil will heal this problem well.

12. Arrhythmia

Litsea cubeba essential oil can normalize the cardiac arrhythmia. According to some studies Litsea cubeba essential oil is very effective to reduce the risk of arrhythmia for its sufferers.

13. Regulate Blood Pressure

Litsea cubeba essential oil can regulate blood pressure effectively. According to the researches Litsea cubeba essential oil helps to manage the blood pressure when used regularly.

14. Pampers your skin health

‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ and when it comes to the beauty of human beings, skin plays the prime role in determining one’s external beauty. Litsea cubeba oil has everything that is essential to maintain healthy-looking skin from within.

Massaging your skin with 2 drops of Litsea cubeba oil mixed with10 to 15 drops of coconut oil can work wonders on your greasy, oily, and infection-prone skin. This massage enhances blood circulation and controls the secretion of sebum.

The astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of this oil help you to keep away from acne, blemishes, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, psoriasis, and cellulite. The ability to cleanse the skin, balance the flow of sebum and shrink open pores, aids in treating and preventing acne flare-ups.

15. Kills insects and keeps your home fresh and clean

Litsea cubeba oil is the ideal fragrant way to keep away from insects and stay refreshed and ready to be picked up all through the day. You can add 2 drops of this oil in your regular insect repellant preparations or outdoor candles to keep your family protected from bugs, flies, mosquitoes and other insects and to give a clean and fresh feeling to your home. You can also add few drops of this oil in your shampoo, bathing water, body wash or skin care cream to stay protected in an insect-free environment.

16. Allergic

For those who are suffering from allergic or even chronic allergic may take a few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil to relief the allergic. According to the study revealed that Litsea cubeba has antibacterial and antifungal in which they can hand the problem relating to allergic and Litsea cubeba will even make the skin relaxed.

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17. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is very uncomfortable problem which can be handled by Litsea cubeba essential oil. According to the research Litsea cubeba can heal the chest ailments and also respiration including bronchitis. Thus for those who want to heal the bronchitis, Litsea cubeba will be the effective way to do so.

18. Treat the Nausea

Litsea cubeba is not known only of its great fragrance, but also it is known as the great essential oil to treat some diseases including the common disease such as nausea. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil will relief the nausea well.

19. Headache

It has been explained that Litsea cubeba essential oil is very effective to treat so many diseases including headache. The aroma of Litsea cubeba can affect the relaxation in which if it is oiled to head will give relaxation and that process will lead to the headache treatment and it will heal the headache.

20. Prevent from the Acne

Acne is common problem among people. They even get stressed facing the acne problem and they try their best to find the best treatment to fight it, but it is good news that finally medical science found that Litsea cubeba essential oil can prevent the skin from acne. It is due to the antibacterial properties contained on Litsea cubeba essential oil which normalize the cellulitis and prevent from the bacteria caused acne.

21. Treat the Oily Skin

Oily skin is actually an uncomfortable problem which can be handed by Litsea cubeba essential oil. Since it has mild astringent properties Litsea cubeba essential oil can treat the oily skin very well. The powerful aroma itself will reduce the oily skin very well too. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil as aromatherapy will reduce the inflammatory conditions including oily skin.

22. Keep the Mood Healthy

Researches revealed that Litsea cubeba essential oil is very great herb to raise the relaxation and cheer atmosphere for people. Keep the mood healthy means that Litsea cubeba essential oil can make the mood happy, relaxed and fresh therefore it will make mood healthy. Fragrance from Litsea cubeba essential oil is believed can lead to relaxation and it is proved by many fragrance products using Litsea cubeba essential oil. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil will erase the blues and also anxiousness among people.

23. Reduce the Excess Perspiration

Sweating means that you are healthy, but the excess sweating is sometimes bothering you in any occasions. There are many products working on how to reduce excess perspiration very well, but one of the best is Litsea cubeba essential oil. It is proved as the effective deodorant to reduce the excess sweating. A few drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil will be an effective deodorant to reduce excess sweating.

24. Maintains Muscle Health

Using Litsea Cubeba essential oil in a massage oil can help increase circulation and maintain muscle health. To relieve occasional soreness, mix a few drops of Litsea Cubeba essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the sore areas. You can also add a few drops of this essential oil to a warm bath.

