Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-terpineol
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol found in a variety of essential oils, including pine oil and tea tree oil. Its use for supporting or treating cough, specifically of a spastic (or convulsive) nature, is primarily grounded in traditional and folk medicine rather than robust scientific evidence. Traditional herbal texts and ethnobotanical sources have cited the use of alpha-terpineol-containing oils (such as eucalyptus or pine) in steam inhalations or balms to relieve cough and respiratory discomfort. This practice is based on the observation that certain volatile compounds may have soothing or mild expectorant effects.

Scientific research directly investigating alpha-terpineol’s effects on cough is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that alpha-terpineol has anti-inflammatory and mild antispasmodic properties, which could theoretically contribute to cough relief. However, these effects have not been conclusively demonstrated in well-designed clinical trials for spastic cough in humans. Therefore, while there is a basis in tradition and some plausible pharmacological actions, the overall evidence remains weak and largely anecdotal.

In summary, the use of alpha-terpineol for spastic cough is supported chiefly by traditional use and limited preclinical data, but lacks robust clinical validation.

More about Alpha-terpineol
More about Cough (spastic)

Products containing Alpha-terpineol

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