TERPINENES
Pronunciation
ter·pi·nene | \ -pəˌnēn \
Alpha, beta, and gamma terpinene are all isomers of the same monoterpene. They each are monocyclic and are lesser-known cannabis plant metabolites. Typically used as a flavoring agent or odor additive, terpinenes are known to have a woody-lemon/citrus smell.
Terpinenes do not have a wide array of pharmacological applications; however, they are known to be anti-oxidants and are being studied for anti-inflammatory related interactions.
TERPINOLENE
Pronunciation
ter·pin·o·lene | \ ˌtərˈpinᵊlˌēn \
Terpinolene is also a monocyclic monoterpene and technically an isomer of terpinene. However, terpinolene is typically found in higher amounts within cannabis chemovars compared to its terpinene relatives. It is found in a variety of plants, but most notably are fruit bearing trees like apple trees, lilac, and cannabis. Terpinolene is known for its pleasant sweet-pine, somewhat citrus, odor.
Terpinolene is most commonly regarded for its sedating or relaxing effects. It has even been proposed to be further researched as an insomnia or anxiety treatment per its relaxing/euphoria provoking effects. It is a common anti-fungal and anti-bacterial essential oil and also is widely employed as a food flavoring or aroma-enhancing agent. Additionally, it is found in soaps and cleaners.
However, more interestingly, terpinolene is currently being researched as a means to mitigate damage caused by inflammation and other oxidative stressors that can lead to DNA damage/carcinogenesis. It is proposed to do this through suppressing the generation of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, i.e. superoxide. (Like most anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants.)
When choosing your cannabis strain, always ask for the terpene profile as well as the cannabinoid profile so you can better choose a strain that will have the benefits you are seeking. You can often find the terpene profiles of products on our menu.
Common Name: ALPHA-TERPINENE
Formula: C10H16
Boiling Point: 347 F
Common Name: BETA-TERPINENE
Formula: C10H16
Boiling Point: 347 F
Common Name: GAMMA-TERPINENE
Formula: C10H16
Boiling Point: 347 F
Common Name: TERPINOLENE
Formula: C10H16
Boiling Point: 379 F
Written by Paul Walter
Sources for Terpinenes:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/alpha-Terpinene
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33341300/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30502144/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132854/
Sources for Terpinolene:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29161743/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30792116/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23339024/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Terpinolene
