# Sclareolide (Lactone of sclareol) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sclareolide **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Lactone of sclareol, Sclareol lactone, 13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdan-8,12-olide, Clary sage lactone, (8S,12R)-labd-13-en-8,12-olide ## Overview Sclareolide is a bicyclic diterpene lactone derived from the oxidative degradation of sclareol, a compound found in clary sage (Salvia sclarea). It has demonstrated [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and cytotoxic properties in laboratory settings, primarily through membrane disruption and interference with cellular proliferation pathways. ## Health Benefits • Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis (in vitro evidence only) • Potential cytotoxic effects demonstrated in laboratory studies (preliminary evidence) • No human clinical benefits established - all evidence limited to test tube studies • Currently researched primarily for non-therapeutic applications like perfumery • No traditional medicinal use documented in available research ## Mechanism of Action Sclareolide exerts antibacterial effects partly through disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity, compromising the proton motive force and increasing membrane permeability against organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its preliminary cytotoxic activity in cancer cell lines is hypothesized to involve inhibition of cell cycle progression and induction of apoptotic pathways, potentially through modulation of caspase activation and [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential. The lactone moiety within its bicyclic ring structure is considered central to its bioactivity, as it enables electrophilic interactions with nucleophilic residues on target proteins and enzymes. ## Clinical Summary All available evidence for sclareolide is derived exclusively from in vitro cell culture and animal studies; no human clinical trials have been conducted to date. Laboratory studies have reported minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, though these values vary across studies and have not been validated in vivo. Cytotoxic effects have been observed in isolated cancer cell lines, but these findings cannot be extrapolated to therapeutic efficacy or safety in humans without controlled trials. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and sclareolide cannot be recommended for any clinical health indication at this time. ## Nutritional Profile Sclareolide (C16H26O2, molecular weight 250.38 g/mol) is a bicyclic lactone (sesquiterpene-derived compound) isolated as a oxidative metabolite of sclareol from Salvia sclarea (clary sage). It is not a nutritional ingredient and contains no meaningful macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. As a pure isolated terpenoid lactone compound, it consists entirely of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in its lactone ring structure. Bioactive compound concentration when used in applications is typically in the microgram-to-milligram range per formulation. Its primary bioactive identity is as an ambroxide precursor in fragrance chemistry and as a sesquiterpene lactone with demonstrated in vitro bioactivity. Oral bioavailability data in humans is absent from the literature; lipophilic character (estimated logP approximately 3.5–4.5) suggests potential for passive membrane permeability, but no pharmacokinetic studies in humans have been conducted. It is not metabolized as a food nutrient. No caloric value, glycemic impact, or nutrient contribution is applicable. Trace amounts may occur naturally in clary sage essential oil extracts at concentrations of less than 1% of total extract composition. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. Commercial forms exist with >99% purity but are not standardized for therapeutic use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No human safety data, established tolerable dosage, or toxicological profile currently exists for sclareolide used as a dietary supplement. Its cytotoxic properties observed in vitro raise theoretical concerns about potential harm to healthy cells at elevated concentrations, though this has not been characterized in human or animal dose-escalation studies. No documented drug interactions, contraindications, or pregnancy safety data are available, meaning use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or alongside pharmaceutical medications should be avoided until evidence emerges. Individuals considering sclareolide-containing products should consult a healthcare provider, as the compound's safety ceiling in humans remains entirely undefined. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on sclareolide. The only available research consists of in vitro studies, including work by Hayet E, et al. (Pak J Pharm Sci. 2007) demonstrating antibacterial and cytotoxic effects in laboratory settings. ## Historical & Cultural Context No evidence of historical or traditional medicinal use in any systems including Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine was found in the available research. Sclareolide is primarily noted for modern applications in the perfumery industry as a fixative. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of clinical research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is sclareolide derived from? Sclareolide is a bicyclic diterpene lactone produced by the oxidative degradation of sclareol, a natural diterpenol alcohol found predominantly in clary sage (Salvia sclarea). It belongs to the ambroxide chemical family and shares structural features with other labdane-type diterpenes. It is also used commercially as a fragrance fixative in perfumery due to its ambergris-like odor profile. ### Does sclareolide kill bacteria? In vitro studies have shown sclareolide exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis, likely through disruption of bacterial membrane integrity. However, these findings come solely from test tube experiments, and no animal or human studies have confirmed whether these effects translate to an actual infection-fighting benefit in living organisms. MIC values differ across studies, and clinical relevance has not been established. ### Can sclareolide fight cancer? Preliminary cell culture studies have demonstrated cytotoxic effects of sclareolide against certain cancer cell lines, with proposed mechanisms involving apoptosis induction and cell cycle disruption. However, these are strictly in vitro observations, and no animal models or human clinical trials have investigated sclareolide as a cancer treatment. Describing it as a cancer-fighting agent based on current evidence would be scientifically premature and potentially misleading. ### Is sclareolide safe to take as a supplement? There is currently no established safe dosage, human pharmacokinetic data, or clinical safety profile for sclareolide as an oral supplement. Its demonstrated cytotoxic activity in laboratory settings raises theoretical safety concerns at high doses, and no regulatory body has approved it for therapeutic use. Until human trials are conducted, it should not be self-administered as a health supplement, particularly by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or those on pharmaceutical medications. ### What foods or plants contain sclareolide naturally? Sclareolide itself is not abundant as a free compound in dietary plants but is primarily obtained through the chemical or biotransformation processing of sclareol extracted from clary sage (Salvia sclarea). Trace amounts of related labdane diterpenes occur in other Salvia species and certain tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum), where sclareol is a natural constituent. Commercial sclareolide is typically produced synthetically or semi-synthetically from clary sage-derived sclareol for use in fragrance and research applications. ### How strong is the scientific evidence for sclareolide's health benefits? All current evidence for sclareolide comes from in vitro (test tube) studies, with no human clinical trials or human safety data published to date. While laboratory research shows promise against certain bacteria and cancer cells, these results cannot be directly applied to oral supplementation in humans. The ingredient remains primarily of academic interest rather than an established therapeutic agent, and claims of health benefits would be premature based on existing research. ### Should I avoid sclareolide if I'm taking antibiotics or other medications? There are no documented drug interactions with sclareolide because human clinical data is essentially nonexistent. However, since sclareolide may interact with bacterial metabolism in laboratory conditions, combining it with prescription antibiotics lacks safety testing and should only be done under medical supervision. Anyone on medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding any sclareolide supplement. ### Why is sclareolide used more in perfume than in supplements? Sclareolide is valued in the fragrance industry for its ability to enhance and fix scent profiles, making it a preferred ingredient in high-end perfumes and aromatics rather than supplements. Its non-toxic sensory properties and stability in cosmetic formulations are well-established, whereas its potential health benefits remain unproven in humans. Commercial supplement interest is currently minimal because no human efficacy data supports therapeutic claims. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*