Terpenes are aromatic organic hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of many plants. These molecules are responsible for the distinctive smells of plants, and terpenes are used to produce fragrances and flavorings. Terpenes have therapeutic properties, and some terpenes may even have anti-cancer effects. *1
Pinene is a terpene that is found in many plants, including pine trees and cannabis. This terpene is easily recognizable by its strong piney smell. Pinene has many potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, treating cancer, and improving respiratory conditions such as asthma.*2 Pinene is also believed to improve memory and cognitive function.
The benefits of Pinene are still being studied, but there is growing evidence that this terpene has valuable therapeutic properties. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of Pinene, I would recommend trying these strains.
Cannabis Cultivars / Strains high in Pinene:
What are the Effects of Pinene?
Anti-Inflammatory
Pinene has anti-inflammatory effects, which means it can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This effect is due to Pinene’s ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines. Pinene’s anti-inflammatory effects may make it useful in the treatment of conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and asthma. *3
Anti-Cancer
Pinene may also have anti-cancer effects. This terpene is thought to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells. Pinene may also induce cell death in cancer cells, known as apoptosis. The anti-cancer effects of Pinene are still being studied, but this terpene shows promise as a potential treatment for cancer.
Neuro-Protective
Pinene is also believed to improve memory and cognitive function. This terpene is thought to increase the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory. Pinene may also help to protect the brain from damage caused by inflammation. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Pinene make it a promising treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Conclusion
Although Pinene shows promise as a natural remedy for many conditions, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. Pinene is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cognitive-enhancing effects, but these effects have not been conclusively proven in humans. Pinene is generally considered safe, but some people may experience side effects like headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you are considering using Pinene to treat a medical condition, I would recommend speaking to your doctor.
Refrences
- Chen W; Liu Y; Li M; Mao J; Zhang L; Huang R; Jin X; Ye L; (n.d.). Anti-tumor effect of α-pinene on human hepatoma cell lines through inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. Journal of pharmacological sciences. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25837931/
- Y; Y. Z. W. N. Z. Y. F. (n.d.). Comparative anti-infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) activity of (-)-Pinene: Effect on nucleocapsid (N) protein. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21350392/
- Kim DS;Lee HJ;Jeon YD;Han YH;Kee JY;Kim HJ;Shin HJ;Kang J;Lee BS;Kim SH;Kim SJ;Park SH;Choi BM;Park SJ;Um JY;Hong SH; (n.d.). Alpha-pinene exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of mapks and the NF-ΚB pathway in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The American journal of Chinese medicine. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26119957/
- Lee, G.-Y., Lee, C., Park, G. H., & Jang, J.-H. (2017). Amelioration of scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment by α-pinene in C57BL/6 mice. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5687139/
