Terpene Series: Pulegone

Pulegone is a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety of plants such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita, and pennyroyal, as well as in many types of cannabis. It is classified as a monoterpene. 

Pulegone has a fresh peppermint aroma, which gives plants containing this compound their natural scent. Because of pulegone’s pleasant natural minty fragrance and taste, it’s used in many products, such as baked goods, ice creams, candies, alcohol, cosmetics, perfumes, and hygiene products. It’s also sometimes used to brew tea. Pulegone is also an insecticide − the most powerful of three insecticides naturally occurring in many mint species.

However, pulegone, has been found to be a carcinogen that causes hepatic carcinomas, pulmonary metaplasia, and other neoplasms on oral administration in rodents. In 2018, the FDA banned synthetic pulegone as a food additive.

The boiling point for pulegone is 224 degrees Celsius.