Alpha-fenchone (fenchone) is a natural organic compound classified as a monoterpene and a ketone.¹ It is an oily, colorless liquid and resembles camphor in its structure and odor. 

Fenchone can be found in the essential oil of fennel and is a significant component of absinthe. Other sources of fenchone include cedarwood, Spanish lavender, African wild sage, and cistus (labdanum).

Fenchone is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and food flavoring. Fenchone is acknowledged for having anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. It may also be used to repel insects, although a 2002 study² published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, indicated it would need to be applied more regularly to be efficacious.

A 2017 study demonstrated the wound-healing properties of both fenchone and limonene.³ The results supported the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of both terpenes.  The Frontiers in Microbiology published a study⁴ on fenchone preventing fungal infections, and the results showed that fenchone could be useful in controlling yeast infections. Another study published by Pharmacology Online showed that both alpha-pinene and fenchone demonstrated significant analgesic properties.⁵