Traditional uses and benefits of Litsea Cubeba essential oil

  • Massage into the chest for an invigorating aroma and soothing massage
  • Add one to two drops to your daily facial cleanser for clean skin
  • Combine several drops with water in a spray bottle to cleanse surfaces with a refreshing aroma
  • Diffuse for an uplifting, rejuvenating aroma
  • Put a drop in a glass of water for a bright, tasty drink of water
  • This herb and its oil has also been used and proved effective in the treatment of arrhythmia, nervous disorders, high blood pressure, coronary heart diseases and cancer cells death in case of lung cancer.
  • It has refreshing, stimulating and uplifting action, which makes it perfect for relieving fatigue and lethargic psychological states.
  • All parts of the plant were used to provide remedies for asthma, back pain, chills, digestive problems, dysmenorrhea, headaches and muscular aches and pains.
  • It was believed to have carcinostatic properties and therefore used to treat cancer.
  • Litsea Cubeba is a very effective deodorant that helps to reduce excess perspiration, so added to a lotion it can be used to make an all-over body lotion.
  • When diluted in carrier oil, Litsea Cubeba essential oil helps to open up the bronchial passages for those suffering from bronchitis, allergies, asthma and other chest ailments.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, Litsea Cubeba sometimes blends with other medicines in throat gargles, but only experienced practitioners should combine essential oils for internal use.
  • Chinese physicians use Litsea Cubeba oil to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

You can use litsea cubeba essential oil to make the following household products:

  • Perfumes and body fragrances
  • Insect repellants
  • Natural skincare products
  • Potpourri
  • Deodorizers
  • Laundry cleaners
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Massage oils
  • Bath oils and lotions
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles and soaps

While litsea cubeba essential oil is also known to improve digestion and reduce blood pressure, there are no scientific studies as yet to prove the same.

Uses and Dosage For Specific Condition

1. Litsea Essential Oil Can Combat Infections.

Litsea essential oil contains a high amount of antibacterial and antiviral properties. [3] Hence, it can fight against the common cold and cough.

The oil is also effective in treating skin infections such as Athlete’s foot, thanks to its antifungal properties.

How to use litsea oil for infections:

  • Add a few drops of litsea essential oil into a diffuser or vaporizer. It will help treat respiratory problems.
  • Dilute a few drops of litsea oil with a carrier oil and massage the affected area to treat Athlete’s foot.

2. It May Improve Mental Health.

The citrusy aroma of litsea essential oil can fill your mind with positive thinking.

If used in aromatherapy, this oil can reduce stress, anxiety, and induce relaxation. [4]

Learn how to use litsea oil to improve mental health:

  • Pour two drops of litsea oil into your vaporizer, diffuser, or burner aids. Inhale the aroma to calm your mind.

3. Litsea Essential Oil May Promote Healthy Skin.

Litsea essential oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. [5]

This essential oil also has mild astringent properties. So, it can clear out the acne-causing bacteria from your pores. It can also reduce and heal existing flare-ups.

Moreover, litsea oil can control excess perspiration and check bacterial growth that may cause body odor.

Here’s how you may use litsea oil for skin:

  • Mix 7 drops of litsea oil with 1 Oz of jojoba oil. Dab the oil mix all over your face.
  • Add a few drops of litsea essential oil to your regular body lotion and use it to reduce body odor.

4. It Can Reduce Pain & Inflammation.

Litsea essential oil is an effective pain reliever. It can increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation and improve muscle strength. [6]

The oil can also tone your tissues. It can flush out excess toxic substances and fluid deposits in the body.

A simple way of using litsea oil for pain & inflammation:

  • Take 2-3 drops of litsea essential oil and dilute it with 20 drops of coconut oil.
  • Massage the affected area to relieve the pain and inflammation.
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5. Litsea Essential Oil Can Cure Indigestion.

Litsea oil was quite popular in ancient Chinese medicine for treating digestive issues.

The oil has carminative properties that can reduce the discomfort caused by indigestion. Its stomachic properties can strengthen your digestive system. [2]

Litsea oil can also reduce painful cramps, thanks to its antispasmodic properties.

