Recent updates on bioactive properties of α-terpineol

ABSTRACT

α-Terpineol, a monocyclic monoterpenoid tertiary alcohol with lilac-like aroma, is found in a variety of plant essential oils. Current research has revealed that α-terpineol has a varied range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiarrheal effects. These beneficial activities of α-terpineol coupled with its unique aroma and safety offer the possibility of incorporating this compound into food, cosmetic, non-cosmetic, medical, agricultural, and chemical industries. Hence, this paper summarizes the sources and production of α-terpineol, and focuses on the biological properties so far described for α-terpineol and its mechanism of action. Furthermore, the safety of α-terpineol, industrial applications and directions for future α-terpineol research are discussed. This paper provides reference for the research and application of α-terpineol in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• Α-terpineol
• production
• biological activity
• safety
• industrial application

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 32101868), the Henan University of Technology Talent Introduction Fund (grant number 2021BS054) and Natural Science Fund of Zhengzhou Science and Technology Bureau (grant number 22ZZRDZX26)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.