Alpha-terpineol

Posted on January 18, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

Alpha-terpineol is one of the isomers of terpineol, which is a monoterpene alcohol found in Pine oil, Cajeput oil and petitgrain oil. It is present in the barbed skull cap, Lapsang souchong tea, a black tea from China. When the leaves of Lapsang souchong is dried using the pine smoke, alpha terpineol and longifolene are produced.

Alpha-terpineol is the major constituent of the mixture of the isomers that together form terpineol. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₈O and it is also referred by various other names such as 1-alpha-terpineol, DL-alpha-terpineol, alpha terpineol sodium salt and so on.

Attributes of alpha-terpineol:

It is a colorless oily liquid to solid with floral lilac aroma. It owns sweet lime taste. It is used as a flavoring agent due to its distinctiveness. It is used as intermediates, solvents and as a fragrancing agent in perfumery.

Therapeutic properties of alpha-terpineol:

Antimicrobial activity:

Alpha-terpineol exhibits antibacterial activity. In the study “Antimicrobial effect of linalool and α-terpineol against periodontopathic and cariogenic bacteria” it was established that alpha terpineol showed antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic and cariogenic bacteria.

According to the study, “The proposed mechanism of bactericidal action of eugenol, alpha-terpineol and gamma-terpinene against Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli”, it was found that alpha terpineol was active against the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli.

Antifungal activity:

Alpha terpineol possesses antifungal effect against a range of fungi. It is evident from the study “Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil” that alpha terpineol present in Melaleuca alternifolia is active against a range of fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations.

In another study titled “Antifungal activity of citral, octanal and alpha-terpineol against Geotrichum citri-aurantii”, it is also made clear that alpha terpineol exhibit antifungal activity against Geotrichum citri-aurantii.

In the book named “Candidiasis—Advances in Research and Treatment: 2012 Edition: Scholarly Paper”, it is mentioned that alpha terpineol present in the essential oil of Artemisia princeps pamp., reduces the growth of Candida albicans and Gardnerella vaginalisis.

Anti-inflammatory effect:

Alpha terpineol is also acclaimed for its anti-inflammatory effect, which is evident from the study “Characterization of α-Terpineol as an anti-inflammatory component of Orange Juice by in Vitro Studies Using oral Buccal Cells”. In this study, it was found that alpha terpineol found in the orange juice possess anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

In another study “The water-soluble components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) suppress the production of superoxide by human monocytes, but not neutrophils, activated in vitro”, it was made clear that alpha-terpineol suppress the production of silver oxide and regulates the functioning of cells during inflammation.

Anti-proliferative effect:

A study titled “Antiproliferative activity of essential oils derived from plants belonging to the Magnoliophyta division” was conducted to test the anti-proliferative effects of the essential oils from different plants in Magnoliophyta family. It was determined that alpha terpineol and caryophyllene present in the essential oils exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative effects on human erythroleukemic K562 cells.

Anticancer activity:

Alpha-terpineol exhibits anticancer activity against human cell lung carcinoma. According to the study “Alpha Terpineol: A Potential Anticancer Agent which Acts through Suppressing NF-κB Signalling” the cytotoxic effect and anticancer activity of alpha terpineol was examined. It was found that alpha terpineol when treated on human cell lung carcinoma reduces the growth of the tumour cells through suppression of NF-κB pathway.

Skin penetration enhancement:

In a study “Terpenes and the Lipid–Protein–Partitioning Theory of Skin Penetration Enhancement”, it was reported that alpha terpineol acts as a skin penetration enhancer by enhancing the permeability of skin to lipid soluble compounds.

Reference Links:

Citronellol

Posted on January 17, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

Citronellol is a colorless oily liquid usually present in the essential oils of Citronella oil, Geranium, Muscatel sage and Sandalwood. The essential oils of Rose, Lemongrass, Tagetes, Neroli, Chamomile, Basil and Lavender also constitutes of Citronellol.

It has also been found that Citronellol is a volatile component of orange juice, bilberry, lemon peel oil, guava, red wine, nutmeg, white wine, black tea, green tea, mango, plum brandy and star anise.

Citronellol is an acyclic monoterpenoid with the molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O. It is also known by other names, including beta-citronellol, DL citronellol, dihydro geraniol and 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol.

Attributes of citronellol:

Citronellol is a pale viscous liquid with a sweet floral aroma of rose and owns a bitter taste. It possesses a floral rosy and fresh citrus flavor.

It is used as a fragrance enhancer in perfumery as it enhances the fragrances of floral types, especially rose. Because of its aroma and flavour, it is used in cosmetics soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, skin and hair care products, colognes, shaving creams, after shave lotion and bath products. It is used in beverages for its flavor.

Therapeutic uses of citronellol:

Citronellol has antimicrobial, antifungal, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant activities.

