*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
As we continue to learn about how cannabis influences the human body, we are gaining a better understanding of the therapeutic benefits terpenes have to offer.
While the primary role of terpenes is to contribute to the cannabis plants’ smell and taste, did you know that terpenes can also significantly impact a patients ability to manage their conditions and control their symptoms?
Understanding how specific terpenes influence the body provides valuable insights to patients as they select cannabis products best suited for their individual needs.
In this article, we will explore the latest evidence supporting potential uses and benefits of alpha-phellandrene.
What is alpha-phellandrene?
Alpha-phellandrene is one of a pair of phellandrene cyclic monoterpene, the other being beta-phellandrene. A-phellandrene is categorized as a secondary terpene. Secondary terpenes are not as common as the primary terpenes found in cannabis. For this reason, a-phellandrene has not received as much attention from researchers.
Prior to their discovery in the early 1900s, the phellandrenes were commonly mis-classified as limonene and pinene. After the compounds were tested in eucalyptus oil, it was discovered that phellandrene is actually two distinct isomeric compounds instead of one.
When extracted, a-phellandrene presents as a colourless to slightly yellow, liquid with a peppery, woody and herbaceous aroma
Other Sources of alpha-phellandrene found in Nature:
While a-phellandrene is found most predominantly in eucalyptus, it is also present in the essential oils of other plants including:
- Peppermint
- Sweet basil
- Dill
- Anise
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Ceylon cinnamon
- Fennel
Alpha-phellandrene rich cultivars:
*Trainwreck
*Jack Herer
A-phellandrene interacts with:
Limonene – A 2015 rodent study tested the stimulating properties of phellandrene, alongside limonene. The results showed that the two terpenes exhibit both anti-hyperalgesic and antidepressant properties. Hyperalgesia is a condition in which an individual experiences an enhanced sensitivity to pain. However, the researchers were unclear whether phellandrene would display these same characteristics in isolation.
Nonanol – a 2017 study showed that a-phellandrene and nonanol essential oils exhibited both ant-fungal and ant-microbial properties, with researchers concluding the combination “had a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacterials and pathogenic fungi including Candida albicans”. Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in humans.
A-phellandrene Health Benefits and Effects:
As mentioned above, a-phellandrene, can contribute to a decreased sensation of pain, mood elevation and contributes to anti-fungal actions.
Anti-cancer:
In a 2014 studio human liver tumor cells, researchers found that a-phellandrene induced necrosis (death of a circumscribed area of tissue caused by a disease) but not apoptosis (the programmed death of cancer cells). More research is needed to determine its use in clinical cancer care.
Anti-inflammatory:
Terpenes, such as a-phellandrene, are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Due to the limited research, it would be beneficial to conduct further studies on a-phellandrene’s potential anti-inflammatory properties.
In a nutshell:
Preliminary research indicates that a-phellandrene may present analgesic, anti-depressive, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. These findings are undoubtedly deserving of additional clinical studies.
Further investigation is needed to understand the benefits a-phellandrene has to offer in the clinical care setting.
**Note: As always, with medical conditions and symptoms, please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made regarding these products. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/phellandrene/
Hsieh, S-L., et. al. (2014) “Induction of necrosis in human liver tumor cells by α-phellandrene”. Nutrition and Cancer. (66)6:970-9.
Zhang, J., et. al. (2017) “Anti-fungal activity, mechanism studies on α-Phellandrene and Nonanal against Penicillium cyclopium”. Botanical Studies. Article #18.