Carveol is a natural unsaturated, monocyclic monoterpenoid alcohol that is a constituent of spearmint essential oil in the form of cis-(âÂÂ)-carveol. It is a colorless fluid soluble in oils, but insoluble in water and has an odor and flavor that resemble those of spearmint and caraway. Consequently, it is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavor additive in the food industry.
It has been found to exhibit chemoprevention of mammary carcinogenesis (prevents breast cancer).
An alpha-trans-dihydroxy derivative, (1R,2R,6S)-3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-ene-1,2-diol, possesses potent antiparkinsonian activity in animal models.
Monoterpenes such as carveol are produced from geranyl pyrophosphate. The immediate precursor in plants including peppermint and spearmint is limonene. Oxidation of the (S) enantiomer by (S)-limonene 6-monooxygenase gives (âÂÂ)-trans-carveol:
An alternative enzyme, (R)-limonene 6-monooxygenase is present in caraway and gives (+)-trans-carveol.