What exactly is terpinolene, and what role does it play in cannabis? Continue reading to learn more about this fascinating chemical.
The effects of cannabis are complicated. More than just THC and CBD influence the impact. Terpenes are chemical components that have an important role to play.
Cannabinoids, the aromatic chemicals found in cannabis, are gaining more attention as a key component of cannabis therapy. They participate in the entourage effect and have their own unique characteristics.
In this post, we’ll look at terpinolene, one of the lesser-known cannabis terpenes. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What Is Terpinolene?
Terpenes are a chemical in cannabis that give it its unique flavor and scent. They also have an effect on the plant’s behavior, with some terpenes apparently being able to distinguish energizing from relaxing strains. Furthermore, research suggests that terpenes might have health benefits.
Terpinolene is a terpene present in cannabis. In reality, the plant contains considerably less terpinolene than other terpenes such as myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. It still has certain potentially beneficial qualities that demand further study, even if it isn’t found in quite as much quantity as the other two.
Terpinolene is a monoterpene with the chemical structure C₁₀H₁₆ and is one of the simplest terpene structures. It has a pine-like fragrance and a sweetness reminiscent of orange juice that is clear to pale amber in color.
Some common uses of terpinolene include:
- Flavoring food and beverages
- Personal care products
- Air fresheners
- Manufacturing plastics and resins
In recent years, several medical research studies have been conducted on this terpene’s medicinal properties. What are the benefits of terpinolene?
Benefits of Terpinolene
Terpinolene has not received the same amount of study as other cannabis terpenes. Although there have been a few prior studies, a lot more is still unknown.
It’s also worth noting that the bulk of today’s research is conducted on animals or cell cultures in a lab, so very little is known about how it affects human health.
The chemical name for p-menthane is menthol. Terpinolene, on the other hand, has been found to have several advantages:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Terpinolene, like all other terpenes, has anti-inflammatory effects. In 2016, the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research published a study on this. The impact of terpinolene combined with diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug well known in the medical field, was investigated in this research.
To study the effects of combining cannabinoids, researchers gave low doses of both drugs to rats with hind paw inflammation and pain. They discovered that the pair reduced edema as well as pain in the rodents. This finding has important clinical ramifications.
The chemical terpinolene may be able to assist decrease some of the drug’s unpleasant effects by boosting the diclofenac’s effectiveness at lower dosages. It might, for example, aid in the reduction of stomach issues that long-term anti-inflammatory medication users are prone to get.
The researchers of the study conclude, “These results suggest that combining traditional medicines with natural treatments may be a pharmacological option in real life, avoiding anticipated harmful outcomes.”
Antioxidant Effects
Terpinolene is another cannabis terpene with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that are well-known.
In 2015, five healthy humans were studied in Cytotechnology by researchers who wanted to discover the effects of terpinolene on their blood. They discovered that it has antioxidant activity at low doses without impairing lymphocytes (white blood cells).
In a 2005 research in Phytomedicine, Terpinolene was discovered to inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation. This is one of the processes that can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease development. As a result, terpinolene may have heart health advantages.
Sedative Effects
Inhaled terpinolene has sedative effects in mice, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Natural Remedies. It’s unclear whether it has the same effect on people as it does on animals or if it contributes to the sedative properties of certain cannabis strains.
Terpinolene Side Effects
Terpinolene is a highly toxic substance that has been proven to harm numerous insect species, including the maize weevil, in high dosages. It can also induce irritation in laboratory animals at high doses.
Terpinolene is, nevertheless, regarded as safe to consume. When individuals were exposed to terpinolene directly, there was no irritation or allergy responses. Furthermore, small amounts of terpinolene in cannabis are unlikely to pose any problems.
High Terpinolene Cannabis Strains
Terpinolene is a lesser-known cannabinoid terpene. However, certain strains contain high levels of the chemical. The following are some of the most prominent terpinolene cannabis plants:
Jelly Breath
Jelly Breath contains a high THC content, with levels of up to 30 percent. It has the potential to produce dramatic effects since it is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid. Because it’s an indica-dominant hybrid, it emphasizes the low-key, relaxing aspects of cannabis highs. Its warm body effect will quickly enfold users in a peaceful, secure cocoon that allows them to unwind at the end of a day or relax before bedtime.
Golden Pineapple
The golden color and delicious flavor of the fruit inspired the name “Golden Pineapple.” This strain is a 50/50 sativa-indica hybrid, with a 50/50 split of sativa and indica effects. Its most distinct feature is its pleasant pineapple fragrance and flavor. Golden Pineapple, on the other hand, contains THC levels of 22 percent, making it potentially too powerful for first-time users.
Consumers claim that this cannabis strain can help with stress, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Terpinolene constitutes 0.95 percent of the plant’s total oil content.
Dutch Treat
The Dutch Treat is an indica-dominant (80 percent) hybrid with a THC concentration of 24 percent. It’s fragrant and fruity, with just a hint of pine.
Vapemind CBD oil is beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression, assisting sleep, and treating chronic pain. Terpinolene accounts for around 0.71 percent of the product.
XJ-13
This strain is a perfect example of how well-balanced hybrids can be. It has a THC concentration of about 22 percent and an earthy fragrance with undertones of pine and citrus.
The YJ-13 is a powerful indica with a fast-hitting high that users claim can assist with stress, sadness, and tiredness. Terpinolene content in the YJ-13 is about 0.66 percent.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a well-known sativa-dominant strain with about 21% THC and 55% sativa content. This classic strain has citrus and pine undertones, as well as skunky undertones. Jack Herer is used to treat a number of ailments, including anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain. Its terpinolene content is approximately 0.42 percent
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze is a powerful sativa-dominant strain (80% indica, 20% sativa) that has up to 28 percent THC! It’s definitely a strain to use with caution, but it has a pleasant sweet and citrusy fragrance that people like. Users who can handle the strain’s strong high notice that it aids in the treatment of diseases such as muscular spasms and cramps. It contains approximately 0.28 percent terpinolene.
Other Sources of Terpinolene (Not Cannabis)
Terpinolene may also be found in a variety of other plants, spices, and vegetables. Terpinolene is present in the following foods:
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Star anise
- Juniper
- Citrus fruit
- Parsnips
- Carrots
- Celery
Terpinolene is a chemical that occurs in many tree species. It is present in pine, fir, and tea tree oils.
Final Thoughts on Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a lesser-known cannabis terpene, but it does have some benefits. It might be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sleep-promoting in addition to providing to the taste and fragrance of specific delicious strains.
Terpenes are unquestionably a crucial component of cannabis therapy, and we continue to learn new things about them. Although scientists have long focused on cannabinoids like THC and CBD, researchers are becoming more aware of the advantages of terpenes. As a result, further study on terpinolene and its advantages is anticipated in the near future.