Toxicity of Selected Monoterpenes and Essential Oils Rich in These Compounds

Summary & key facts

This 2022 review looks at the safety and harms of monoterpenes, a large group of plant chemicals used for their antioxidant, antibacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects and for their smells in food and cosmetics. The paper summarizes lab and animal (in vitro and in vivo) studies on six selected monoterpenes—α-terpinene, camphor, citral, limonene, pulegone and thujone—and their essential oils. The review says most monoterpenes are safe for food and medical uses, but some compounds can cause serious problems in certain amounts or situations (for example during pregnancy), including effects on embryos, nerves, genes, and allergic reactions.

Key facts:

• Monoterpenes are the largest group of plant secondary metabolites and are found in many plants, including the Lamiaceae family.
• The review examined toxicity data (both in vitro and in vivo) for six specific monoterpenes: α-terpinene, camphor, citral, limonene, pulegone and thujone.
• Monoterpenes are used for antioxidant, antibacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory purposes, and are commonly used in medicines, foods and cosmetics because of their fragrance.
• The review reports that selected monoterpenes showed toxic properties that include embryotoxicity (harm to embryos), neurotoxicity (harm to the nervous system), allergenic effects, and genotoxicity (damage to genetic material).
• The authors state that although most monoterpenes are considered safe for food and medical applications, some compounds can cause serious disorders when taken in certain amounts or under particular circumstances, such as pregnancy.
• The paper is a 2022 review article that summarizes existing laboratory and animal study findings rather than presenting new clinical trial results.

Abstract

Monoterpenes make up the largest group of plant secondary metabolites. They can be found in numerous plants, among others, the Lamiaceae family. The compounds demonstrate antioxidative, antibacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory activity, hence, they are often employed in medicine and phar …

Topics

Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies

Categories

Agricultural and Biological Sciences Food Science Life Sciences

Tags

Camphor Chemistry Citral Essential oil Food science Generally recognized as safe Lamiaceae Limonene Medicine Menthone Monoterpene Organic chemistry Pulegone Traditional medicine