What is pulegone?

Pulegone is one of the more than 200 terpenes that can be found in marijuana plants. Each terpene has its own characteristics, which give plants individual qualities. This is why every cannabis strain has such specific properties, as the combination of all the terpenes gives the plant different flavors and aromas.

There are primary and secondary terpenes, depending on their presence in plants, whether they are common or not, and the quantity in which they are found. Thus, pulegone is a secondary terpene and a minor constituent in marijuana.

If you want to know more about what terpenes are, don’t hesitate to read our other posts, where we provide all the information you need to know. But for now, keep reading to learn everything about pulegone.

Structure of pulegone

Pulegone is a monoterpene, meaning it is a combination of 10 hydrocarbon atoms. We have already mentioned that it is a secondary terpene. In addition to not being present in many cannabis strains, when it is, it appears in small quantities.

In appearance, it is a fairly oily liquid that is very light or even colorless. Its boiling point is quite high, at 220 °C, so it is a very non-volatile substance.

It has been discovered that it can be quite toxic, although its most harmful elements can be eliminated when exposed to high temperatures. Thus, before consumption, it is recommended to heat it to 80 °C.

Flavor and aroma of pulegone

The flavor and aroma of pulegone are associated with herbaceous notes, specifically mint, camphor, and rosemary. This terpene is not only found in marijuana plants, but also in many others:

• Peppermint
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Ground ivy
• Nepeta cataria (catnip)
• Bursera graveolens (palo santo)
• Cannabis sativa L.

As we already know, the main reason plants have terpenes is that they protect them from external agents. Thus, thyme and basil plants that are exposed to grazing animals have good production of pulegone. This serves to keep these animals away from the plants and avoid being eaten.

Effects and benefits of pulegone

Those who have taken pulegone claim that the effects have been relaxing and even sedative, so it is possible that it has effective therapeutic or medicinal properties.

On the other hand, pulegone has been used quite a bit in the food industry as a flavor enhancer. For example, it is used in infusions or to flavor dishes such as pudding.

It has also been found as an ingredient in perfumes and essential oils because it has exceptional scents. Being present in essential oils, it is widely used in aromatherapy for therapeutic purposes. In cosmetics, its extract is very effective as a refreshing agent and as a toner.

Its aroma lasts a long time and is quite powerful, which is why it is also used as an ingredient in candles.

As we have already mentioned, the main function of the terpene is to protect the plant, so it is no surprise that it has a very good function as an insecticide. In fact, it is one of the three most powerful and strong natural insecticidal substances. Thus, at an industrial level, pulegone is found as an ingredient in flea insecticides and in essential oils to repel mosquitoes.

What are the medicinal properties of pulegone?

We mentioned earlier that pulegone can have enormous medicinal properties. Already in the field of aromatherapy, peppermint essential oil, which contains doses of pulegone, is used to combat common colds and gastrointestinal problems.

The medicinal properties attributed to it are, on one hand, carminative. This means that its application or consumption favors the expulsion of gases from the digestive tract. On the other hand, it is also a good emmenagogue, that is, it induces or promotes menstruation.

Other medicinal properties that can be related to the consumption of pulegone are muscle relaxation.

We consider the most powerful medicinal benefit of pulegone to be that it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. That is, the terpene can slow down the action of the protein that destroys acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stores memory. In this sense, pulegone counteracts the effects of THC, which affects short-term memory.

Within this context, we remind you that it can be a toxic substance. Thus, it can be an abortifacient substance. Other situations in which its toxic nature can be noted are: the provocation of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and seizures. It can also cause dermatitis, wounds, and skin necrosis at the cutaneous level.

Its high toxicity has put it in the crosshairs of organizations that regulate medicines and food, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2018, this organization banned its synthetic form for food use due to its potential toxicity.

Cannabis strains rich in pulegone

We have specified previously that pulegone will not be found in abundance in any marijuana strain, as it is a minor component. However, we can say that all those cannabis strains that have an herbaceous flavor and aroma, reminiscent of mint or rosemary, will contain significant levels of pulegone.

Wreckage

Wreckage is a hybrid strain that is born from the cross between two powerful strains known all over the world: Arcata Trainwreck x S.A.G.E. This combination offers us an unparalleled sativa power, which translates into a mainly cerebral effect, very euphoric, but clean and lucid. Its flavor offers mentholated notes with hints of sandalwood, which will leave you perplexed and absorbed. At a therapeutic level, it is an ideal strain to combat depression.

Auto Lavender

We knew the Lavender and now they offer us its autoflowering version: Auto Lavender. As its name suggests, the flavor and aroma do not escape lavender, although slight hints of mint, fresh grass, and rosemary can be appreciated, from which the presence of pulegone can be deduced. Its effect, which affects both the cerebral and physical levels, is cheerful and relaxing at the same time. Thus, this pleasant relaxation makes it a perfect strain to relieve stress and anxiety.

Kaya 47

This wonderful strain is, neither more nor less, an improved version of the world-famous AK-47. It is a cross between Colombian, Thai, Afghan, and Mexican genetics, a true multicultural strain. The THC levels of Kaya 47 are quite high (reaching 22%), and provide us with strong and dense effects, although quite manageable, as they are also quite pleasant and stimulating. Pulegone can be observed when the plant develops citrus flavor and aroma with fresh, mentholated touches.

Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush, an indica-dominant strain, will leave you with a powerful relaxing mental effect. Its high CBD content makes it an ideal strain for therapeutic and medicinal uses. Thus, it is very useful for combating anxiety, migraines, attention deficit, and hyperactivity. Although it is a very intense effect, over time it evolves towards more lucid and clear sensations. Its flavor and aroma are quite tropical: strong notes of pineapple (as its name suggests), but accompanied by a mentholated and vanilla flavor.

G-13

The G-13 strain from our bulk seed catalog is quite curious. Its origin, or its legend, starts in the 70s in the USA, where it is said that it was created by its government. The effect is quite energetic and active, so it can be used for medicinal purposes. For its part, the flavor and aroma are quite strong, like fresh air and the humidity of green forests. It is precisely these herbaceous notes that the plant presents that are conferred by pulegone.

Now you know all the qualities of this very fresh and mentholated terpene. Do you want to know what other terpenes exist? Keep reading!