Linalool

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene that is found in a variety of plants and flowers. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, floral scent that is widely used in a variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning agents.

Chemistry

Linalool belongs to the class of organic compounds known as terpenoids, which are made up of five-carbon isoprene units and have diverse structures and functions. It has a molecular formula of C10H18O and a molecular weight of 154.25 g/mol. Linalool can exist in two stereoisomeric forms, (R)-linalool and (S)-linalool, which have different scents and are found in different types of plants.

Sources

Linalool is found in over 200 species of plants, including lavender, coriander, rose, bergamot, and cannabis. It is also found in some fungi. The concentration of linalool in these plants can vary widely, and it is often extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing.

Uses

Linalool is widely used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant, floral scent. It is a common ingredient in perfumes, soaps, detergents, and lotions. In addition to its use in fragrances, linalool also has several other applications. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, and it has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Effects

Linalool is generally considered safe for topical and oral use. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to linalool, resulting in skin irritation or contact dermatitis. In addition, inhaling linalool can cause respiratory irritation in some individuals.

Research

Research on linalool has focused on its potential therapeutic effects. Some studies suggest that linalool may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand how linalool works in the body.

See Also

Chemistry icon li.svg
This article is a stub related to chemistry. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD