*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
Terpenes are the compounds mainly responsible for the fragrances emitted by flowers and plants. In addition to contributing to a plant’s aromatic profile, many terpenes also possess therapeutic properties of their own.
Terpenes not only give each cannabis cultivar its unique smell, they also act in synergy with cannabinoids to enhance or dampen the effects of various cannabinoids through a process referred to as “the entourage effect”.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at the terpene, Fenchol.
What is Fenchol:
Fenchol is one of the lesser known terpenes. It’s fragrance is reminiscent of pine, lemon and camphor and an aroma strongly present in basil. It is considered a “secondary” terpene due to the fact that it is far less predominant in cannabis cultivars (strains) than many other terpenes. It is a fragrance commonly used extensively in perfumery.
Fenchol is also known by the names fenchyl alcohol or 2-fenchanol and is an isomer of Borneol. An isomer is defined as: each of two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms in the molecule and different properties. Like borneol, fenchol is a known antioxidant possessing anti-inflammatory properties, with antimicrobial and antifungal actions. Unlike many other terpenes, Fenchol is neither a sedative nor a stimulant.
Other Sources of Fenchol in Nature:
Fenchol is characterized by a bitter- sweet taste compound and is also found in lime, nutmeg, sweet basil, and wild celery.
Fenchol interacts with:
Linalool and B-phellandrene, to enhance antioxidant and anti-microbial actions.
What does the research say?
In 2007, researchers explored the antibacterial properties of 21 essential oil compounds against 63 strains of bacteria. The researchers deduced that while it was not as effective as penicillin, fenchol was one of 5 agents shown to inhibit bacterial growth. (5)
Activation of the ion channel transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is known to elicit a pain response in humans. A 2014 study conducted by Japanese researchers found that fenchol can inhibit this pain signaling system, leading researchers to conclude, “identified TRPA1 antagonists could lead to new pain therapeutics”. (7)
Additionally, a study using essential oils extracted from Zanthoxylum alatum, a plant rich in linalool, fenchol and B-phellandrene (among other terpenes), indicated a potential that “could be used as a resource of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds which may find applications in food and pesticide industries”. (2)
Fenchol rich cannabis cultivars:
- OG Kush: A stress relieving hybrid with a lemony-piney aroma, promoting mood enhancement and relaxation.
- Banana Kush: An indica dominant hybrid known for its ability to promote deep relaxation and euphoric effects. It has been reported to be an excellent choice for inducing sleep.
In a nutshell:
A refreshing scent commonly used in the fragrance industry, Fenchol also has potential therapeutic applications as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and analgesic (pain reliever).
Given the decrease in effectiveness of many antibiotics due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, Scientists have focused their attention on researching fenchol as a promising potential alternative antibiotic treatment as well as an immunity booster. Its antioxidant and anti-microbial properties also make it a potential target for application in the food and pesticide industries.
Understanding how terpenes work, both individually and in synergy with other terpenes and cannabinoids, holds great promise in maximizing overall health and wellbeing.
References:
- Chouhan, S. (2017). Antimicrobial Activity of Some Essential Oils-Present Status and Future Perspectives. Medicines. 4(3): 58.
- Guleria, S., Tiku, A.K. (2013). Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of the Essential Oil and Extracts of Zanthoxylum alatum Grown in North-Western Himalaya. Scientific World Journal. 2013: 790580.
- https://www.lexico.com/definition/isomer
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fenchol
- Kotan, R., Kordali, S. (2007). Screening of antibacterial activities of twenty-one oxygenated monoterpenes. Journal of Biosciences. 62(7-8):507-13.
- Russo, E., (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. (163)7: 1344-1364.
- Takaishi, M., Uchida, K., et. al. (2014). Inhibitory effects of monoterpenes on human TRPA1 and the structural basis of their activity. Journal of Physiological Sciences. 64(1): 47–57.
- weedmaps.com