Terpenes offer a wide array of applications and benefits, and as the industry grows, so should our knowledge of these aromatic compounds.
Many terpenes are currently available in the market, each with unique characteristics. With the various terpene offerings and the continued discovery of new compounds, it helps to understand each type before diving into any sort of application.
In today’s feature, we spotlight terpinolene. This article will discuss the nature of the terpene, along with its health benefits.
Terpene Profile
Terpinolene, also known as alpha-terpinolene, is a primary terpene found in various plants such as rosemary, sage, lilac, apple conifer, and tea tree.
Terpinolene’s aroma profile is complex compared to other terpenes. It’s citrusy and woody but also herbaceous and floral at the same time. For its flavor, terpene enthusiasts can expect an herbal-like taste with a citrusy pine finish.
Cosmetic and cleaning product producers often incorporate this cyclic monoterpene for its fresh floral fragrance and earthy herbal notes reminiscent of pine needles. Terpinolene is also commonly used as a preservative and popular flavoring agent in the food industry.
7 Health Benefits of Terpinolene
Highly sought after for its aromatic and flavoring properties, terpinolene is also popular for its supposed health benefits such as the ability to cure chronic diseases. Here are some top terpinolene benefits.
1. Antifungal
Researchers tested the antifungal capabilities of terpinolene by detoxifying the terpene with a plant pathogenic fungus known as Botrytis cinerea.
Results showed that terpinolene produced quality levels of antifungal activity compared to metabolites that remained inactive when tested against another plant pathogenic fungus, Cladosporium herbarum.
2. Antioxidant
In an in-vitro study conducted to test the antioxidant production capabilities of terpinolene, the researchers concluded that administering the terpene in low doses produces antioxidant effects without damaging lymphocytes. Other studies have also shown that terpinolene could be a potent anti-proliferative agent in fighting against brain tumor cells.
3. Anticancer
One of the most significant terpinolene terpene benefits is its potential as an anticancer agent. In a study that explored terpinolene’s anticancer properties, researchers saw a significant decrease in cell proliferation among the rat test subjects.
While further studies are needed to verify this finding, the researchers concluded that terpinolene has high potential for treating cancer.
4. Sedative
Multiple studies found that terpinolene also exhibits sedative properties. Initial tests on terpinolene’s structure-activity relationships revealed that a “double bond” in pi bonds or side-chain in the six-membered ring plays an integral role in the terpene’s sedative effects.
Further experiments on olfactory-impaired mice subjects showed that terpinolene produces potent sedative effects in terms of facilitating nasal absorption.
5. Facilitates wound healing
Terpinolene-specific in-vitro studies conducted to determine its anti-inflammatory activity concluded that facilitates wound healing by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation.
According to the researchers, this effect could be a possible breakthrough as it broadens the clinical options regarding wound treatment. However, while initial studies showed promising results, more research is necessary to fully evaluate the earlier findings, especially on the transition to human clinical trials.
6. Helps relieve pain
it could be an alternative to the standard mode of conducting pharmacological treatment of inflammatory pain.
Typically, medical professionals administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to patients to treat pain. However, the administration of NSAIDs often causes side effects such as gastrointestinal lesions. Medical experts then need to mitigate these side effects by combining drugs and natural products with synergistic analgesic properties.
In a study that used terpinolene to treat inflammatory pain, the researchers concluded that terpinolene produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping relieve pain without causing side effects like gastrointestinal damage.
7. It may help prevent atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the artery walls of the heart. Uncontrolled plaque in the artery walls could cause coronary heart disease. Experts recommend consuming foods high in antioxidants to combat cardiovascular diseases.
Aside from fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, it is another source of naturally occurring antioxidants. Along with other plants like bog pine, it could effectively prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), helping prevent plaque build-up in the heart.
Ease Your Pain with Terpinolene
The terpene industry is constantly producing various products that offer a multitude of health benefits. it is another unique terpene product that not only offers calming effects but also has the potential to be a breakthrough ingredient in curing diseases like cancer and heart disease.
If you’re looking to shop for terpenes, be sure to check out Medical Terpenes. Always innovating with new strains and revolutionary profiles, our mission is to bring you the best terpene products.
