Recent updates on bioactive properties of α-terpineol

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