What is Ocimene? A Terpene With Theperaputic Effects.

You may think you’ve never heard of Ocimene (pronounced “oh-seh-mean”), but believe it or not, you’ve probably encountered this flavorful terpene many times and not even known it! In this article, we’ll look into what Ocimene is and break down all the known benefits this amazing terpene offers.

Main Keypoints:

• Found in a wide variety of plants, cannabis also contains the Ocimene terpene.
• Ocimene gives cannabis consumers a distinctive taste and flavor when using CBD and THC products.
• Ocimene is an acyclic monoterpene with zesty citrus, floral, and woodsy scents.
• Preliminary research suggests that Ocimene provides various therapeutic benefits by acting as an antiviral agent, possessing anti-inflammatory properties, providing anti-fungal support, and more.
• It offers uplifting effects when present in cannabis strains.

What is Ocimene, and what does it offer you?

The Ocimene terpene is found throughout the plant world, including in hops, kumquats, mangoes, basil, bergamot, lavender, orchids, and pepper; cannabis plants also contain the Ocimene terpene.

 The alluring scent of Ocimene makes it a common ingredient in the perfume industry, aromatherapy, and more. You’ll also find Ocimene in fabric softeners, antiperspirants, personal care formulas, essential oil(s), and household cleaning products.

 But the use of Ocimene in everyday items doesn’t stop there. Its pungent aroma also operates as a defense mechanism for plants. It works to repel insects such as aphids, which can harm cannabis crops.

 But perhaps its most significant contribution relates to Ocimene’s therapeutic properties and how it supports overall health.

What Does Ocimene Smell Like?

Ocimene combines a floral, zesty, sweet herbal scent with woodsy aroma undertones. These attributes are the reason chemists select Ocimene for use in fragrances, essential oil(s), shampoos, and other personal care items such as air fresheners and household cleaners.

You have almost certainly come into contact with Ocimene without realizing it!

 Like other terpenes, Ocimene helps define the unique smell and taste of cannabis strains and plays a significant role in your cannabis experience.

So What Does Ocimene Do?

Scientists are discovering that the terpene Ocimene possesses unique medicinal advantages.

Promising research suggests that this terpene delivers anti-inflammatory properties and anti-fungal support, acts as an antiviral agent and offers decongestant health benefits. 

Ocimene Terpene: Top Benefits!

The beneficial properties of Ocimene are just being discovered!

Antimicrobial and Anti-Fungal Properties

Studies reveal this terpene holds antimicrobial properties.[1] According to this research, Ocimene shows high efficacy against fungal health concerns such as candida Albicans and types of malaria.

Antioxidant Support

The promising research confirms Ocimene delivers antioxidant properties.[2] As mentioned before, black pepper contains the Ocimene terpene.

Now, scientists have discovered that black pepper’s essential oil(s) supports healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels.[3] These experts believe Ocimene from pepper may help manage and provide therapeutic effects for these serious health concerns.[4]

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

There is evidence that Ocimene’s essential oils can potentially suppress the production of several different inflammatory substances.[5] Published research demonstrated that Ocimene effectively inhibited key enzymes, leading to inflammation and discomfort.[6] It does this without adverse side effects that often result from over-the-counter medications.

Antiviral Effect

Antivirals are compounds that help your body fight off viruses. Antiviral substances also protect you from getting or spreading a virus to others. Omicene may be helpful in battling antiviral issues, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), due to its antiviral properties.[7]

Decongestant

Anecdotal reports suggest that Ocimene acts as a decongestant and expectorant by helping clear airways and improve respiration. In aromatherapy, monoterpenes, such as Ocimene, reportedly have the potential to ease nasal and other mucous membrane discomforts.  

What Is The Difference Between Beta-Ocimene and just Ocimene? Their Chemical Structure

Ocimene is used interchangeably with the term Beta-Ocimene. Classified as an acyclic terpene hydrocarbon with the chemical structure of C10H16, Ocimene occurs in several essential oil(s).

Three forms fall under the Ocimene terpene umbrella:

1. α-ocimene
2. cis-β-ocimene
3. trans-β-ocimene

It may seem a little complicated, but α-Ocimene and the two β-ocimenes only differ in the position of the isolated double bond:

• α-Ocimene is cis-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene. β-Ocimene is trans-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene.
• β-Ocimene exists in cis and trans forms

But to keep it simple, all these variations of the Ocimene terpene deliver a distinctive aroma and flavor to cannabis strains while also supporting the body’s health with medicinal benefits.

Does Ocimene Make You High?

Consumed on its own, Ocimene, like most terpenes, will not get you high on its own or have intoxicating effects. However, when combined with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, its potent effects have the potential to increase psychoactive effects.

Is Ocimene Safe To Use?

Naturally found in living plants, terpenes contribute to a plant’s smell and taste and are traditionally safe. There are no dangerous reactions of Ocimene under normal conditions of use.

 There are some reports that Ocimene can cause coughing if inhaled directly into the lungs. Ocimene may irritate the skin and eyes in large doses.

The same goes for various other terpenes such as Humulene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, and Eucalyptol.

 Is Ocimene Legal?

On their own, terpenes like Ocimene do not have any significant psychoactive properties.

In general, all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from marijuana, they may be illegal in certain areas under federal law and regulations.

As a result, cannabis-derived terpenes operate in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes.

And some states have legalized cannabis and its terpenes. You will always want to check to understand the regulations in your state to assure you are using a legal substance.

Plants That Contain Ocimene

Yes, cannabis plants contain the Ocimene terpene, but you will also find Ocimene throughout the plant world.

 This includes mint, lavender, basil, pepper, mango, and many other plants, foods, and herbs you find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. Orchids and the hops used to make beer are also sources of Ocimene. 

How Common Is Ocimene In Cannabis?

You will find that Ocimene rarely plays a lead role in cannabis strain profiles. Instead, it is usually the second or third most abundant terpene.

Ocimene works well when combined with other terpenes, including Alpha-Pinene and Myrcene. It is also well-documented that terpenes work hand in hand with cannabinoids to produce more potent medicinal benefits.

This synergetic process is called the entourage effect. It occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids interact to boost the effectiveness of one another and create more powerful therapeutic effects.

Final Thoughts

The alluring scent of Ocimene makes it a common ingredient in perfume and other everyday personal care and cleaning products. Its pungent aroma also serves as a defense mechanism for plants repelling insects.

But perhaps its most significant contribution relates to Ocimene’s therapeutic properties and how it supports human health.

Further research into Ocimene continues, but the early results are promising for this terpene’s therapeutic effects.

At BioWellnessX, we recognize that terpenes like Ocimene have promising therapeutic benefits and medical applications. To support your health and wellness, we proudly ship our high-quality hemp-derived THC and CBD products nationwide, directly to your front door. 

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can promote your physical and mental health.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26114148/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24348547/
3. Ibid
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27928138/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25026734/
6. https://pharmacy.mahidol.ac.th/journal/journalabstract.php?jvol=47&jpart=2&jconnum=7
7.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18357554/

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Hemp-derived products is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC). The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.

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