Terpenes Spotlight: Ocimene
The Cannabis sativa L. is a mind-bending plant when you think about it. Not only does cannabis flower produce over 100 cannabinoids, but it also produces hundreds of other organic compounds called terpenes. In this post, we’ll take a look at one terpene that shows up in delicious herbs: Ocimene.
In the rest of this post, we’ll cover,
What is ocimene?
Where you can find ocimene in nature?
and ocimene’s potential benefits
Basil is rich in the terpene Ocimene.
What Are Terpenes?
Before we jump into Ocimene, let’s take a moment to discuss terpenes. Terpenes are a diverse grouping of organic compounds primarily responsible for the aroma of many plants. Terpenes also play a crucial role in a plant’s self-defense by deterring pests and herbivores, while simultaneously attracting pollinators (1). In cannabis, terpenes give the flowers a bitter taste which helps to deter foraging animals like deer and other would-be crop eaters.
The cosmetic and food industries covet terpenes for their aroma and taste. If you check around your kitchen right now, you’ll likely be able to find something containing a form of terpenes. Terpenes you’ll probably encounter in the kitchen include:
Citrus fruits that contain limonene
Cinnamon and black pepper contain beta-caryophyllene
Mangoes contain high levels of myrcene
What Is Ocimene?
Ocimene is a monoterpene that occurs naturally in a variety of plants. It’s name is derived from the Greek word for basil, “ṓkimon”.
There are three different forms of ocimene found in nature: alpha-, cis-beta-, and trans-beta; all found in relatively similar levels in nature.
You’ll find ocimene in many different plants like basil, parsley, mint, and kumquats. In a way, Mediterranean cooking owes a lot to this terpene. Its earthy and herbaceous aroma profile lends itself to many regional dishes.
Ocimene is also found in some cannabis cultivars. It’s not a very common terpene in cannabis and recently there has been a lot of interest in strains that contain terpene. We’ll discuss why in just a moment.
Fun fact: The plant genus name Ocimum also derives its name from “ṓkimon.” Many of the plants inside contain some level of ocimene.
What Is Ocimene Used For?
Outside of the kitchen, we already use ocimene for quite a few things. In cannabis products, ocimene is thought to provide uplifting effects for users.
Cleaning products
While ocimene itself does not boast any cleaning abilities, it is frequently added to cleaning products to enhance the aroma with its pleasant scent. You can find ocimene added to deodorants, hard-surface cleaners, and even laundry detergents.
Insect Repellent
Some studies suggest that ocimene may act as a natural insect repellent and in some cases an insect inhibitor, meaning that it may be able to stunt the development of insect aphids (2). If this pans out, these findings could be a huge breakthrough for organic and no-spray farmers.
Ocimene’s Potential Benefits
Outside of the kitchen, the house, the garden, and IN the lab, ocimene may have some nifty benefits that we have yet to fully understand. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of its potential benefits.
Anti-fungal
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines found that when combined with alpha-pinene, ocimene was a powerful anti-yeast and anti-fungal agent (3).
Anti-inflammatory
A 2013 study published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal noted that ocimene may have strong anti-inflammatory properties (4). This study, like the study above, did not observe ocimene on its own. Rather, ocimene was part of the essential oils from the Water Hemlock (Oenanthe crocata L.) plant.
Anti-viral
A 2008 study published in a Chemistry & Biodiversity report studied and analyzed several Lebanese tree species and their essential oils (5). Ocimene, working together with other terpenes, was found to have inhibitory effects against the herpes simplex virus and a SARS-CoV virus (not COVID-19).
Sunset Lake Cannabis Cultivars Featuring Ocimene
At Sunset Lake Cannabis, we pride ourselves on our approach to sungrown cannabis. Not only do we think that producing cannabis flower outdoors is better for the environment, but it’s also been shown to increase terpene production in the flowers. Some scientists think that terpene production is in response to environmental stresses and can help protect the plant from UV rays and pests. With our 2024 harvest, we’ve got a handful of cultivars that prominently feature ocimene:
Terp Poison - 0.29%
Raspberry Parfait - 0.18%
Pineapple Haze - 0.08%
We report terpene content based on dry weight of the flowers.
Sources:
Divekar, Pratap Adinath et al. “Plant Secondary Metabolites as Defense Tools against Herbivores for Sustainable Crop Protection.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 23,5 2690. 28 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms23052690
Kang, Zhi-Wei et al. “Volatile β-Ocimene Can Regulate Developmental Performance of Peach Aphid Myzus persicae Through Activation of Defense Responses in Chinese Cabbage Brassica pekinensis.” Frontiers in plant science vol. 9 708. 28 May. 2018, doi:10.3389/fpls.2018.00708
Cavaleiro, Carlos et al. “Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Angelica major against Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species.” Journal of natural medicines vol. 69,2 (2015): 241-8. doi:10.1007/s11418-014-0884-2
Valente, J et al. “Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil.” Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association vol. 62 (2013): 349-54. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.08.083
Loizzo, Monica R et al. “Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antiviral activities of the essential oils of seven Lebanon species.” Chemistry & biodiversity vol. 5,3 (2008): 461-70. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200890045
