What are the Many Uses of Terpinolene?

What is terpinolene?
Terpinolene is a clear to yellow liquid hydrocarbon that is produced by various plants. It has a fresh smell and is used as a fragrance in cosmetic products like soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. It is also used as a flavor in cigarettes. And it's in many household products like insect repellents. Cannabis consumers should care about terpinolene because it is present in many strains of cannabis. It has been shown to exhibit sedative, antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties and anticancer effects.
Terpinolene is found in many strains of cannabis, especially those with a high content of pinene. Pinene is another monoterpene that gives cannabis its characteristic piney smell. Some examples of strains that contain terpinolene are Jack Herer, Granddaddy Purple, and OG Kush.

What makes terpinolene unique compared to many terpenes found in many cannabis strains is that it has antioxidant effects and sedative properties. This means that it can help people to relax, sleep and live healthier. Terpinolene is also antimicrobial, meaning that it can kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Finally, it has been shown that terpinolene may exhibit anticancer effects, meaning that it may be able to help fight cancer cells.

The Science behind monoterpene Terpinolene benefits

The structure of alpha terpinolene consists of a ring of two fused cyclohexenes with a side chain attached to one of the carbons in the ring. Terpinolene is classified as a monoterpene, which means that it is made up of two isoprene units. Isoprene is a hydrocarbon that contains five carbon atoms.


Terpinolene is a clear to yellow liquid hydrocarbon that is produced by cannabis plants and various other plants. It has a woody floral aroma and is used as a fragrance in soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. It is also used as a flavor in cigarettes. Cannabis consumers should care about terpinolene because it is present in many strains of cannabis. It has been shown to exhibit sedative, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. It can reduce oxidative damage. All these therapeutic benefits make it an essential terpene for anyone interested in human health and alternative therapies for common ailments such as insomnia or cavities. Furthermore, its ability to kill cancer cells makes it a promising treatment for cancer patients looking for an alternative to chemotherapy or radiation therapy .
  • Sedative Effects
    Scientists have conducted several studies on the effects of terpinolene. Terpinolene’s sedative effects were demonstrated in a study on mice. When inhaled, terpinolene caused the mice to show decreased locomotor activity, indicating sedation. This effect was similar to that of diazepam (Valium), a commonly prescribed sedative to reduce anxiety. The study found that terpinolene increased the amount of time the mice spent asleep and reduced the number of times they woke up during the night.
  • Antimicrobial activity
    Another study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of terpinolene against oral bacteria. The study found that terpinolene was effective against certain strains of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, which is known to cause cavities.

    In addition, terpinolene has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against various types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It was also effective against Candida albicans, a common cause of yeast infections.
  • Anticancer effects
    Finally, one study looked at the anticancer effects of terpinolene against human breast cancer cells. Terpinolene’s potential as an anticancer agent was demonstrated in a study on human breast cancer cells. Terpinolene was found to inhibit the growth and spread of these cancer cells, suggesting it could be a potent antiproliferative agent.
  • Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
    In addition to the above effects, terpinolene has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. A study on mice found that terpinolene reduced inflammation in the ear and paw areas, similar to the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Overall, terpinolene terpene has numerous potential benefits for both medical and recreational cannabis users. Its sedative effects can help with relaxation and sleep, while its antimicrobial properties may offer oral health benefits. Terpinolene’s potential as an anticancer agent suggests that it may play a role in future cancer treatments. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects can help with pain relief. As more studies are conducted on terpinolene and other cannabis terpenes, we may uncover even more potential benefits.

Where can consumers find products that contain terpinolene ?

Terpinolene can be found in various cannabis plant strains, as well as in essential oils, cleaning products and skincare or other health products. Consumers may also find terpinolene listed as an ingredient in perfumes, shampoos, and cigarettes. It is important to note that the concentration of terpinolene will vary depending on the product.

For cannabis consumers, a strain's terpene profile can often be found on dispensary menus or websites. Alternatively, the product can be visually and aromatically assessed in person at a dispensary.

Cannabis strains with terpinolene

Strains with terpinolene include Jack Herer, Golden Goat, Purple Kush, and Super Silver Haze. Essential oils with terpinolene include tea tree oil and pine needle oil.

Cannabis consumers may also choose to use terpinolene-rich essential oils in a vaporizer or as part of aromatherapy or to treat toenail fungus. When purchasing an essential oil, it is important to ensure that the product is pure and properly sourced.

It is also possible for consumers to extract terpinolene from cannabis flowers using a process called steam distillation. However, this method should only be performed by trained professionals in a safe setting.

When using products containing terpinolene, it is important to follow the directions and exercise caution, as with any substance. As always, it is best to consult with a medical professional before incorporating
terpinolene or any other cannabis compound into your wellness routine.


TL;DR

Terpinolene is a terpene that has many benefits for consumers. It can be used as a sedative, has antimicrobial effects, can help with cancer, reduces inflammation and pain. Consumers can find products containing terpinolene in dispensaries and online. Cannabis strains with terpinolene are becoming more popular because of the health benefits it offers. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about this and other topics related to cannabis!The combination of terpinolene’s sedative, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects make it a valuable component of cannabis strains.