Recent updates on bioactive properties of alpha-terpineol

a-Terpineol, a monocyclic monoterpenoid tertiary alcohol with lilac-like aroma, is found in a variety of plant essential oils. Current research has revealed that a-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 a-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 a-terpineol, and focuses on the biological properties so far described for a-terpineol and its mechanism of action. Furthermore, the safety of a-terpineol, industrial applications and directions for future a-terpineol research are discussed. This paper provides reference for the research and application of a-terpineol in the future.