What is Borneol?

CBD and THC are the most common molecules, but there are hundreds of other compounds that the cannabis plant provides. Terpenes have been gaining attention in recent years as they play a crucial role in all vegetation’s fragrance and flavor notes, including cannabis strains. 

These aromatic molecules even help shape the unique effects consumers feel from different strain varieties.¹

Many consumers are new to the variety of terpenes they may see listed on their cannabis products. It’s not uncommon to wonder: What is borneol? And what makes it stand out from other cannabis terpenes?

What is Borneol?

Terpenes are aromatic molecules present in most plants — including cannabis. These compounds are partly responsible for each plant's unique flavor and aroma. They deliver a wide range of scents, from floral or citrusy to woody and earthy. 

There are over 120 different terpenes in the cannabis plant alone. Each offers its own distinctive aroma profile, flavor, and even benefits. Among the 120+ terpenes, they are broken into five main classes. These include diterpenes, monoterpenes, tri-terpenes, sesquiterpenes, and miscellaneous terpenes.

Borneol is a monoterpene originating from the resin of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family. More specifically, borneol is a bicyclic monoterpenoid. It’s commonly found in camphor, which is its principal metabolite.^2,3 

Borneol is also found in several other plants around the world. Its distinct, camphor-like smell is hard to miss. It's similar to eucalyptol with a fresh, minty, mildly herbal aroma. However, it also has a slightly earthy undertone.

Because of the terpene’s rarity, manufacturers often extract borneol essential oil from fresh leaves and branches of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl as a similar substitute.²

What Does Borneol Smell Like?

Consumers and researchers characterize the borneol terpene by its piney, camphor-like odor. Many describe it as sharp and refreshing. Hints of pine and mint deliver a distinct, cooling aroma. Borneol’s scent profile is reminiscent of camphor but has a menthol-like, fresh undertone.

In terms of taste, many associate borneol with a burning sensation because of its mint notes. Its taste isn’t as pronounced as its aroma. However, it may impart a slight cooling and minty flavor upon consumption. Its taste may differ between consumers, especially given how many plants contain borneol. 

Overall, the flavor and smell may remind some of camphor, which is produced when borneol oxidizes.

Effects and Benefits of Borneol

Traditionally used in medicine, borneol may provide several potential benefits. Current research supports this. However, more research is necessary for conclusive results. Based on the available literature, below are several possible effects of borneol terpene.

Improve Drug Delivery

Borneol may improve drug delivery to the central nervous system by enhancing the body's blood-brain barrier permeability. Research shows that borneol rapidly absorbs into the brain, reaching concentrations like those in blood within minutes of oral administration.

As a result, the terpene has been demonstrated to help drugs reach the brain more effectively.³

Pain Relief

Borneol may provide pain-relieving properties. Clinical trials demonstrate that a topical application may reduce pain post-operation. 

In a clinical study, a 25% borneol topical application substantially reduced postoperative pain. That's comparing it to topical analgesics that contain NSAIDs instead. Borneol's historical use in traditional Chinese medicine helps support its pain relief abilities.⁴

Neuroprotective

Borneol shows promise in preventing neuronal injury after having an ischemic stroke. This is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The terpene may exert neuroprotective effects through several mechanisms. It might also help hasten the repair and regeneration of brain tissue.⁵

Entourage Effect

In cannabis, borneol is often found alongside other terpenes and compounds. When these compounds work together, they may enhance each other's therapeutic properties. This is known as the entourage effect, which means borneol may contribute to the medicinal properties of particular cannabinoids, amplifying their overall benefits and effects.

What Other Plants Contain Borneol?

With a mild, minty, natural, fresh, woody, and herbal aroma, it’s no surprise that borneol is found in many plants. Below are some of the many plants that contain high levels of borneol.

Camphor

Borneol is a predecessor to camphor; high concentrations are found in camphor trees. One can extract borneol oil from the plant by extracting the oil from the fresh branches and leaves.

