Pinene
Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene
The pinene family of monoterpenes is most commonly found in pine trees, but they also provide aromatic and pharmacological properties in cannabis oil. Pinene rich extracts can improve airflow to our lungs and improves the sharpness of our minds. The levels of pinene that are present in cannabis flowers will depend on genetics, environmental growing factors, and curing and storage process.
Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene (monoterpenes) can improve energy and cognitive abilities just by working through the nostrils. When taken orally Alpha-pinene has been shown to protect our gastronomical tract by encouraging the production of gastric mucus and reducing acidity. Some studies are even suggesting alpha-pinene contains anticancer properties.
Alpha-pinene is the most concentrated terpene in pine trees and gives them their unique scent. The pinene family is the most common terpene in nature and they provide most of their anti-inflammatory benefits by blocking the prostaglandin signal just like myrcene. The popular herb rosemary contains high amounts of alpha-pinene and this essential oils antimicrobial activity can be contributed to its presence.
The Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Journal even published a report that suggested alpha-pinene showed apoptotic activity toward experimental metastatic melanoma (skin cancer) by disrupting the mutated cells mitochondrial activity. Separate research coming from Tokyo Japan found aromatherapy benefits of alpha-pinene consisted of a reduction in stress levels via the HPA axis, which contributed to the 40% reduction in the melanoma tumors on mice that were exposed to alpha-pinene environments.
Theses studies suggests that aromatherapy should be apart of a full body cancer treatment and incorporated into our work and living environments. Just walking through a forest of conifers can spike the alpha-pinene in your serum levels.
An added bonus is that insects hate alpha-pinene and this is one of the main reasons why plants produce this terpene. basil, cannabis, dill, rosemary, and parsley are all rich in alpha-pinene. It is important to note that terpenes work in a synergistic fashion and are not as effective when isolated.
Pinene Rich Strains of Cannabis: Strains are identified largely by their terpene profile and smell. - Alpha-pinene is a more volatile terpene and will start to evaporate quicker than heavier terpenes so curing and storage is key. Strains that are rich in pinene will often have longer lasting effects due to pinene's ability to reduce enzymes that destroy cannabinoids.
Strawberry Cough
Dutch Treat
Island Sweet Skunk
OG Kush
Blue Dream
Jack Herer
Every year millions of families bring live, terpene rich, and fragrant pine trees into their homes for Christmas and the terpenes in these pine trees give off a woodsy/lemony smell when fresh. For generations, humans have used the chemicals from pine sap to create paints and cleaners, but the medical industry is also beginning to take notice. The two most popular terpenes found in pine trees are alpha-pinene and limonene.
When compared to other plant species, trees typically have very small amounts of terpenes per dried weight so they most likely won’t be used in an industrial terpene production, but they are present nonetheless. Just walking in the forest exposes humans to a cocktail of terpenes that can provide aromatherapy benefits. (Click here to read about the health benefits of pine bark extract)