Oxygenated Compounds → Alcohols → Monoterpenols
When a hydroxyl group, which consists of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom (OH), attaches to a carbon in a chain by replacing a hydrogen molecule, it creates an alcohol. This can be a monoterpenic alcohol, sesquiterpenic alcohol, or diterpenic alcohol, depending on whether the carbon chain has two, three, or four isoprene units. The resulting alcohol's name will always end with -ol, such as geraniol.
Formula: When an alcohol functional group is linked to a monoterpene, these compounds are referred to as monoterpenols.
Ending: -ol
Physical and chemical properties:
- Monoterpenols usually fall in the middle note category, with many being floral and very aromatic.
Therapeutic properties:
Physical effects: Monoterpenols serve as powerful immune modulators, swiftly safeguarding the immune system from a range of stressors in a non-specific way. They help balance the hormone, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Additionally, they support the skin's repair processes, offering benefits for skin care and cell regeneration. Their strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties work effectively without harming the skin or disrupting the body's natural skin flora.
Psychic Effect: Monoterpenols, especially the acyclic compounds like linalool, geraniol, and citronellol found in rose and geranium, may possess adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are safe, medicinal substances that assist the body in adjusting to varying environmental conditions. They significantly regulate stress hormone production, helping to decrease excessive excitability while providing a boost during times of sadness or fatigue. These compounds are known to enhance mood and promote awareness, mindfulness, and compassion.
Structure:
10 C
Exemples:
Acyclic: Geraniol, Lavandulol, Linalool
Monocyclic: Piperitol, Pulegol, α-Terpineol
Bicyclic: Borneol, Thujanol-4
Safety warnings:
* Menthol may irritate the skin, so keep away from infants under 6 years and pregnant women.
Properties of Monoterpenols
Citronellol has analgesic properties.
Linalool is found in lavender, coriander, and cinnamon and has a floral aroma. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects, and is frequently used in aromatherapy for its ability to relieve anxiety and promote sleep. In addition, linalool may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Menthol is widely recognized as a topical analgesic, and several human studies have suggested that it exhibits analgesic properties in cases of headache and postherpetic neuralgia. The d-form was the only compound in the systematic review that did not demonstrate any analgesic effect. In contrast, the l-form appears to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. However, it is perhaps most famous for its ability to create a cooling and numbing effect on the skin - especially when applied in low concentrations - due to the activation of ion channels. However, when used in higher concentrations, menthol can cause sensations of heat, burning, and even pain; this occurs because the increased concentration results in a reversible blockade of ion channels.
Terpineol is a key ingredient found in pine oils and is also present in trace amounts in various other essential oils, including eucalyptus and cajeput. This compound is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol, known for its antinociceptive effects, which occur both centrally and peripherally; it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It has a delicate, sweet, floral scent, reminiscent of lilac.
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