Compound Monograph
alpha-Terpineol
alpha-Terpineol is a common monoterpene alcohol with a lilac-like aroma, found in many plant essential oils.
Classification
alpha-Terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (8)
alpha-Terpineol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol, found in Rooibos, Pine, Tea tree and 5 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
alpha-Terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol with a pleasant lilac-like aroma that occurs widely across plant essential oils, including rooibos, pine, tea tree and cajuput. It is used extensively as a fragrance and flavour ingredient and has been examined in the laboratory for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, as is typical of common aroma terpenoids.
Toxicity & Safety
alpha-Terpineol is generally regarded as low in toxicity at the levels found in foods, fragrances and essential oils, and it is an approved flavouring agent. Undiluted essential oils rich in it can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes, so concentrated oils should be diluted before topical use.