The Complex Terpene: Trans-Nerolidol
Cannabis science is constantly changing. However, there is a great deal of information about specific compounds within the cannabis plant, including terpenes.
One of those terpenes is the trans-nerolidol terpene. Trans-nerolidol is a robust terpene that gives cannabis a particular scent that you might recognize.
Terpenes also hold a variety of health benefits, but each one has its list of benefits. In this article, we'll take a close look at what the trans-nerolidol terpene offers you regarding health benefits and aroma profile.
What Are Terpenes?
Before we explore the trans-nerolidol terpene, let's examine what terpenes are.
They are what create the unique musky, skunky, and spicy aroma that makes it almost impossible to mistake the cannabis scent. This terpene can make it difficult to mask its odor even if you wanted to.
Terpenes are also found in various flowers and herbs and give most of these plant species their flavor and aroma.
Cannabis alone, however, contains over 150 of these compounds. Most plants contain only trace amounts of terpenes, and the more prominent terpenes combine to create the rainbow of cannabis strains and their well-known scent profiles. For example, your favorite Skunky Kush strain has a musky scent profile, while the sweeter Candyland strains evoke a softer, sweeter scent.
Of course, the purpose of terpenes goes beyond just their unique aromatic profiles. Terpenes also have multiple functions that protect the plant and offer therapeutic and mood-altering effects for cannabis lovers.
You'll find terpenes throughout nature in the trichomes of female cannabis plants. These sticky, translucent glands exist on the surface of cannabis buds and, to a lesser extent, on the plant's stems and leaves. It is the trichomes that produce terpenes through their resin glands.
What's also interesting is that terpenes are an essential part of any plant's growth and survival. These organic compounds enliven the pigmentation and color of cannabis leaves and also support the flavor of cannabis.
Even cooler terpenes make a plant more hospitable and exciting to the creatures they want to attract while scaring off animals that aren't good for their health.
Now that you have a solid foundation for what terpenes are let's dive deeper into the terpene of the hour—trans-nerolidol.
What Is Trans-Nerolidol?
Trans-Nerolidol is not as well-known as other terpenes like limonene, linalool, or myrcene. Yet, among all the others, this terpene has an essential role in creating the coveted entourage effect. This terpene isn't getting the accolades that others do, but that doesn't mean it's unimportant.
Nerolidol is also known as penetrol and peruviol. It is absorbed into the skin quite easily, so much so that it even has the power to enhance the absorption of other substances into the body. Not surprisingly, this makes it a prime choice for certain skincare products.
Many soaps, perfumes, and hair products also contain this unique terpene. Even the FDA considers it safe for use in food flavoring. Clearly, trans-nerolidol is a safe and effective terpene for use outside of cannabis consumption.
Looking at this terpene from a scientific perspective, nerolidol is sesquiterpene alcohol, which is produced naturally to prevent insects from attacking it. It exists on a chemical level in two geometric isomers, known either as a trans or a cis form, but they have unique molecular structures. Nerolidol is a compound that encompasses both of these molecules.
There is no compound in cannabis that doesn't support the entourage effect when combined with THC and CBD. While you don't likely know as much about trans-nerolidol as you do about those other previously mentioned terpenes, you'll want to know more about trans-nerolidol.
The aroma of trans-nerolidol is well-known to be floral and woody, but it also has seriously calming effects, which make it a fan favorite for sleeping or even adding flavor to your food. This terpene is being researched for its unique ability to penetrate the skin barrier and potentially be used as a transdermal delivery application for medications.
Potential Health Benefits of Trans-Nerolidol
Like with many other terpenes, trans-nerolidol is being researched quite heavily. Researchers found evidence that nerolidol has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, sedative, anti-parasitic, and pain-relieving power. It can also be used as an insect repellant.
While more clinical trials are required to better grasp the benefits of this unique terpene, the following is what scientists know about this terpene through research.
Neuroprotective
One study in 2016 revealed that nerolidol possesses potential antioxidant powers in specific animals. The terpene had an innate ability to protect rodents against oxidative stress, which also helps fight back against neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. The potential of this terpene is fascinating.
