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alpha-Terpinene
PreliminaryMechanism of Action
alpha-Terpinene is a potent antioxidant due to its cyclohexadiene structure, which readily donates hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals, interrupting lipid peroxidation chain reactions. It is also the biosynthetic precursor to ascaridole — in the plant, singlet oxygen (generated by photosensitizers) converts alpha-terpinene to ascaridole via a [4+2] cycloaddition. alpha-Terpinene contributes to the herb's antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption similar to other monoterpene hydrocarbons.
Research Notes
EpazoteSouth American
The antioxidant activity of alpha-terpinene has been characterized in DPPH and lipid peroxidation assays, showing activity superior to alpha-tocopherol on a molar basis (Ruberto & Baratta, 2000). The photochemical conversion of alpha-terpinene to ascaridole has been demonstrated in laboratory conditions, confirming the plant's unique biosynthetic pathway. Antimicrobial synergy between alpha-terpinene and ascaridole has been noted in several in vitro studies but specific mechanistic studies on the isolated compound are limited.
Found In 1 Herb
3D Molecular Structure
Monoterpene hydrocarbon (cyclohexadiene)
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alpha-Terpinene
Monoterpene hydrocarbon (cyclohexadiene)Aromatic plant metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties
Representative pattern: C₁₀H₁₆O
Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen
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