In a previous article, you discovered terpenes as a whole. Our goal now is to introduce them to you, one by one. Let’s focus on one of them. Which one? Pinene. What is it, from a scientific point of view? What does it mean for the average consumer? Let’s answer these questions below. Pinene from a scientific perspectiveAt first glance, this section might seem technical. Unfortunately, we can’t make it any less technical. Why? Because pinene is a chemical compound. Therefore, it’s difficult to avoid this aspect. With that clarified, let’s get down to business. Scientific presentation of pineneIndeed, scientists describe pinene as a bicyclic monoterpene. In fact, a monoterpene refers to a terpene composed of two isoprene molecules, C5H8, and having the basic formula (C5Hx)2. Similarly, bicyclic describes a molecule or compound that has two fused rings.
Furthermore, science suggests that, beyond the hemp plant, pinene is also found in many other plants, notably mint, lavender, sage, ginger, rosemary, parsley, basil, yarrow, and rose. Along the same lines, turpentine oil (an essential oil obtained by purifying and then distilling turpentine) also contains it. Note: Pinene has two isomers (α-pinene or alpha-pinene and β-pinene or beta-pinene). The Properties of Pinene According to Science
Indeed, scientists highlight two main properties related to this terpene. Firstly, they believe it is an antiseptic. In other words,
pinene is a substance that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Furthermore, they maintain that this terpene can also be prescribed in cases of bronchial hypersecretion (bronchial superinfections). Pinene as seen by the average consumerAbove, we adopted the scientists’ approach. From this perspective, we tried, as much as possible, to make it understandable. Now, let’s take a new, much simpler approach that might interest consumers of CBD products.The aromaIf you have read our article on terpenes, you know that they are, first and foremost, aromatic compounds. Therefore, one of the most important elements for the consumer remains the aroma. That being said, how can we describe the aroma of pinene? Indeed, depending on the isomer you are dealing with, the aroma varies. If you are dealing with α-pinene, the aroma is similar to that of pine and rosemary. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with β-pinene (beta-pinene), the aroma is similar to that of hops or basil. With these details, you can detect pinenein CBD products.The Therapeutic Benefits of PineneEarlier, in the science section, we briefly discussed theproperties of pinene. Let’s continue along this path to discover other information that might interest consumers of
CBD products
. Indeed, some research shows that this terpene also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and memory-enhancing properties. A study published in theBrazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2007 tested the antimicrobial capacity of the terpene. It concluded that the compound achieved “complete elimination of the bacterial inoculum within a maximum of 24 hours of exposure.”
Study published in the
Journal of Natural Products It focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of pinene.
It follows that the terpene may be potent in inhibiting inflammatory and catabolic pathways. A study published inBioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
tests cognitive performance in mice. It shows that pinene promoted a 72.7% improvement in memory. Therefore, this terpene could be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
An in vivo and in vitro test highlighted by theJournal of Pharmacological Sciences shows that α-pinene may have antitumor properties. Also check out our article on humulene terpenes. References https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin%C3%A8ne https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%92-Pin%C3%A8ne
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoterp%C3%A8ne
https://www.cibdol.fr/encyclopedie-du-cbd/qu-est-ce-que-le-pinene https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1271/bbb.50608https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25837931