Camphor has traditionally been used to treat various symptoms, including inflammation, muscle pain, and irritation.⁶ 

Rosemary

Rosemary has a distinct, pungent, aromatic, and lavender-like scent. Like other woody evergreen plants and herbs, it’s been used in folk medicine for a long time. 

Rosemary contains borneol, and it may aid in treating symptoms related to pain, sleep, and Alzheimer’s.⁷

Blumea balsamifera

Also known as sambong, Blumea balsamifera is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. Sambong has a fresh, herbal scent with floral undertones. Traditionally, the leaves of this plant have been used for eczema, dermatitis, beriberi, lumbago, menorrhagia, rheumatism, skin injury, and as an insecticide. This plant has been recognized as having anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-obesity properties, and more.⁸

What Conditions Can Borneol Help With?

According to current research, borneol may help with several conditions. Research has found it may be effective as a topical pain reliever, especially for postoperative pain.⁴ 

One of the most promising aspects of borneol is its potential to prevent neuronal injury after a stroke. The terpene may help hasten the repair and regeneration of brain tissue that’s been damaged by a stroke.⁵

Borneol may also help combat inflammation-related diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties have historically been used to alleviate symptoms of conditions like rheumatism. These traditional uses of plants high in borneol also include infection, muscle pain, congestion, and irritation.⁶

The terpene may also promote wound healing through its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.⁹ While this isn’t a specific condition, it may be helpful for conditions that cause wounds.

Best Strains for Borneol

Below are strains renowned for their high borneol content, among other notable features. Each offers a distinct aroma and flavor and delivers unique effects to its consumers.

K13 Haze

Also known as Easy Haze, K13 Haze is a descendant of the famous Original Haze variety. Users most often report feeling happy and uplifted with an undertone of relaxation.

OG Kush

Consumers frequently report using OG Kush, a popular name with a powerful lineage, to help with pain, inflammation, stress, and more.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a legendary cultivar rich in borneol. Along with feelings of euphoria and relaxation, it is also reported to stimulate appetite, improve energy, and promote sociability in some.

Amnesia Haze

Some consumers prefer Amnesia Haze. Reporting it as an energetic, uplifting buzz that may help maintain smiles throughout the day, users also say it helps with stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a borneol-rich cultivar that may deliver social, energetic, and creative effects. Many consumers report that it helps with symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

References

1. Masyita A, Mustika Sari R, Dwi Astuti A, et al. Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives. Food Chem X. 2022;13:100217. Published 2022 Jan 19. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100217 ↩︎
2. Zhang QL, Fu BM, Zhang ZJ. Borneol, a novel agent that improves central nervous system drug delivery by enhancing blood-brain barrier permeability. Drug Deliv. 2017;24(1):1037-1044. doi:10.1080/10717544.2017.1346002 ↩︎
3. Radwan MM, Chandra S, Gul S, ElSohly MA. Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis. Molecules. 2021; 26(9):2774. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092774 ↩︎
4. Wang S, Zhang D, Jinsheng H, et al. A clinical and mechanistic study of topical borneol‐induced analgesia. Embo Molecular Medicine. 2017;9(6):802-815. doi:https://doi.org/10.15252/emmm.201607300 ↩︎
5. Li Y, Ren M, Wang J, et al. Progress in Borneol Intervention for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.606682 ↩︎
6. Lee SH, Kim DS, Park SH, Park H. Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oils. Molecules. 2022;27(9):2695. Published 2022 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/molecules27092695 ↩︎
7. de Macedo LM, Santos ÉMd, Militão L, Tundisi LL, Ataide JA, Souto EB, Mazzola PG. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications: A Review. Plants. 2020; 9(5):651. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9050651 ↩︎
8. Pang Y, Wang D, Fan Z, et al. Blumea balsamifera--a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Molecules. 2014;19(7):9453-9477. Published 2014 Jul 3. doi:10.3390/molecules19079453 ↩︎
9. Barreto RS, Albuquerque-Júnior RL, Araújo AA, et al. A systematic review of the wound-healing effects of monoterpenes and iridoid derivatives. Molecules. 2014;19(1):846-862. Published 2014 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/molecules19010846 ↩︎

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