Terpineol

A group of four isomers of monoterpene alcohols. The most common form of terpineol is alpha-terpineol (α-terpineol). Terpineol occurs naturally in more than 150 plants, including cannabis, lilacs, linden blossoms, eucalyptus sap, and pine trees. This terpene has a number of therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about terpineol

Plants containing terpineol have been used for centuries as natural remedies. For example, linden, also known as linden blossom, was used in traditional European medicine to treat colds, coughs, and the flu.

When brewed as tea, linden has been called the «nectar of kings» for its sweet, delicate fragrance and health benefits. Folk medicine continues to use terpineol, while the aromatherapy industry has also harnessed the terpene. Research is currently underway on the potential medical uses.

Terpineol in Everyday Life

You may have used a personal care product, such as soap, lotion, or perfume, that contains aromatic terpineol, which has a delicate lilac scent. Tea drinkers may also have experienced the pleasant scent of terpineol in Lapsang Souchong tea, which has a pine-smoke aroma. You may also have tasted terpineol, as it is used as a flavoring agent in baked goods and condiments.

Therapeutic Properties of Terpineol

Terpineol—more specifically, α-terpineol—has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties.

Anti-inflammatory

This terpene has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in several scientific studies, including one published in 2007 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and another one published in 2010 in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. This latest study yielded encouraging results regarding the potential of α-terpineol as a component of new drugs to treat painful and/or inflammatory diseases.

Antioxidant

Researchers conducted comparative tests on the antioxidant effects of α-terpineol and two other terpenes: carvone and perillyl alcohol. The results, published in 2011 in Food and Chemical Toxicology, reported that α-terpineol had the strongest antioxidant effect, comparable to commercial antioxidants. The scientists who led the study considered the results encouraging for future research into the potential of α-terpineol to combat certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Antitumor

The potential effectiveness of α-terpineol against cancer has also been explored in a 2010 study published in Anticancer Research. The study’s results suggest that α-terpineol inhibits the growth of cancer cells in vitro, particularly those of small cell lung carcinoma.

Antimicrobial

A 2012 study published in Anaerobic revealed that α-terpineol exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria. The researchers recommended incorporating low levels of α-terpineol in combination with linalool into toothpastes or mouthwashes.

The Role of Terpineol in Cannabis

Among the cannabis strains that contain high levels of terpineol are the White Widow, the Jack Herer, theOG Kush and Girl Scout Cookies.

This terpene is often found in cannabis strains that also contain high concentrations of pinene (not to be confused with the terpinene), whose aromatic effects are generally stronger than those of terpineol.

Some people perceive cannabis containing terpineol as having a relaxing or sedative effect.

Conclusion

With a pleasant yet subtle aroma of lilac or lime, terpineol may offer a variety of therapeutic benefits, particularly for its potential in cancer treatment.