α-Terpineol is a terpene alcohol that is found in natural oils such as pine oil and petitgrain (the oil from the bitter orange tree). It is the most common of four structural isomers; the others are β-, γ-, and 4-terpineol.

What is a terpineol used for?

In addition, α-terpineol attracts a great interest as it has a wide range of biological applications as an antioxidant, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antiulcer, antihypertensive, anti-nociceptive compound. It is also used to enhance skin penetration, and also has insecticidal properties.

Is terpineol safe?

Linalool, terpineol, alpha-terpineol, nerolidol and linalyl acetate are considered safe for the environment based on their abundance in plant materials present in European countries.