What is borneol?

Borneol is one of the many terpenes found in plants; in fact, it is one of the oldest terpenes used. As we have mentioned, terpenes are chemical substances found in plants. They are the components responsible for protecting the plant by providing flavor and aroma, that is, the organoleptic qualities.

This terpene is increasingly being researched for use in the conventional therapeutic field, building on its use as an element of traditional medicine in China and other Asian countries. Other uses for borneol are focused on the cosmetic industry, insect repellents, and essential oils.

Borneol structure

Borneol is a monoterpene, meaning it is composed of 10 carbon atoms. This occurs through the conjugation of isoprenes, which we have explained in previous posts about terpenes. Feel free to check them out to learn more.

The boiling point of borneol is 213 °C, and it appears as thin, opaque, colorless to white crystals. In cannabis plants, this terpene is located in the trichomes, and its pleasant smell (to us) serves to repel pests and predators from the plant.

Borneol flavor and aroma

The organoleptic qualities of borneol are characterized by a mentholated, herbaceous, and even woody aroma. One can also detect flavors of camphor, clove, and spice.

The flavor is reminiscent of camphor because, in fact, this substance can be obtained from the oxidation of borneol. Borneol is a terpene that can be found in various plants, as we have already mentioned:

• Artemisia
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Oregano
• Some types of cinnamon
• Cannabis Sativa L.

Borneol is not a terpene found in great abundance in the various existing cannabis varieties. However, even though its presence is limited, borneol plays an important role in the entourage effect. This is because, thanks to its conjugation with other terpenes and plant components, its effects and properties are enhanced in our body.

Effects and benefits of borneol

As we have mentioned before, borneol is the oldest terpene used, known above all for its utility in traditional Chinese medicine. Here it was, and still is, used as moxa or moxibustion. Those who use it burn the plant from which they extract the borneol, which is usually artemisia, or process it into cigar-shaped flakes. It is used on the patient with acupuncture needles or burned near their skin. In this way, we can already deduce that borneol has incredible therapeutic and medicinal properties, which we will detail later.

Borneol is found as an ingredient in numerous essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, or thyme, used for various purposes, especially aromatherapy. Through this practice, borneol is very effective as a sedative and for combating fatigue and stress.

Its peculiar aroma also makes it perfect for inclusion in the list of ingredients for certain cosmetics, with the goal of providing a pleasant scent to them.

What are the medicinal properties of borneol?

We have already detailed at the beginning of this post that today the scientific community is fascinated by this terpene and its potential medicinal properties. Since it has been used for so long by traditional Asian medicine (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Tibet), it is very likely that this terpene has incredible properties.

Thus, the first references that can be found of borneol used for therapeutic properties in Western medicine date back to 1888, by Ralph Stockman. This professor was responsible for conducting the first experiments with this terpene for the University of Edinburgh.

Since then, numerous studies have been carried out on the potential applications of this terpene in the medical field. It has several beneficial properties; below we detail the most important ones.

Borneol stands out for contributing to apoptosis

1. It could be a very effective terpene in the fight against cancer. Borneol contributes to apoptosis, which is a process in which cells self-destruct when subjected to unusual stress. This stress, for example, could be related to cancer. However, when a tumor exists, it blocks the defense system and prevents malignant cells from self-destructing. This is where borneol intervenes, as it helps molecules reach the malignant cells so that they self-destruct.
2. Borneol would also be a very effective terpene against fibrosis. This is a disease that generates excess tissue in organs and can lead to the formation of tumors. In this way, borneol can control the growth and proliferation of these tissues.
3. Other studies confirm that borneol is a perfect anesthetic, even more potent than lidocaine. It is thus configured as the most powerful natural method for combating local pain.
4. From its predecessor Asian uses, it was deduced that borneol could be used in treatments for heart disease, mitigating the effects they cause. Its great anticoagulant power makes this a quite viable option, as it helps to better digest and process many medications.
5. Other sources confirm its help in digestion, as it stimulates the production of gastric juices.

It is important to highlight that most of these studies have been carried out on rats or cell lines. This situation makes further research necessary from the scientific field so that clinical trials on humans can begin. However, and as expected, the pharmaceutical industry is not very favorable to these more traditional and natural remedies or methods.

Cannabis varieties rich in borneol

The Church

This indica-dominant strain is the result of a cross between Super Skunk x Erdbeer x Northern Lights. The Church has high levels of borneol and THC, which can reach 20%, inducing a very relaxing, typically indica, quite potent effect. Over time, the effect becomes more lively and sociable, and at a therapeutic level, it can work as a good antidepressant. Its aroma and flavor do not escape its heritage, as it has organoleptic qualities reminiscent of a sweet, skunk, and strawberry flavor.

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Green-o-matic

Green-o-matic is an autoflowering, indica-dominant variety and the result of a cross between White Dwarf x Moroccan x Lowryder. Its effects start off narcotic and sleepy, where the presence of borneol can be appreciated. Although later this high becomes more cerebral and lively, it is perfect for meditation and stimulating creativity. Its flavor is earthy and reminiscent of hash, diesel, citrus notes, but also bubblegum and fruity nuances. Its aroma is also citrusy, although hash can also be appreciated with slight caramelized touches.

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Original GB

Original GB is a hybrid with 75% indica dominance, the result of a cross between an Afghan x Kalijah. Its organoleptic qualities are very peculiar and stand out for their strong and intense flavors of red fruits and strawberries. As for its effects, this is where borneol can be appreciated, as it has a clear relaxing indica effect. Even so, by containing significant levels of CBD, this effect is slightly reduced, so it is not devastating. Thus, this is a variety that offers us important medicinal properties.

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Black Harlequin

Black Harlequin is a variety that stands out for being rich in CBD, making it a potent medicinal marijuana variety. It is a cross between Black Domina x Harlequin and is indica-dominant. Its relaxing effects on both a physical and mental level, but of low intensity, make it perfect for beginners in medicinal cannabis. It has a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, so the effects of these two cannabinoids are quite balanced. For its part, the aroma is reminiscent of forest, earth, and flowers, qualities that are also appreciated in the flavor with an added touch of exotic wood.

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Sweet Purple

Sweet Purple is a hybrid with mixed effects that will start off more cerebral and euphoric, moving to a state of physical calm that will invite you to stay on the couch. It has Thai and Dutch heritage, a combination that will leave you with pleasant effects on the body and calm on a mental level. These are quite lucid effects that will help you maintain concentration. In its sweet and mentholated flavor, and in its herbaceous aroma, the presence of borneol can be appreciated. Both its effects and its flavor make it a perfect variety for meditation.

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Perhaps it is not one of the most common, but it is a terpene that can become very important in the medicinal field. Do you want to keep learning about terpenes? Keep reading!