Antifungal
Another study in 2007 revealed that trans-nerolidol has powerful antifungal powers, particularly against skin funguses. The research showed that it could defeat skin fungus in guinea pigs. Trans-nerolidol is also common in many plants to prevent attacks from fungi.
Antibacterial
The nerolidol terpene is also powerful against certain strains of bacteria. In fact, research shows that trans-nerolidol can make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. Another study showed that this terpene could also fight off malaria when coupled with other medications. These studies likely only scratch the surface of what is possible with nerolidol in fighting off bacteria.
Sleeping & Anti-Anxiety Support
In anecdotal studies, many patients seek out nerolidol as an herbal remedy for reducing anxiety and improving sleep. One 2016 study revealed that mice enjoy reduced stress when given trans-nerolidol. Another test on rodents showed that nerolidol also produces a soothing effect. This research points to clear-cut benefits of a powerful terpene that needs to be studied in greater detail.
Anti-Cancer
Like other types of terpenes and compounds found in cannabis, trans-nerolidol has some serious potential to prevent tumor growth in certain types of cancers. A study in 2017 demonstrated that nerolidol can promote cell death while inhibiting cell growth in liver cancer in certain human patients. This points to even more significant potential anti-cancer benefits.
Potential Skin Benefits
We've mentioned it earlier, but it's worth repeating that trans-nerolidol also has the potential to fight off dermatological conditions thanks to its ability to penetrate the skin. The 2007 study on its ability to penetrate the skin revealed that it helped topical medications work better on the skin, including skin lesions. However, more research is required to understand its impact on skin conditions.
Risks To Consider
Trans-nerolidol is not known to cause adverse risks or side effects on the body. However, more clinical research is required to better understand how this terpene works within the body, on the skin, and the mind.
What Does Trans-Nerolidol Smell Like?
Trans-nerolidol is a colorless terpene but is easily picked up through your olfactory senses as a woody, rose-apple, floral aroma. Many people consider it to smell like fresh bark, which is often compared to an apple, rose, or citrus.
For example, trans-nerolidol is the primary aroma of the native orchid plants in Mexico. It is also used in perfume, cleansers, and detergents to create a particularly attractive smell. You'll also find this terpene in lavender, neroli, ginkgo biloba, and lemongrass.
In addition to the woodsy scents we listed above, trans-nerolidol also peeks through with melon, citrus, and lemongrass hints.
How to Know You've Got the Right Terpenes
There are a few ways to make sure the terpenes in your cannabis or essential oils are doing the job. These methods include:
Reading the Label
Lab-tested cannabis brands are far more effective than those that haven't been thoroughly tested. Most brands include three of the most common terpenes and their concentrations on the label, and the labels will often include a number close to or less than two percent.
Package Dating
Like all products, the manufacturing date is essential for products with trans-nerolidol terpenes. Terpene concentration does diminish with time, so check out the package date on the label. If you have to go for cannabis flower, then give the product a solid sniff. You are looking for a potent and fragrant aroma, which indicates a higher terpene content, not something that smells stale.
Avoid Using Heat
Some evidence suggests that dabbing can degrade the synthetic value of terpenes, and this can even lead to dangerous byproducts. Avoid that. Wait until the experts tell us what is healthy regarding heat use and vaporize flowers at lower temperatures or just eat your flowers through edibles. Ultimately you want a wholesome experience with terpenes and cannabis in general.
Be Cautious of Cannabis Oils
All oil-based vaping products have synthetic terpenes. We don't know yet if synthetic terpenes are less powerful than their natural counterparts. Still, we do know that they are typically made with household chemicals and solvents that can be dangerous. Make sure you proceed with caution anytime marketing materials try to convince you that a particular product is safe and effective.
Write It Down
Experimenting with various terpenes can be exciting. As you do so, write down your ingestion methods and how it makes you feel. This empowers you to locate the right terpene profile and the effects you're seeking.
Does Trans-Nerolidol Get You High?
Trans-nerolidol creates a powerful sedative effect that can help reduce your anxiety if you take it with other terpenes and compounds found within cannabis. The entourage effect, as it is known as, is responsible for this process.
Terpenes by themselves won't make you feel high, however. They are considered psychoactive by researchers because they significantly impact the brain. Most terpenes are not intoxicating on their own, even though the jury is still out on whether or not they enhance THC or if they are primarily responsible for creating the high itself.
