Phellandrene

Phellandrene is a monoterpenoid, a class of organic compounds that are part of the terpene family. It is a key component in the essential oils of various plants and herbs, including eucalyptus, water fennel, and parsley. Phellandrene is known for its distinctive peppermint-like aroma and is often used in the fragrance industry.

Chemistry

Phellandrene is a cyclic monoterpene and consists of two isomers: alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. Both isomers are double-bond isomers. The alpha isomer has a cyclohexene ring, while the beta isomer has a cycloheptene ring.

Sources

Phellandrene is found in a variety of plants and herbs. It is most commonly found in the essential oils of the Eucalyptus genus, but can also be found in water fennel, and parsley. The concentration of phellandrene in these plants can vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

Uses

Phellandrene is primarily used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant peppermint-like aroma. It is also used in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese medicine where it is known as Qinghaosu.

Health Effects

While phellandrene is generally considered safe, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is recommended to always dilute phellandrene before topical application.

See Also

• Terpene
• Essential oil
• Eucalyptus
• Qinghaosu