Sclareol: Isolation, Structural Modification, Biosynthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation – A Review

Sclareol, isolated from a variety of plant species like Salvia sclarea, is a labdane diterpene of high value for the flavour and fragrance industries. Sclareol is biosynthetically produced through the methylerythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway. It is a nontoxic molecule used as a topical and oral product. This bicyclic diterpene alcohol is a key starting natural product for the preparation of the high-value perfume ingredient ambroxide. A number of research studies regarding sclareol chemistry, biosynthesis and pharmacological activities are reported in the literature. The present review is an attempt to compile the different aspects of sclareol. The review presents the occurrence, biosynthesis, pharmacological properties and structural modifications of sclareol.