What is terpineol?

Terpineol is one of the many terpenes found in plants, including cannabis. Today, we know that there are approximately 20,000 types of terpenes, among which is terpineol. To learn more about terpineol, keep reading this post because it will answer all your questions.

What is terpineol?

Up to 200 terpenes have been found in the cannabis plant, including primary and secondary ones, depending on their quantity and how common they are. Well, terpineol is a primary terpene.

It is a terpene widely used in aromatherapy and the food industry, but especially in cosmetic products, as it releases an incredible fragrance. However, powerful therapeutic qualities are being discovered that can be harnessed by the medical field.

You are surely already familiar with what terpenes are, their properties, and effects, as they are very important substances that make up the cannabis plant and any enthusiast should know more about them.

Structure of terpineol

Terpineol is a monoterpene, composed of 10 carbon atoms. Additionally, it has four isomers with some slight distinctive qualities. These are alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol, gamma-terpineol, and 4-terpineol. Of all these, alpha-terpineol is the one most commonly found, including in cannabis plants.

Its boiling point is 213 °C, which makes it a substance with low volatility. This terpene, even though it is primary, is barely perceptible in marijuana plants. Since it is present in varieties rich in pinene, all its qualities are hidden behind this terpene. Thus, it is quite difficult, and even impossible, to identify terpineol individually. However, this can be considered positive, as it reinforces the idea of the entourage effect, which assumes that the components of the cannabis plant are enhanced when they converge with each other.

Flavor and aroma of terpineol

As we mentioned before, it is complicated to identify terpineol in isolation.

However, it has a citrus, pine, and floral aroma that is reminiscent of lilac, while the flavor is reduced solely to pine and lime. Terpineol can be found in more than 150 different plants:

• Linden flowers
• Pine trees
• Tea tree
• Eucalyptus sap
• Lilacs
• Bitter orange
• Cannabis Sativa L.

As we have seen, terpineol can be found in various plant varieties. But, don’t they all have the same organoleptic qualities? This is due to the aforementioned entourage effect: the combination of the different components of the plant and, specifically, the terpenes, makes each plant have a particular and exceptional flavor and aroma. We can observe this not only with different plants in the vegetable kingdom but also, for example, with different varieties of marijuana plants: don’t they all taste and smell different?

Effects and benefits of terpineol

We already mentioned at the beginning of this post that one of the main benefits of terpineol is its incredible fragrance. That is why it is widely used in the perfume and cosmetic industry.

In addition to its aroma, its good flavor is also utilized in the food industry. Thus, it is used as a flavor enhancer in confections, beverages, and various condiments.

The effect this terpene has is one of relaxation. In fact, there are studies that have discovered that it reduces the motor activity of mice by up to 45% when they have been subjected to environments with this terpineol. With these results, it can be deduced that terpineol is responsible for offering the “couch-lock” effect that we get when we consume certain cannabis varieties. Not only with cannabis, but also with aromatherapy, for example, this deep relaxation can be achieved.

What are the medicinal properties of terpineol?

Of all the terpenes, what always amazes us most are their powerful therapeutic and medicinal properties. Those of terpineol are several; here we explain them one by one:

• It is a perfect anti-inflammatory, sedative, and analgesic. Above all, it is very useful for people with seizures, as it significantly reduces their frequency and intensity.
• There are studies that have discovered its antitumor properties, so its consumption helps to stop the growth of tumors. For example, it was a study conducted in 2010 that declared this terpene a great anticancer agent.
• It also has antibacterial capabilities. Specifically, a study has discovered that terpineol is effective in the fight against the Escherichia coli bacterium, which is located in the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and is transmitted through food. This is capable of causing serious damage to our body and even death, which is why it is considered one of the most feared bacteria.

• Terpineol also acts as a gastroprotective. Studies conducted on mice demonstrated its ability to eliminate their stomach ulcers.

Used in aromatherapy, this terpene is used to clear the airways and to shorten common colds.

Cannabis varieties rich in terpineol

We mentioned above that varieties rich in terpineol will mostly also be rich in pinene. Thus, their organoleptic qualities will be more associated with this latter terpene. However, the presence of terpineol will become evident in the conjugation of all the plant’s components.

Here is a list of cannabis varieties rich in this terpene:

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a hybrid approved as medicinal marijuana thanks to its intense effects, caused by high levels of THC. It combines the typical effects of indicas and sativas very well, so the potency is felt both at a cerebral and physical level. The winner of multiple awards has the characteristic flavor of pine with a tropical, fresh, and earthy aftertaste. At a therapeutic level, it is a perfect variety to combat depression and anxiety.

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White Widow

The high THC levels of White Widow will leave you with an incredible physical effect, with which you will only want to lie down and rest. Its effects come, in fact, from the indica dominance of this hybrid and will be ideal at a medicinal level to combat insomnia or anxiety. You will appreciate its sweet and citrus flavor on your palate with floral and fruity nuances.

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Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is a famous hybrid that has very high levels of THC, which will take you to another dimension with its relaxing effects at a physical level, and stimulating and activating at a mental level. Its significant CBD production makes it a good medicinal variety to combat stress, muscle pain, and even lack of appetite. As for its aroma and flavor, these are pine, sandalwood, and earthy, with a fruity, citrus, mint, and anise background.

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OG Kush

The high THC levels (25%) of OG Kush have made it the most demanded in California. It is indica-dominant with an intense flavor of fuel, berries, and citrus notes with a coffee background. Its effects are faithful to the THC levels, very powerful at a physical and mental level. While for some consumers these are more euphoric effects, for others they are more relaxing, so you will have to try it to find out.

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Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a sativa-dominant strain with effects typical of these varieties: strong, stimulating, and invigorating, which invites creativity. Although you may see its energizing effects at first, if you consume large amounts of this variety, the effects will evolve towards more narcotic and sedative ones. For its part, the flavor is spicy with nuances of anise, licorice, and lemon.

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We love terpenes; we believe they are very important components of our favorite plants. That is why we want to continue sharing everything about them with you. Will you keep reading?