What's even more interesting is that cannabis connoisseurs note that the people who buy cannabis are far too concerned with the THC content and are not as aware of the importance of terpene profiles when picking a strain. The effect of a terpene on the feeling a cannabis strain produces is significant. So, if you want a specific high, say something that makes you sleep, you might want to look out for a strain that is high in terpenes.
Some research has concluded that terpenes have the potential to reduce symptoms associated with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Additionally, the types of cannabinoids found within a certain strain is also essential. There are over 100 cannabinoids and 150 known terpenes in cannabis. The two most studied and abundant cannabinoids are HC and CBD, and these two are key in producing the entourage effect.
However, cannabinoids and terpenes are different from one another and produce other effects. These unique compounds work harmoniously to create the coveted sensations associated with cannabis.
The philosophy is that cannabis works best when every compound is maximized. Instead of working on just one compound, the entourage effect leverages all facets of the plant.
For example, when treating pain management, a 2010 study showed that a combination of THC and CBD are far more effective than just THC by itself. Studies have also demonstrated that breast cancer tumors respond better to cannabis extract than just THC by itself. This points to the fact that synergistic effects are tied to cannabinoids and terpenes.
If you're using CBD for therapeutic benefits and the isolate only contains CBD, you likely will not achieve the same results you would with a full-spectrum CBD product. This includes all plant compounds, creating the entourage effect you're seeking.
Where Else Can You Find Trans-Nerolidol?
Trans-nerolidol isn't only found in cannabis. It can also be found in multiple other types of plants that have intense aromas. These products and plants include tree, rose, lavender, jasmine, ginger, and lemongrass. Trans-nerolidol has a complex floral scent mixed with fruit and apples and has multiple purposes besides being an aromatic.
What is Trans-Nerolidol Used For?
The woody, floral scent of trans-nerolidol is found within the orange blossom and tea tree oil also make it a highly sought-after aroma in perfumes and lotions. You'll also find it cooked in meals when ginger is present. Its powerful flavor make it a sought-after flavoring agent in countless products including candy and chewing gum.
Some other interesting research reveals that trans-nerolidol has the power to reduce Leishmaniasis infection by some 95%. Research has also revealed that this terpene can reduce and inhibit the growth of four other species of parasites.
Other research also reveals that trans-nerolidol can sensitize infectious bacteria like Staph and coil to antibiotics. This enables the terpene to work with antibiotics in destroying bacteria pathogens with greater efficiency.
Common Cannabis Strains with Trans-Nerolidol
Now that you know all about the cannabis science behind the trans-nerolidol terpene profile, you might be curious about what type of cannabis strains contain this power-house of a terpene.
We've touched on it a bit already, but trans-nerolidol has some seriously sedating and relaxing affects on the mind and body. Researchers do suspect that this particular terpene has a positive effect on anxiety without inhibiting motor skills. Research has shown that the effects of trans-nerolidol on mice led to reduced levels of stress.
While it isn't easy to find strains with this terpene, they are in circulation. If you want to find strains that are high in this terpene, use your nose! The aroma of woody, citrusy and floral scents come from the following cannabis strain families:
Sweet Skunk
Skywalker OG
Sour Kush
Royal Jack Automatic
Tangilope
Royal Cookies
Products High In Trans-Nerolidol
There are many products out there that contain at least trace amounts of trans-nerolidol, but there are specific strains and products that contain high levels of this unique terpene. At Claybourne, we work tirelessly to deliver high quality products across the board. From our flower to our oils, we use third-party testing and more to verify the quality of our ingredients.
Cultivating strains that offer the greatest level of experience for our users is equally important to us. That's why we put together an extensive list of products you can trust.
If you're interested in products that have high levels of trans-nerolidol, then we have a couple of items you might want to check out. These two strains are our Durban Poison and Chem Dawg products.
Summary
Terpenes are an important part of producing the flavor and aroma of any cannabis strain. They have the power to work synergistically with cannabinoids and various other cannabis plant compounds to create psychoactive effects. While research is still ongoing, there is much we already know about terpenes like trans-nerolidol.
Keep in mind, your physiology, cannabis experience, and setting can contribute to your experience with any terpene profile.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.