Phytol: A Terpene with an Interesting History



German chemist Richard Wilstätter first obtained the Phytol terpene by hydrolysis in 1909. The terpene earns its name from the Greek word for ‘plant’, pronounced fytó. Phytol can be found in ginger, mugwort, raspberries, parsnips and white cabbages!

The Phytol compound has a long history of use in folk medicine and was even used by Aboriginal Australians to treat colds and flu.** Phytol’s medicinal properties may also have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.* Phytol studies have shown it may also help protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.***

Phytol has a wide range of uses, including insecticides and as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes. Phytol has a floral aroma and is used as a flavor enhancer in many foods and beverages.

Curious to learn more about Phytol and which products at The Apothecarium carry this amazing terpene? Visit https://shop.apothecarium.com to learn more.

Learn more about terpene “entourage effects” or peruse our full terpene educational series below:

Limonene Terpenes
Borneol Camphene Terpenes
Bisabolol Terpenes
Carene Terpenes
Caryophyllene Terpenes
Eucalyptol Terpenes
Geraniol Terpenes
Linalool Terpenes
Myrcene Terpenes
Pinene Terpenes
Humulene Terpenes
Terpinolene Terpenes

* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27667264/
** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231311/
*** https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009279717301928