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.

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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).

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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.

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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