Everything You Need to Know About Ocimene and Its Benefits
Terpenes are present in almost all plant life, including Cannabis. They are known for defining the smell and taste of different strains and play a vital role in the outcome of the cannabis experience. Previously, the benefits of marijuana were thought to be only in cannabinoids; now, we know there are four hundred chemical compounds that interact with each other, including flavonoids and terpenes ( Russo, 2011).
More than twenty thousand terpenes exist in the plant world, and at least a hundred are identified and studied in Cannabis. The terpene Ocimene is found in several plants displaying a sweet woodsy scent, and its usual sources are parsley, mint, tarragon, and mango, among others.
This article will dive into Ocimene and its benefits; we have gathered everything you need to know to get you up to speed.
What is Ocimene?
Ocimene, a monoterpene also identified as Beta-Ocimene, is derived from the Greek word "Ocimum," which means basil. This terpene offers many medicinal and therapeutic uses for its uplifting effects, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Although its profile is not predominantly herbal, Ocimene displays a woody aroma and can be described as fruity or citrusy in terms of flavors.
As mentioned earlier, Ocimene can be found in mint, parsley, basil, tarragon, kumquats, mango fruits, lavender, orchid flowers, Hops, and bergamot. Ocimene is used in different everyday products such as perfumes, fabric softeners, antiperspirants, shampoos, soap, and hard-surface cleaners. Besides, its scent is not appealing to insects, making it ideal in insecticides.
Ocimene Cultivars
There are one or many terpenes present in one strain. These are a few strains high in Ocimene:
- Jack Herer
- Mandarin Dream
Ocimene Benefits
Cannabinoids and terpenes blend in the human body to modify one another effects and, in essence, create an overall different, or "greater," efficacy based on the same molecules present and, of equal importance, the ratios in which they appear; this is known as the Entourage effect(Russo, 2011).
Ocimene has been examined to work better with myrcene and pinene, among other terpenes. When combined with other cannabinoids, Ocimene produces more potent effects and is also believed to act as a protective agent of plants against harmful elements. Other benefits of this terpene are:
Cognitive Effects
Ocime is known to be a stimulant; in previous research, Ocimene has been identified as uplifting. (S. Casano, G. Grassi, V. Martini, and M. Michelozzi, 2011)
Decongestant and Anti-Oxidative Properties
researches revealed that Ocimene, together with pinene, possesses anti-oxidative properties and can help manage and prevent type2 diabetes and hypertension. (IA; 2013) Also, this terpene can be a decongestant.
Antifungal
A 2015 study published in The Journal of Natural Medicines published a study reviewed Ocimene as part of a blend against molds and yeasts. The study showed that Ocimene's combination with other elements is a promising anti-fungal agent against dermatophytosis, a skin fungus commonly referred to as a ringworm. (Cavaleiro C; Salgueiro L; Gonçalves MJ; Hrimpeng K; Pinto J; Pinto E;)
Anti-inflammatory
In a 2013 study published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal, researchers noted anti-inflammatory activities in the oil-containing Ocimene, Oenanthe crocata. The study also revealed effective against ringworms and is recommended as a treatment to manage other inflammatory diseases. (Valente J; Zuzarte M; Gonçalves MJ; Lopes MC; Cavaleiro C; Salgueiro L; Cruz MT; 2013)
Antiviral
A 2008 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). These findings are impressive and promising in light of the current pandemic, yet further clinical research studies are still needed.
In a nutshell
Ocimene offers a sweet, woodsy fragrance and holds various therapeutic properties, including anti-convulsant, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor activity. It 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 beneficial to patients diagnosed with ALS, for instance. Further investigation into Ocimene’s potential as an anti-viral would greatly benefit public health measures and outcomes. As always, much more research is needed to know its full potential.
**Note: As always, with medical conditions and symptoms, please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made regarding these products. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
Loizo, M., Saab, A. (2008). Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anti-viral 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.
Valente J;Zuzarte M;Gonçalves MJ;Lopes MC;Cavaleiro C;Salgueiro L;Cruz MT;. (n.d.). Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24012643/
Cavaleiro C; Salgueiro L; Gonçalves MJ; Hrimpeng K; Pinto J; Pinto E;. (n.d.). Anti-fungal activity of the essential oil of Angelica major against Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25576097/S. Casano, G. Grassi, V. Martini and M.
Michelozzi. (2011). Variations in Terpene Profiles of Different Strains of Cannabis sativa L. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/variations-terpene-profiles-different-strains-cannabis-sativa-l
IA;, O. (2013). Anti-oxidative properties and inhibition of key enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes and hypertension by essential oils from black pepper. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24348547/
