*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
Terpenoids, more commonly referred to as terpenes, are the beautiful bevy of aromas that make each cannabis cultivar uniquely beneficial. These fragrant compounds are not only found in cannabis, they are commonly found in other plants in Nature as well.
In addition to contributing to a plant’s pleasant scent, terpenes offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits. They are the foundation behind the use of “essential oils” and “aromatherapy” for treating ailments, a health and wellness trend that has gained in popularity this past decade. People who use essential oils already know how terpenes can help them manage their health condition, while others are just beginning to learn about the benefits they have to offer.
Today, we take a closer look at one of the lesser known terpene, Ocimene.
What is Ocimene?
Ocimene is a monoterpene with a characteristically woodsy, sweet and sometimes minty scent. Interestingly, when certain plants are under attack by insects, they will emit Ocimene not only as a way to ward the insects off but also to send out a warning to surrounding plants that insects are approaching. It is undoubtedly for this reason that it is a commonly found ingredient in a wide variety of pesticides. It is also regarded as a pheromone, “important for the social regulation of honeybee colonies”.
In addition to having pest resistance properties, Ocimene has been reported to exhibit anti-convulsant, anti-fungal and anti-tumor activity. It generally offers a mildly stimulating or uplifting effect and is most common in sativa dominant cannabis varietals.
Other Sources of Ocimene found in Nature:
Ocimene is also found in a variety of fresh herbs such as:
basil, mint, parsley, tarragon; in kumquat & mango fruits and in lavender & orchid flowers.
What does the research say?
A 2008 in vitro study published in the journal Chemistry and Biodiversity, indicated that an ocimene and pinene rich oil (L. nobilis oil) “exerted an interesting activity against SARS-CoV”, a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by a coronavirus and against the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
While these findings are certainly interesting, especially in light of the current pandemic, clinical research studies would be warranted prior to making any claims that ocimene rich oils hold the potential to exert anti-viral effects against coronavirus disease in humans.
Ocimene rich cannabis cultivars:
- Strawberry Cough: energizing and uplifting with a mellow, euphoric effect.
- Jack Herer: known for boosting focus, mood, and appetite.
- OG Kush: stimulating relaxation with gentle mood enhancement.
In a nutshell:
Ocimene offers a sweet, woodsy fragrance and is characteristically found in sativa dominant cannabis cultivars. It holds a variety of therapeutic properties including anti-convulsant, anti-fungal and anti-tumor activity.
Ocimene has also been shown to act as a decongestant and an expectorant (causes coughing) when inhaled. While initially, this may seem like a “negative” side effect, it can be extremely helpful to patients diagnosed with ALS, for instance. As the disease progresses, individuals can grow too weak to clear out their own saliva, making these valuable side effects for sufferers of the disease.
Further investigation into Ocimene’s potential as an anti-viral would hold great benefit with respect to public health measures and outcomes.
* This information is not intended as medical advice, it is for educational purposes only.
References:
Loizo, M., Saab, A. (2008). Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antiviral activities of the essential oils of seven Lebanon species. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 5(3):461-70.
Russo, E., Marcu, J. (2017). ‘Cannabis Pharmacology: The usual suspects and a few promising leads”. Advances in Pharmacology. 80:67-134.