What is Pulegone?

Pulegone is one of the 200 different types of terpenes that can be found in cannabis plants. Each terpene has a wide range of properties that will provide each plant with its own qualities. All cannabis strains have different and specific benefits because the combination of terpenes give varying flavors, scents and effects to each plant.

Terpenes can be primary and secondary, depending on their presence in the plant, whether they are common or not and the amount in which they can be found. Pulegone is a secondary terpene and it’s a minor constituent in cannabis plants.

If you want to expand your knowledge regarding terpenes, don’t hesitate to read our other blog posts, where you can find all the information you need. For now, stay with us and keep on reading to learn everything about pulegone.

Pulegone structure

Pulegone is a monoterpene, therefore it has 10 carbon atoms. As it has been mentioned above, it’s a secondary terpene. It’s not easy to find it in cannabis strains and in the rare cases where it is found, it is so in very small amounts.

Its appearance is oily and very light colored, even transparent at times. It boils at 220° which means it isn’t very volatile.

Recent studies show that it is very toxic although its toxicity can be rid of when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it needs to be heated up to at least 80° before consuming it.

Flavor and scent of pulegone

Pulegone has herbal flavors and scents that are similar to mint, camphor and rosemary. This terpene is in plenty of other plants apart from cannabis:

• Peppermint
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Ground Ivy
• Cat Nip
• Bursera Graveolens
• Cannabis Sativa L.

As you already know, plants have terpenes mainly to protect them against external agents. For this reason, basil and rosemary are rich in pulegone because they are often exposed to grazing animals and this terpene avoids them getting eaten.

Effects and benefits of pulegone

People that have consumed pulegone assert that it has relaxing and even sedative effects, so it is possible that it has that capability.

On the other hand, pulegone is suitable in the food industry as a flavor enhancer. You can make infusions or use it to scent certain dishes, like for example pudding.

It is also an added ingredient in perfumes and essential oils as it has an exceptional aroma that is often used in aromatherapy for therapeutic purposes. Its extract is very fresh and effective as a tonic, thus quite appreciated in cosmetics.

Is aroma being long-lasting and powerful means it is a great ingredient to use in candle making.

Due to the protective aspect of terpenes, it is not surprising that it works excellently as an insect repellent. It is as a matter of fact among one of the three most powerful natural insecticides. On an industrial level, pulegone is useful to make insecticides against fleas and in essential oils to keep mosquitoes away

Medicinal properties of pulegone

We have mentioned previously that pulegone probably has huge medicinal properties. Mint essential oil, for example, contains pulegone and it is useful to treat common colds and gastrointestinal problems.

It has carminative medicinal properties. This means that its intake helps to get rid of gas from the digestive system. Alternatively, it is a good emmenagogue, therefore, favors menstruation.

Another medicinal property of pulegone is that its intake relates to muscle relaxation but its most powerful property is as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. That is to say, this terpene can stop the protein that destroys acetylcholine, a memory neurotransmitter, from acting. Pulegone counteracts the effects that THC has on short term memory.

It should be taken into account that it can be a toxic substance and if the dosage is not the correct one. It can cause nausea, diarrhea, depression, seizures, dermatitis, skin wounds, necrosis and even abortion.

Its high toxicity has brought attention to it and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited its synthetic form as a flavoring substance in  2018 due to its possible toxicity.

Cannabis strains rich in pulegone

We have mentioned throughout this post that pulegone is not going to be abundantly in any cannabis strain as it is a secondary terpene. Nevertheless, all strains that have a herbal flavor and scent similar to mint or rosemary will have significant amounts of pulegone.

Wreckage

This hybrid strain is the result from crossing two worldwide known strains: Arcata Trainwreck and S.A.G.E. This combination brings you unique powerful sativa strain that will give an intense cerebral high, euphoric but neat and lucid. It has a minty flavor with sandalwood touches that will surprise you and delight you. On a therapeutic level, this strain is perfect to treat depression.

Auto Lavender

This is the autoflowering version of the well-known Lavender strain. Its name leads you to its flavor and scent, which is predominantly lavender with some hinges of mint, fresh grass and rosemary, where you can deduce its pulegone content. Its effects are cerebral but also physical. It is joyful and relaxing at the same time. This strain is suitable to relieve stress and anxiety.

Kaya 47

This marvellous strain is an improved version of the famous AK-47. This hybrid is a cross between Colombian, Thai, Afghan and Mexican strain, in consequence, a highly multicultural strain. It has very high THC levels (up to 22%) and its effects are strong and dense, although easy to deal with, pleasurable and stimulating. It has a citrus flavor and scent with some fresh minty hints.

Pineapple Kush

This cannabis strain is indica dominant and thus it produces a calm state of mind. Its high CBD levels mean that it is perfect for therapeutic and medicinal uses. This way, it is useful to deal with anxiety, migraines, attention deficit and hyperactivity. Although its initial effects are very strong, it quickly subsides to more lucid and clear sensations. It has tropical aromas and scents, with a clear pineapple touch but some mint and vanilla are also present.

G-13

You can find this peculiar seed in our bulk seeds catalog. This strain is originally from the USA and some rumors say it was created by the government in the 70’s. Its energetic and active effects are useful for medicinal purposes. It strongly smells and tastes like fresh air and humid green forests. Pulegone is clearly perceived in its herbal hinges.

Now that you know all the qualities of this fresh and minty terpene, would you like to know about other ones? Keep on reading!