turpentine oil

Turpentine is a volatile oil obtained by the distillation of resin harvested from various species of pine trees (Pinus spp.), such as *Pinus pinaster* and *Pinus elliottii*. It is a complex mixture of monoterpene hydrocarbons, primarily consisting of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Medically, turpentine oil is recognized as a topical counter-irritant used to alleviate minor muscle and joint pain by stimulating sensory nerve endings and increasing local blood flow. In biomedical research, it is a standard pro-inflammatory agent used to induce sterile inflammation, fever (pyrexia), and pleurisy in animal models to evaluate the efficacy of novel anti-inflammatory and antipyretic candidates. Additionally, it has been utilized in palliative care for the irrigation and manual removal of larvae in cases of cutaneous myiasis. While anecdotal reports have suggested potential neurological improvements in conditions like Angelman syndrome following topical application, robust clinical evidence for this use is currently lacking.

Brand names

DiamondCreekwood

Other names

turpentinespirits of turpentineoil of turpentinepine turpentinegum turpentineturpentine oil (TO)pine turpentine essential oil (PTEO)