You may have heard of the terpene called valencene. You may be wondering what it tastes or smells like and what it offers for both everyday people and terpene enthusiasts.
The following section details the profile and benefits of this terpene, one of the many terpene types found in nature.
Valencene Terpene Profile
Valencene is a sweet-smelling terpene found in trees and plants such as orange, tangerine, and other citrus trees, including grapefruits, nectarines, and mangoes.
Not surprisingly, this terpene has a citrusy taste with woodsy or herbaceous undertones. It also gives off scents closely related to mango, grapefruit, and orange.
Due to its flavorful taste, valencene is often used as an additive in the food and beverage industry. It’s also one of the main components of essential oils like neroli oil and bergamot oil — which are used as perfume ingredients — as well as mandarin oil, which is used in aromatherapy.
Valencene also possesses many medicinal properties, offering various health benefits. Let’s look more closely into these benefits in the following section.
7 Benefits of Valencene Terpene
1. Anti-inflammatory*
Valencene possesses anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris.
Research has also indicated its efficacy in relieving pain related to arthritis. The findings show that the test subjects showed improvement in their fractures after consuming a specific dosage of valencene.
This terpene can also help prevent cell damage by suppressing the production of superoxide, a compound that accelerates DNA damage by inducing free iron production in the body.
2. Protects the skin *
Valencene’s ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and fight against sun-induced skin damage makes it a potential therapeutic agent for red and itchy skin and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
This terpene prevents the activity of certain enzymes that can cause skin inflammation and redness. In particular, it can help inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, reducing the development of skin lesions that cause skin conditions.
3. Anti-allergy
Various studies have shown that valencene’s anti-allergic effects can help reduce the release of allergy-inducing histamine from mast cells. This prevents allergies – such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose – from being triggered.
Valencene has also been found to prevent the creation of leukotriene B4, a chemical that stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory proteins in the body.
4. Improves the efficacy of certain medicines
Valencene’s molecular structure makes it highly reactive and capable of binding with other molecules. As such, it’s often used to dissolve other water-insoluble chemicals.
When taken together with certain medicinal drugs, valencene can improve the efficacy of such drugs by increasing their solubility in water. In turn, the drugs are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream and body tissues.
5. Repels insects
Valencene also functions as an insect repellent, thanks to the chemical nootkatone found in grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Nootkatone masks the scent of l-carvone and limonene, two compounds emitting a citrusy odor that attracts insects. Plus, nootkatone doesn’t have any harmful effects on humans or animals, making it a safe natural repellent.
6. Improves the immune system*
Valencene can help strengthen the immune system by inducing the production of anti-inflammatory proteins. In particular, valencene has been found to be beneficial in preventing asthma and allergies, lowering the risk of heart disease, and reducing the risks of developing certain cancers like leukemia.
7. Enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs
In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that valencene can enhance the ability of cancer cells to absorb certain chemotherapeutic drugs. This is possible as valencene makes the cancer cell membrane more permeable to these drugs, allowing them to enter and kill cancer cells more easily.
Another study has found that valencene can enhance the efficacy of methotrexate and cytarabine, which are used in cancer and leukemia treatments, respectively.
Valencene Terpene an Alternative to Traditional Medical Drugs
Terpenes offer numerous health benefits that range from preventing allergies to treating cancers. In particular, valencene’s anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and other medicinal properties are useful in treating various conditions.
If you’re looking to shop for terpenes, check out Medical Terpenes for top-quality terpene products at great prices!
*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and do not guarantee valencene’s ability to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your doctor before consuming any terpene products you don’t already have in your diet.
