Perillyl alcohol is a chemical found in certain plants such as lavender and citrus fruits.
People use perillyl alcohol for conditions such as various cancers, for skin damage caused by long-term sun exposure, and as a mosquito repellent, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using perillyl alcohol for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
There isn't enough information to know how perillyl alcohol might work against cancer. Test tube research and research in animals suggest that perillyl alcohol might prevent cancer cells from growing. But there is not enough information to know if perillyl alcohol has this effect in people.
Perillyl alcohol seems to repel mosquitoes. There isn't enough information to know how perillyl alcohol might do this.
When taken by mouth: Perillyl alcohol is POSSIBLY SAFE when used under medical supervision. But don't take perillyl alcohol on your own. Taking perillyl alcohol can cause several serious side effects including stomach upset, reflux, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and headache. Higher doses are more likely to cause more side effects. Many people who take perillyl alcohol have to stop because they can't tolerate the side effects, even at usual doses.
There have been reports of pancreatitis, increased bilirubin (which is a measure of liver function), increased white blood cell count, and low potassium levels in people taking high doses of perillyl alcohol.
When applied to the skin: Perillyl alcohol is POSSIBLY SAFE.
When given as a nasal spray: Perillyl alcohol is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause a runny nose and nose irritation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if perillyl alcohol is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Perillyl Alcohol interacts with any medicines. Before taking Perillyl Alcohol, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of perillyl alcohol depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for perillyl alcohol. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Acide Dihydropérillique, Acide Périllique, Alcohol Perílico, Alcool Périllique, Dihydroperillic Acid, Monoterpene Perillyl Alcohol, Monoterpène, Perillic Acid, Périllique, Perillyl, Perilyl, Perrillyl, POH.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.