What Is Terpinolene?
Chemists identify terpinolene as a monoterpene consisting of two isoprene units, each featuring five carbon atoms. They would also note that it is highly lipophilic and has a low molecular mass, high volatility and a low evaporation point. In simple language, this means it is easily and rapidly absorbed by the body and has an aroma that comes on quickly but doesn’t linger.
Perfume makers describe terpinolene’s scent profile as a complex top note that is fresh, sweet, and floral with hints of dry wood. It is abundant in pine, cypress, and fir trees, and found to a lesser degree in lilac, nutmeg, cumin, apples, citrus fruit, and tea tree oils. It lends a fresh zest to cosmetics and soaps and serves as a flavor enhancer and natural preservative in the food industry.
Terpinolene is not a dominant scent in marijuana, but it often plays a significant role in shaping the aroma profile of many of the best-known strains. Following up on the earlier analogy, it’s a scent with a supporting role that enhances the overall flavor performance of cannabis.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Terpinolene
In addition to flavor and scent enhancement, terpinolene may provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits, both on its own and in combination with other terpenes found in cannabis. Known benefits include relaxation, anxiety reduction, antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, pain relief, cardiovascular protection and cancer-fighting properties. It’s an impressive list, and some of these effects may not be linked to cannabis consumption. That said, it’s certainly worth taking a closer look at this valuable, all-purpose terpene.
Antibacterial And Anti-Fungal
Terpinolene’s most powerful benefit may be its ability to fight infections. Both as an extract and when working with other terpenes in essential oils, it’s proven highly effective as an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent.
A study published by Natural Product Research showed that a terpinolene-rich essential oil deterred the spread of the staphylococcus bacteria. When untreated, this bacteria can lead to lingering and sometimes deadly staph infections. The use of terpene oils to control staphylococcus may provide promising complementary therapies to pharmaceutical products, as mutated strains of this bacteria are now becoming increasingly resistant to common antibiotics such as penicillin.
A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology showed that terpinolene was effective in controlling Escherichia coil bacteria (E coli). While some strains of this bacteria only cause minor discomfort, others can create severe stomach cramps, debilitating diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and more. Natural products such as terpinolene-rich essential oils may provide a natural alternative for treating E coli infections.
Terpinolene is a key ingredient in tea tree oil. This essential oil is known to have strong anti-fungal properties and is used to treat conditions ranging from ringworm and toenail fungus. Research from Germany’s University of Leipzig found that tea tree oil was effective against fungal infections and skin rashes, treated dandruff, and reduced irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Like a number of the terpenes found in cannabis, terpinolene shows potential benefits for cancer therapy. It may help slow the growth of tumors and could play a role encouraging the death of cancer cells. Research from Turkey’s Ataturk University showed that under laboratory conditions terpinolene inhibited the growth of brain tumor cells without damaging normal brain tissue. The research also showed that it reduced the formation of leukemia cells. Based on these findings the authors stated that this terpene showed potential value as an anticancer agent.
A team from Sichuan Normal University found that, in laboratory conditions, an essential oil containing terpinolene and the terpene cymene killed a common type of breast cancer cell. The research showed that each of these terpenes combatted cancer cells on their own, but were significantly more effective when combined. Terpinolene’s breast cancer-fighting potential was confirmed by an Indonesian research group. Their research showed that it inhibited cancer cell growth and supported apoptosis, which is the body’s natural process for eliminating cancer cells.
Wound Healing
In a study reported in the Journal of Tissue Viability, a combination of terpinolene and the lesser-known terpene phellandrene promoted wound healing by limiting chronic inflammation associated with the protein NF-κB. In addition, these terpenes stimulated new tissue growth after skin injuries by suppressing the over-production of two proinflammatory cytokines known as IL-6 and TNF-α. Elevated levels of these substances can cause harmful inflammation and destructive oxidative stress, which slows the healing process.
