Some monoterpenes have shown specific qualities as antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, anticancer, hypotensive and, among these, Citronellyl, derived from Citronellol and Geraniol, can be used to flavor wine grapes (1).
Citronellyl has been isolated from the essential oil of Citrus wilsonii Tanaka, an important fruit for human health and is considered a strong repellent against Tribolium castaneum, one of the most harmful beetles (2).
Citronellyl is often used in perfumes and is known for its pleasant smell. Citronellyl acetate is present mainly in Eucalyptus citriodora. It has shown pro-apoptotic activity in cells of human hepatoma, fungicide, larvicide, bactericide and insect repellent (3).
References____________________________________
(1) De novo production of six key grape aroma monoterpenes by a geraniol synthase-engineered S. cerevisiae wine strain.
Pardo E, Rico J, Gil JV, Orejas M.
Microb Cell Fact. 2015 Sep
(2) Repellent Constituents of essential oil from Citrus wilsonii stem barks against Tribolium castaneum.
Wua Y, Chenb HP, Wei JY, Yang K, Tian ZF, Li XL, Wang PJ, Wang CF, Du SS, Cai Q.
Nat Prod Commun. 2014 Oct
(3) TRP and ASIC channels mediate the antinociceptive effect of citronellyl acetate.
Rios ER, Rocha NF, Carvalho AM, Vasconcelos LF, Dias ML, de Sousa DP, de Sousa FC, Fonteles MM.
Chem Biol Interact. 2013 May