How to use litsea oil for indigestion:

  • Dilute a few drops of litsea oil with a suitable carrier oil.
  • Massage your stomach and lower abdomen area with the oil.

6. It May Fight Lung Cancer

In a study, litsea oil in vapor form effectively killed lung cancer cells. It could even stop the cancer cells from regenerating. [7]

The best part is, litsea oil didn’t attack the healthy cells at all.

Here’s how you may use litsea oil to fight lung cancer:

  • Add a few drops of litsea essential oil into a vaporizer or diffuser.
  • Inhale the aroma. You can also put the vaporizer or diffuser beside your bed to inhale the vapor while you’re sleeping.

7. Litsea Essential Oil Can Repel Insects

The citrusy fragrant of litsea oil is ideal to keep the insects away from your home. The oil has strong insect repellant and disinfectant components. [8]

These properties make litsea oil a great, all-natural house cleaner.

Learn how you may use litsea oil to repel insects:

  • Add two drops of litsea oil to your regular insect repellent preparation.
  • Add a few drops of litsea oil in a candle and put it outside.
  • You can also put a few drops into a diffuser to keep your home insect-free.

How to use

Bath & Shower

Inhale the aromatic stream while your skin absorbs all the benefits of the oil. For adults, add up to 5 drops in 2 tbsp bath oil, shower gel, full fat milk or carrier oil. For children over 2 years old or adults with sensitive skin, reduce the amount to up to 2 drops per 2 tbsp.

Inhalation

This technique helps to clear your head and nose. For adults, add 4–6 drops to a bowl of steaming water, pace a towel over your head and breathe. Children over 2 years old, adults with sensitive skin and asthmatics should not inhale directly. Instead, place the bowl of hot water with added oils in the room nearby.

Massages

Massage help to cleanse your body and mind while helping to ease aching muscles. For adults, add 1–3 drops in a diffuser or burner. For children over 2 years old, adults with sensitive skin or if applying to the face, add 1–3 drops in a diffuser.

Diffusers & Burners

A natural air freshener, this technique creates a cleansing ambiance. For adults, add 1–3 drops in a diffuser or burner. For children over 2 years old, add 1–3 drops in a diffuser.

Storage

It is recommended that oils packaged in metal containers (for safe shipping), be transferred into dark glass containers to maintain freshness and attain maximum shelf life.

Side Effects

As mentioned above, always dilute may change oil before using it topically as it is a potent oil. You can dilute a few drops in a carrier oil of your choice and test a small patch of skin before using it.

A report from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) revealed that household cleaners that contain the oil may cause skin allergies in certain individuals. Contact with the oil may also cause serious eye irritation. It is always better to use a little oil on surfaces to gauge any allergic reaction. Also, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (2011) reported this substance shows some evidence of causing contact allergy in people. It is advisable to exercise caution if you are pregnant or diabetic. It should be kept away from children. [rx] [rx] [rx]

Other Facts

  • Due to its enticing “lemony” fragrance, Litsea Cubeba is widely used in the perfumery, cosmetic and flavor industries.
  • It is great for cleaning jobs around the home such as sterilizing kitchen worktops.
  • The oil may be helpful in warding off mosquitoes and may even be added to a natural shampoo for dogs, along with other ingredients like honey, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil.
  • It is also used as a raw material by the chemical industry for the synthesis of vitamin A and violet-like fragrances.
  • It can be used in an oil burner mixed with a few drops of mandarin essential oil to create a natural and uplifting room freshener.
  • Add 5-10 drops to hot bath water, or sprinkle into shower steam before getting in for an at-home spa experience.
  • A few drops can be added to candles or lotion to provide insect repellent.

Precautions

  • The oil may increase pressure on the eyes, so avoid using it where glaucoma is an issue.
  • Always check with your health care practitioner before using any herbal therapy.
  • Avoid use on broken skin.
  • Avoid use during pregnancy.
  • Keep the Litsea Cubeba essential oil away from children especially babies or infants.
  • If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body.
  • Litsea Cubeba essential oil will also cause allergic for people who have the sensitive skin

From Where To Buy

 

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The International Federation of Aromatherapists, The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level or supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. All cautions listed for individual oils do not include those cautions from ingestion. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

References

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