What is cineole or eucalyptol?

Cineole, also known as eucalyptol or 1,8-cineole, is a terpene found in marijuana plants and many other plants in the vegetable kingdom. In fact, it is the main component of the well-known eucalyptus oil. Do you already know all the properties of cineole? We explain them all here!

All about terpenes

Terpenes are chemical substances generated by plants, responsible for giving them their organoleptic qualities. Thus, the taste and smell of plants are achieved thanks to terpenes.

The function of terpenes is defense against external agents such as insects or other animals. These organisms detest the smells and tastes generated by terpenes, so they do not approach the plants.

Cineole is one of the best-known terpenes, discovered in 1870 by François Stanislas. Being so popular, it has been studied extensively for its potential medical applications. Not only in this field, but it is also a terpene widely found in the food, perfumery, cosmetic, and insecticide industries.

Cineole structure

Paying attention to the molecular structure of cineole, it is a monoterpene. If you have paid attention to the latest posts, you will know that monoterpenes are conjugations of 10 hydrocarbon atoms, due to the synergy of two isoprene units.

Its boiling point is 176 °C and in appearance it is a colorless and transparent liquid. It cannot be mixed with water but can be mixed with ethanol (alcohol), chloroform, and other chemical substances, such as ether.

In marijuana plants, cineole is generated in the trichomes. As a curiosity, it is the sativa varieties that have the highest levels of this terpene.

Cineole taste and aroma

Both the aroma and taste of cineole are quite mentholated, fresh, and powerful, also somewhat spicy. As we have already mentioned, it is not only found in marijuana, but also in numerous plants:

• Eucalyptus
• Tea tree
• Bay leaves
• Sweet basil
• Sage
• Mugwort
• Cannabis Sativa, L.

It is precisely because of its peculiar aroma that it is the main component of numerous essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil. It is also present in rosemary oil, both used for therapeutic purposes. Later on, we will go into detail about the medicinal properties of this terpene.

Effects and benefits of cineole

As we mentioned earlier, cineole is found, above all, in sativa or sativa-dominant varieties. Specifically, the presence of this terpene in sativas is 5%, while in indicas it is 1%. Thus, it has been suggested that the synergy of this terpene with THC is what causes the psychoactive stimulating effect in marijuana varieties.

Its effects and its organoleptic qualities detailed above have made cineole an ideal terpene to be used in various industries: from food, through cosmetics and perfumery, to pharmaceuticals.

Uses of cineole

For its part, in food it is used as a flavor enhancer, however, always in concentrations below 0.002%. Doses that are too high in cineole could become toxic to our body. However, in the uses we give this terpene, the amounts are quite small.

Like any terpene, its main functionality is to repel insects naturally. That is why it is also on the list of ingredients for numerous insecticides. As a curiosity, and despite its repellent quality, cineole has commonly been used to attract bees.

In cosmetics, it is usually found in lotions, essential oil blends, and balms, mainly because of its good aromatic profile. Although it has also been found to have numerous medicinal properties, hence its use in the pharmacological industry. We will detail them below.

What are the medicinal properties of cineole?

It has been discovered that cineole has numerous therapeutic and medicinal properties. To reach these conclusions, the scientific community has invested time and money in researching its potential medicinal effects on our body. Here is a list:

• Improvement of memory and cognitive learning: a study conducted by the Natural Health Research Institute in 2012 discovered these potential benefits through a study on 20 people. They underwent various mathematical tests and, after inhaling rosemary oil (rich in cineole), the responses were given much faster and more accurately.
• Combats Alzheimer’s: following the previous study, the scientific community put cineole in the spotlight as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s. The peculiarity of this terpene is that it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and produce direct effects on the brain.
• It is an expectorant: through steam inhalations and eucalyptus infusions, it is used to fight common colds.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities, cineole serves as a treatment for asthma

• Anti-inflammatory: in 2014, the University Hospital of Bonn (Germany) discovered that cineole has anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. Therefore, it is perfect for treating asthma, which is an inflammatory disease of the airways. As with asthma, it is also a good treatment to alleviate the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Thus, another German study from 2009, in which more than 200 patients with this disease participated, showed that the administration of cineole would help reduce the number, severity, and duration of exacerbations (one of the most advanced symptoms).

• Antioxidant: as a good antioxidant, cineole helps neutralize free radicals in our body before they damage our DNA. In addition, it slows down the onset of heart disease, among other pathologies associated with aging.
• Anticancer: a 2002 study concluded that cineole induces apoptosis through a trial in which this terpene was administered to human leukemia cell lines. Apoptosis is an automatic process in our body that causes cells to die to promote cell regeneration. When there is a lack or too much apoptosis, this can cause serious problems such as the generation of tumors.
• Antibacterial: it is known that cineole is an ideal antibacterial, especially against some strains such as Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. The latter is quite well known, as it generates some diseases such as impetigo, skin abscesses, or wound infections, among others.

Cannabis varieties rich in cineole

Are you interested in the numerous and incredible properties of this terpene? Well, here we are going to present some of the varieties rich in cineole:

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is a true champion, as it is a winner of several High Times Cannabis Cups. Its high levels of THC, which reach 22%, give it a perfect energizing effect combined with a feeling of peace, harmony, and clarity. This combination of Haze x Northern Lights x Skunk#1 will give you an incense-like taste and aroma with citrus and earthy undertones. The sativa-dominant strain can be used at a therapeutic level as an expectorant, analgesic, anxiolytic, and to combat migraines.

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Shaman

This sativa-dominant strain was born in the 1980s and, according to its seed bank, is a very elegant and distinctive variety. The effect of Shaman does not disappoint, as it is very energetic and euphoric on a physical and mental level. It will give us one of the best mental trips, perfect for reflection. As for its aroma, it is quite fresh and clear with notes of mint, cinnamon, sage, basil, vanilla, lilac, different citrus fruits, and even sugar. As we can see, it is a variety with many nuances in its aroma, which will be noticed much more when tasting it.

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Neville’s Haze

Neville’s Haze takes the name of one of the best-known cannabis breeders in the world and the father of most current seed banks: Neville Shoenmakers. This variety is the result of the cross between Northern Lights 5 x Haze and was created in the 70s. As a good sativa, it offers us a mainly mental and quite psychedelic effect, which we can thank for its high levels of THC and the presence of cineole. For its part, its aroma and taste are quite fruity, tropical, incense-like, and sweet.

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As we have seen, cineole is a quite important terpene, and we are lucky that it is present in our favorite marijuana varieties. Do you want to continue learning about terpenes? Keep reading!