Sclareol

Sclareol is a fragrant chemical compound found in Salvia sclarea, from which it derives its name. It is classified as a bicyclic diterpene alcohol. It is an amber colored solid with a sweet, balsamic scent.

In an experiment in which sclareol was dissolved in jojoba oil and applied to mice, sclareol was detected in the blood (transdermal absorption) 30 minutes after application. In this study, higher concentrations of sclareol were detected in liver homogenates than in blood. Although sclareol accumulation in the liver was suggested, it was concluded that no acute liver dysfunction was seen because AST and ALT were not elevated. Sclareol is also able to kill human leukemic cells and colon cancer cells in vitro by apoptosis.