# Sclareol (Diterpenoid)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sclareol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Sclareol diterpenoid, Labdane diterpenoid, 13-epi-Sclareol, Clary sage extract, Salvia sclarea compound, Diterpene alcohol

## Overview

Sclareol is a bicyclic diterpene alcohol found in clary sage that exhibits anti-inflammatory and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties in laboratory studies. This terpenoid compound modulates [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and demonstrates activity against various microorganisms, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies only)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties (preliminary evidence from laboratory research only)
• Plant-based defense mechanisms suggest potential bioactivity (theoretical, no human studies)
• May support cellular health (speculative based on plant physiology research)
• Potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties (no direct human evidence available)

## Mechanism of Action

Sclareol modulates inflammatory responses by inhibiting [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production and reducing NF-κB pathway activation in cellular studies. The compound demonstrates [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity by disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity and interfering with microbial membrane function. Its diterpene structure allows interaction with various cellular receptors and enzyme systems involved in inflammatory cascades.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for sclareol comes exclusively from in vitro laboratory studies and animal research, with no published human clinical trials available. Laboratory studies have shown [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects with IC50 values in the micromolar range for cytokine inhibition. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) testing has demonstrated activity against gram-positive bacteria and certain fungi in controlled laboratory conditions. The lack of human studies significantly limits conclusions about therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Sclareol is a bicyclic diterpene alcohol (C20H36O, molecular weight 308.50 g/mol) isolated primarily from Salvia sclarea (clary sage) at concentrations of 0.1–0.5% in the essential oil fraction and up to 5–7% in the concrete/absolute of the plant. It is not a nutritional ingredient and contains no meaningful macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein in any physiologically relevant quantity. As a pure bioactive compound, it is lipophilic in nature, with a log P (octanol-water partition coefficient) of approximately 5.8–6.2, indicating high fat solubility and poor water solubility (<0.1 mg/mL in aqueous environments). This lipophilicity significantly influences its bioavailability, as it requires lipid-based delivery systems or solubilizing agents for effective absorption. Sclareol is a terpenoid secondary metabolite; its bioactive profile is characterized by two hydroxyl groups at C-13 and C-8 positions, which are considered responsible for its reported biological interactions. It is found in trace quantities in clary sage-derived food flavorings (estimated <1 mg/kg in flavored products), but typical dietary exposure is negligible. No established dietary reference values, tolerable upper intake levels, or nutritional density metrics apply to this compound. Bioavailability data in humans is absent; in vitro membrane permeability studies suggest passive diffusion as the primary absorption mechanism due to its lipophilic character.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Forms, standardization details, and safe dosing parameters remain unestablished. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for sclareol supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical studies. As a plant-derived terpenoid, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with sage family plant allergies. Potential interactions with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes cannot be ruled out. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid sclareol supplements due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for sclareol were found in the available research. Current evidence is limited to in vitro, animal, and plant-based studies suggesting [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) bioactivities.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicinal uses in specific systems such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine are documented in the available research. Sclareol's known role is primarily in plant physiology for growth, pollinator attraction, and defense against pathogens.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other terpenoids, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) botanicals, sage extracts, labdane compounds, plant-based [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is sclareol and where does it come from?

Sclareol is a bicyclic diterpene alcohol primarily extracted from clary sage (Salvia sclarea) plants. It's also found in smaller amounts in other Salvia species and serves as a natural plant defense compound.

### How much sclareol should I take daily?

No established dosage recommendations exist for sclareol supplements since human clinical studies have not been conducted. Laboratory studies have used concentrations ranging from 1-100 micromolar, but this cannot translate to human dosing without proper clinical research.

### Can sclareol help with inflammation?

Laboratory studies suggest sclareol may reduce inflammatory markers by inhibiting NF-κB pathways and cytokine production. However, these anti-inflammatory effects have only been demonstrated in cell cultures and animal models, not in human studies.

### Does sclareol have any proven antimicrobial effects?

In vitro studies show sclareol exhibits antimicrobial activity against certain gram-positive bacteria and fungi by disrupting cell membrane integrity. These effects have minimum inhibitory concentrations in the 25-50 μg/mL range in laboratory testing.

### Are there any side effects of taking sclareol?

Potential side effects of sclareol supplementation are unknown due to lack of human studies. Individuals allergic to sage plants may experience allergic reactions, and the compound may interact with liver enzymes that process medications.

### What is the current state of clinical research evidence for sclareol in humans?

Most evidence for sclareol comes from in vitro (laboratory) and theoretical studies based on plant physiology, with very limited human clinical trials to date. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties observed in test tubes have not been conclusively demonstrated in controlled human studies. More robust clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and appropriate dosing in humans. Current supplement use of sclareol is largely based on traditional use and preliminary laboratory findings rather than strong clinical evidence.

### Is sclareol safe to use alongside common medications?

There is insufficient human research data on sclareol's interactions with medications, making definitive safety claims difficult. Because sclareol may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in theory, there is potential for interactions with blood thinners, immune-modulating drugs, or anti-inflammatory medications, though this has not been formally studied. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding sclareol supplements. No major adverse interactions have been documented, but this reflects limited research rather than proven safety.

### Which food sources or plant materials contain meaningful amounts of sclareol?

Sclareol is naturally present in sage (Salvia sclarea), particularly in clary sage essential oil and plant resin, though the bioavailable amount from consuming sage is typically minimal. Other Salvia species and some aromatic plants may contain sclareol, but concentrations vary widely depending on growing conditions and plant part used. Obtaining therapeutic levels of sclareol from food sources alone would be impractical, which is why it is primarily available as an isolated supplement ingredient. Most dietary exposure to sclareol from herbs is incidental rather than targeted for its bioactive effects.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*