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An October 2022 study entitled "Effects of Super-class Cannabis Terpenes Beta-caryophyllene and Alpha-pinene on Zebrafish Behavioral Biomarkers" that was published in the journal Scientific Reports suggested the existence of a special subclass of terpenes that it dubbed super class terpenes.
Rosemary produces the terpene terpinolene
"There are more than fifty cannabis terpenes most commonly found in North American cannabis strains, eight of which predominate to form a 'Terpene Super Class,'" explained the study.
The eight super class terpenes identified by this pinnacle study include alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), humulene, limonene, linalool, myrcene, ocimene, and terpinolene. Higher Learning LV investigates each of these important terpenes in our Super Class Terpenes series.
Read our exclusive summary of this peer-reviewed research study here.
Listen to the C3 Podcast episode regarding this study here.
"More than fifty cannabis terpenes are commonly found in North American cannabis strains, eight of which predominate to form a 'Terpene Super Class.'"
Terpinolene Overview
Terpinolene, one of the eight super class terpenes, is known for delivering a fresh, piney aroma and a sweet citrus flavor. It is produced by a range of popular cannabis cultivars, including Jack Herer and Super Lemon Haze, and known for delivering calm and relaxation (depending on the other terpenes present).
Like others in the super class category, terpinolene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis/hemp/marijuana. Like other cannabis terpenes, terpinolene is never encountered in isolation in the wild. Instead, it combines with many other terpenes (and other chemicals, including esters and ketones) to produce unique and multi-layered fragrances that are characteristics of particular cultivars and individual plants.
Lilacs are a top source of terpinolene
Terpinolene is produced by many botanical species beyond cannabis, including apples, conifers, cumin, lilacs, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, and tea trees. It can be found in a number of cannabis cultivars (strains), including Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, Golden Goat, Golden Pineapple, J1, Jack Herer, Orange Cookies, Pineapple Kush, Royal Jack Automatic, Super Lemon Haze, and XJ-13.
"This terpene has also demonstrated anticancer properties. Anecdotally, terpinolene is known to deliver calm."
Like other terpenes and cannabinoids, research has revealed that terpinolene features multiple avenues of efficacy and may act as a positive therapeutic agent for a number of diseases and conditions. Terpinolene's potential medicinal benefits include efficacy against bacterial infections, fungal issues, and diseases or disorders that benefit from its antioxidant characteristics.
This terpene has also demonstrated anticancer properties. Anecdotally, terpinolene is known to deliver calm. Some sources say it may, in the proper dose, also serve as a sedative.
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