
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Citronellol
Introduction
Citronellol, or dihydrogeraniol, is a natural acyclic monoterpenoid. Both enantiomers occur in nature. (+)-Citronellol, which is found citronella oils, including Cymbopogon nardus (50%), is the more common isomer. (−)-Citronellol is found in the oils of rose (18-55%) and geranium.[1]
Citronellol is used in perfumes and insect repellents,[2] and as a mite attractant.[3]
Health & Safety information
Health & Safety information
The United States FDA considers citronellol as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe for food use).[4] Citronellol should be avoided by people with perfume allergy.[5]
References
References
- ↑ Lawless, J., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils ISBN 1-85230-661-0
- ↑ Taylor WG, Schreck CE. Chiral-phase capillary gas chromatography and mosquito repellent activity of some oxazolidine derivatives of (+)- and (-)-citronellol, J Pharm Sci. 1985 May;74(5)pp534-9.
- ↑ US EPA Citronellol Fact Sheet
- ↑ US EPA Citronellol Fact Sheet
- ↑ Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in massage oils