Heart Health
A German study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed that terpinolene obtained from pine oil prevented the over-production and oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is sometimes referred to as “the bad cholesterol. When in balance, it plays a role in human health. But when LDL levels are elevated and subjected to oxidative stress, it can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pain Management
Terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties that control the release of pain-signalling hormones known as prostaglandins. Some terpenes may also have antinociceptive (pain-blocking) properties similar to opioids.
Research conducted at the University of Piauí, Brazil 16 provided the first direct evidence of terpinolene’s pain-blocking potential. Mice given an oral tincture containing relatively low doses of terpinolene showed a pain-relieving response on several standard assessment tests. The authors also reported that the pain-relieving effects did not appear to create undesirable physical or mental side effects.
In a follow-up study, the same research group investigated the benefits of combining terpinolene with commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While these drugs can be quite effective for pain management, they come with some unwanted side effects such as gastrointestinal lesions. The authors explained:
One of the pharmacological strategies to minimize such effects is the combination of drugs and natural products with synergistic analgesic effects.
Their research confirmed that combining terpinolene with the NSAID drug, diclofenac, created a synergistic effect that delivered higher levels of pain relief than either substance alone.
Does Terpinolene Help You Sleep?
Terpinolene is known for providing a combination of mentally relaxing and mildly sedative properties. Research published in the Journal of Natural Medicine showed that it had a calming effect on mice when inhaled. The European Journal of Integrative Medicine reported on changes in human brain activity after inhaling terpinolene. Based on their observations of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, the study authors wrote:
Terpinolene exhibited a positive effect by reducing the tension and increasing the relaxation and stabilization states of brain function.
The most recent information on this terpene’s possible sleep-promoting effects comes from the August 2024 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. The journal reported on a study conducted by a California-based research institute where insomnia sufferers were given a combination of CBD and terpenes before bedtime. This formula included a 1mg dose of terpinolene. The results showed that participants spent more time in slow wave sleep (SWS) and showed an increase in rapid eye movement sleep (REM). According to the Sleep Foundation:
- During slow-wave sleep, electrical activity in the brain changes while the body relaxes into deep and restorative rest.
- REM sleep plays an important role in dreaming, memory, emotional processing, and healthy brain development.
The research also showed that the CBD/terpene formula did not lead to oversleeping, did not affect resting heart rate or heart rate variability, and no adverse events were reported.
Is Terpinolene Indica Or Sativa?
Though rarely the most prominent terpene in marijuana, terpinolene can be found in a variety of cannabis cultivars. Strains identified as sativa-dominant with a high THC content are known to have the highest concentrations of this terpene. But it can also be found in strains that fall in the indica classification, as well as many hybrid strains. Terpinolene’s effects are multi-faceted, as it can contribute to relaxation in some strains, while adding to the uplifting and energizing effects of others.
Which Cannabis Strains Have Terpinolene?
The exact terpene content of any given sample of medical marijuana can vary based on a number of factors. A Certificate of Analysis is the most accurate assessment of the terpene and cannabinoid content of a product. These certificates are created by licensed third-party laboratories that test cannabis products to ensure they meet potency and quality standards. Respected industry source, Leafly, offers the following suggestions for consumers searching for strains with elevated levels of terpinolene:
- Golden Pineapple – Hybrid 50/50 sativa and indica with average 22% TCH and 0.95% terpinolene content. Known for stress reduction energy and appetite enhancement.
- Dutch Treat – Approximately 80% indica with a powerful 24% THC content and terpinolene profile around 0.71%. Good for alleviating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain.
- XJ-13 – Balanced indica/sativa strain with high THC (22%) and 0.66% terpinolene content. Used to treat depression, fatigue, and stress.
- Jack Herer – Somewhat Sativa dominant (55%) approximately 21% THC and around 0.42% terpinolene content. depression, pain, and anxiety.
View a COA Example
Do You Have Questions About Medical Marijuana?
If you are looking for information on cannabis therapies, CannaMD’s state-certified network of medical marijuana doctors is here to answer questions and provide advice. Contact the CannaMD team at (855) 420-9170 today. Ready to get your card and purchase legal cannabis products? You can find out if you qualify for medical marijuana treatment with our quick online application!