Antimicrobial and antifungal activity:

Citronellol exhibit antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This was evident from the study “Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Selected Essential Oils Components against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus” in which the antibacterial activity of the carveol, carveone, citronellol and citronellal against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were determined.

In the study titled “Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Four Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) varieties, the essential oils of four lemongrass were examined for their antibacterial activity. Citronellol and citronellal present in the essential oil of Cymbopogon travencorensis is responsible for the potential antifungal activity of the essential oil.

According to the research article “Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol, two monoterpenes alcohols, against Trichophyton rubrum involves inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis”, geraniol and citronellol exhibit potential antifungal activity against the strains of Trichophyton rubrum which causes dermatophytosis.

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties:

According to the study named “Effect of Citronellol and the Chinese Medical Herb Complex on Cellular Immunity of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy”, it is stated that citronellol has anticancer and anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties and it promotes wound healing.

When a mixture of Citronellol and extracts from three Chinese medicinal herbs such as Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula and Angelica sinensis given to cancer patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy, there was an improvement in the immune system improving their ability to fight against cancer and any secondary infections caused due to the treatment.

Lowers blood pressure:

Citronellol reduces the blood pressure by vascular smooth muscle leading to vasodilatation. This is evident from the study titled,” Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, in rats” in which citronellol produced hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects in rats.

Analgesic:

According to a study named “Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, reduces antinociceptive and inflammatory activities in rodents”, it was found that citronellol is as effective as an analgesic in various pain models in rats.

Treatment of cardiovascular disease:

In the study “Cardiovascular effects of monoterpenes: a review”, thirty three monoterpenes were examined for their cardio-vascular activity and it was found that citronellol is one of the monoterpenes that produced hypotension and tachycardia in conscious rats. It was also able to induce vasorelaxation in superior mesenteric artery of rats.

As insect repellent:

Citronellol is used in insect repellents. It is an effective mosquito repellent at short distances and its effect gradually decreases with increase in distances. It repels the mosquitoes effectively for 1.5 hours when it is combined with beta-cyclodextrin.

Mite attractants:

Citronellol is used on food crops and ornamentals to attract mites, which are an important agricultural pest. So it is one of the active ingredients in pesticides.

Reference Links:

Sabinene

Posted on January 16, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

Sabinene is a bicyclic unsaturated terpenoid with the molecular formula C₁₀H_16.It is also known by other names like 4(10)-Thujene; Sabenene; Sabinen; etc.

It is usually present in the essential oils of plants such as Black pepper, Holm oak, Norway spruce, Nutmeg, Clausena anisata and Laurus nobilis. It is also obtained from Tea tree oil in little concentration. It is also a key ingredient of Carrot seed oil.

Attributes of Sabinene:

It has a woody and spicy smell.

Being a constituent of the black pepper, Sabinene is the reason behind the hotness and spicy element of black pepper.

Sabinene is one of the constituents of carrot that adds the key flavor to carrots. Sabinene also seems to be one of the significant components present in carrots that contribute to green, earthy, carrot top flavour with relatively high odor activity values.

Sabinene also showed strong radical-scavenging activity, which enables the essential oil containing sabinene to be antioxidant in nature.

It also serves as an additive in perfumes.

Therapeutic uses of Sabinene:

The most predominant remedial values of Sabinene are:

As an anti-inflammatory agent:

Sabinene also exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antifungal properties.

According to a study titled “Anti-fungal, anti-oxidant ad anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L.essential oil”, it has been found that sabinene exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides and interferon gamma triggered macrophages.

It is also used to treat inflammation on the skin. It is also used for the treatment of dermatophytosis and other inflammatory conditions.

According to a study, ‘Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil’, it was stated that sabinene present in the essential oil Oenanthe crocata is responsible for its anti-inflammatory attribute.

Sabinene in this essential oil extremely exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrosis factor alpha and interlukin.

As anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent:

Sabinene also possess anti-bacterial properties and has been witnessed by various studies. According to the study titled, “The Essential Oil Constituents of Zorniadiphylla (L.) Pers, and Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of the Oil”, it had been stated that sabinene showed a strong anti-microbial activity against Salmonella typhi, which causes food poisoning. Sabinene also proved to contain anti-fungal potency.

Sabinene exhibits strong to moderate anti-bacterial activity against gram positive bacteria and anti-fungal activity against pathogenic fungi.

Sabinene present in tea tree oil is an anti-bacterial and an antiseptic, anti-helicobacter, anti-ulcer. Sabinene is also used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent.

Reference Links:

Sabinene by Wikipedia

Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil, published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and different fractions of Juniperus communis L. and a comparison with some commercial antibiotics.

The Essential Oil Constituents of Zorniadiphylla (L.) Pers, and Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of the Oil, by the Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, India