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The Science of Terpenes: Part 2

Welcome back to our exploration of terpenes! Today, we're diving into the scientific health benefits of four more fascinating terpenes: nerolidol, isopulegol, bisabolol, and geraniol. These compounds, found in various plants including cannabis, have shown promising therapeutic potential in recent scientific studies.


Nerolidol

Smell profile: woody, fruity (found in ginger, lavender, tea tree)


  1. Antimicrobial Properties:

  • Studies have shown that nerolidol has potent antimicrobial effects, making it effective against a range of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This terpene can help in treating skin infections and preserving food.

  1. Antioxidant Activity:

  • As an antioxidant, nerolidol protects cells from oxidative stress and damage, which is crucial in preventing diseases related to oxidative stress like cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

  1. Anti-inflammatory Effects:

  • Research indicates nerolidol's anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage conditions such as arthritis by reducing inflammation in the body.

  1. Sedative Effects:

  • This terpene is known for its sedative effects, aiding in anxiety reduction and promoting better sleep, making it a potential natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.


Isopulegol

Smell profile: minty, herbal (found in lemongrass, geranium)


  1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

  • Isopulegol has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects, which can help in reducing pain and swelling, especially in conditions like arthritis.

  1. Antioxidant Effects:

  • This terpene exhibits strong antioxidant properties, protecting the body from oxidative stress and damage, thereby supporting overall health.

  1. Gastroprotective Effects:

  • Studies have indicated that isopulegol can protect against gastric ulcers by enhancing the mucosal defense, making it beneficial for digestive health.

  1. Neuroprotective Effects:

  • Isopulegol has potential neuroprotective benefits, helping in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by protecting neurons from damage.


Bisabolol

Smell profile: floral, sweet (found in chamomile, candeia tree)


  1. Anti-inflammatory and Healing Properties:

  • Bisabolol is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, making it a common ingredient in skincare products to soothe irritated skin and promote healing.

  1. Antimicrobial Activity:

  • This terpene has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, helping in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections, which is why it's often used in cosmetic and medicinal products.

  1. Antioxidant Properties:

  • Bisabolol also has antioxidant effects, protecting the skin and other tissues from oxidative damage and aging.

  1. Cancer-fighting Potential:

  • Preliminary research suggests bisabolol may have anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells, although more research is needed to fully understand this potential.


Geraniol

Smell profile: floral, rosy (found in roses, lemongrass, citronella)


  1. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties:

  • Geraniol has been shown to have strong antimicrobial and antifungal effects, making it useful in treating infections and as a natural preservative.

  1. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects:

  • This terpene exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting overall health and well-being.

  1. Neuroprotective Benefits:

  • Research indicates that geraniol may have neuroprotective effects, potentially aiding in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases.

  1. Anticancer Potential:

  • Studies suggest that geraniol may have anticancer properties, with the ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and induce apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for cancer treatment research.


These terpenes highlight the incredible potential of natural compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Continued research is essential to fully understand their benefits and how they can be effectively utilized in medical treatments. Remember, "the nose knows best".


Wellness, Naturally


Taylor






Citations:

  1. Chan, W., & Tan, L.T. (2016). Nerolidol: A Sesquiterpene Alcohol with Multi-Faceted Pharmacological and Biological Activities. Molecules, 21(5), 529.

  2. Russo, E.B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163, 1351.

  3. Lee, S.J., Han, J.I., Lee, G.S., Park, M.J., Choi, I.G., Na, K.J., & Jeung, E.B. (2007). Antifungal Effect of Eugenol and Nerolidol Against Microsporum Gypseum in a Guinea Pig Model. PubMed.

  4. Javed, H., Azimullah, S., Khair, S.A., Ojha, S., & Haque, M. (2016). Neuroprotective Effect of Nerolidol Against Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Rotenone. BMC Neuroscience.

  5. Biazi, B., Zanetti, T., Baranoski, A., Corveloni, A., & Mantovani, M. (2017). Cis-Nerolidol Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells. PubMed.

  6. Jäger, A.K., Saaby, L. (2011). Flavonoids and the CNS. Molecules, 16, 1471-1485.

  7. Zheng, G., Qiu, Y., Zhang, Q., & Cao, J. (2015). Isopulegol Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats. PubMed.

  8. Fernández, S.P., Wasowski, C. (2009). The Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Isopulegol Facilitate GABAergic Transmission and Activate 5-HT1A Receptors. European Journal of Pharmacology, 605(1-3), 53-57.

  9. Carlini, E.A., Contar, J.D., Silva-Filho, A.R., Silveira-Filho, N.G., Frochtengarten, M.L., & Bueno, O.F. (1986). Pharmacology of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) I. Effects of Tannins and Isopulegol on the Behavior of Mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 17(1), 37-64.

  10. ESCOP Monographs. (2009). The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products, 2nd ed.; Thieme: New York, NY, USA.

  11. Kolodziejek, R., & Marks, H.S. (1997). The Effect of Alpha-Bisabolol on Mutagenesis. PubMed.

  12. Kamatou, G.P., Viljoen, A.M. (2010). A Review of the Application and Pharmacological Properties of Alpha-Bisabolol and Alpha-Bisabolol-Rich Oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 87(1), 1-7.

  13. Almeida, J.R.G.S., et al. (2010). Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Possible Mechanism of Action of Bisabolol. Fitoterapia, 81(5), 327-330.

  14. Kämpfer, P., & Maurer, C. (2009). A Review of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Geraniol. PubMed.

  15. Petersen, M., & Simmonds, M.S. (2003). Rosmarinic Acid. Phytochemistry, 62, 121-125.

  16. Peana, A.T., et al. (2008). Antinociceptive Activity of (−)-Linalool and Identification of Its Antinociceptive Sites of Action. PubMed.

  17. Kim, S.H., et al. (2008). The Protective Effect of Geraniol on Neurotoxicity Induced by Oxidative Stress in Cultured Neurons. Journal of Natural Products, 71(10), 1734-1738.

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