What is Ocimene?

Cannabis is much more than THC and CBD. The plant is complex, with hundreds of compounds in every strain, and terpenes are an often under-regarded component. Critical in shaping a strain's flavor, aroma, and effects, terpenes are essential in cannabis and nature at large. 

One of the often lesser-discussed terpenes in the group is ocimene. From inflammation to pain and more, the aromatic molecule might help influence the strains that contain it.

What is Ocimene?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in most plant species. They are integral in creating countless beneficial effects, ranging from pollinator attraction to pest repellent. These compounds also play a significant role in the cannabis plant, helping shape aromas, flavors, and overall effects.

Ocimene is a monoterpenoid found in cannabis, as well as in fruit and other plants. It’s known for producing the floral scents of plants. Like many other terpenes, ocimene benefits the plant by attracting pollinators and providing defense mechanisms to keep predatory insects away.¹

What Does Ocimene Smell Like?

Ocimene is known for its flavor and aromatic profiles, which consist of floral notes. This complex and appealing profile is found in cannabis, as well as many of nature's more fragrant plants and flowers. The terpene is also found in several common herbs and plants, including:

• Basil
• Kumquats
• Guava
• Passion fruit
• Pepper
• Mint

Ocimene comes in various forms, which can slightly alter its aroma. For example, cis-β-ocimene is often linked to a scent with a slightly woody note. On the other hand, trans-β-ocimene is associated with more floral and sweet aromas. These traits are often also reflected in the terpenes' flavor profile.¹

Effects and Benefits of Ocimene

Research into terpenes has been ongoing, with its focus sometimes on cannabis and at other times on terpenes across a broader spectrum of organisms. Analysts have started to pinpoint specific beneficial effects associated with ocimene.

Anti-inflammation

In cannabis and beyond, ocimene is regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that essential oils containing ocimene suppress cytokine production, which may reduce inflammation and relieve certain types of pain.^2,3

Antioxidant

Ocimene may have antioxidant properties, including neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress and possible damage. The effect is important in preventing and mitigating various conditions related to oxidative stress.⁴

Calming and Mood-enhancement

Strains containing ocimene have been associated with calming effects and potentially increasing positive moods. It’s also been linked with increasing some consumers' focus levels. Additional terpenes, such as limonene and linalool, have been linked to similar mentally calming effects.⁵

When terpenes and other cannabis compounds are combined, their effects could potentially become more significant or more substantially felt. The entourage effect may produce the most optimal and beneficial experience.

What Other Plants Contain Ocimene?

As mentioned above, ocimene is in many plants. Some of the notable household favorites containing ocimene include: 

• Basil 
• Guava⁶
• Passion fruit 
• Orchids

These herbs, fruits, and other plants that contain ocimene may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, guava and passion fruit may offer antimicrobial effects.⁷

What Conditions Can Ocimene Help With?

Ocimene has been linked to various medical effects, providing potential benefits to people with several conditions and symptoms.

Physical Pain Relief

With demonstrated anti-inflammation properties, ocimene could play a role in reducing short-term and chronic types of pain.

Oxidative Stress

By neutralizing free radicals, ocimene may protect cells from oxidative stress and possible damage.⁴ This effect may help the body prevent and lessen certain chronic diseases and age-related conditions.

Viral Infections

As a component in several essential oils, ocimene may play a role in antiviral activity against various conditions, including SARS-CoV-1, commonly called SARS.⁸

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites via an infected female sandfly, represents one of the more specific conditions where ocimene may provide beneficial relief through its anti-leishmaniasis properties.⁹

Stress Relief

Through its multiple medical effects, ocimene could potentially help relieve stress and anxiety levels in some individuals.⁵

Best Strains for Ocimene

Picking the top five cultivars for ocimene will always be subjective. One of the metrics people typically use to judge their favorite strains is potency. When looking for strains high in ocimene, consider starting your plant exploration with some of the following. 

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a classic cultivar with herbal, citrus, woody, and floral notes from its blend of terpenes. Ocimene may heavily influence its floral undertones and intensify its possible effects. Patients commonly use the strain for pain, depression, anxiety, and stress relief, which the terpene might help emphasize.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison offers hints of pine, citrus, and simply sweet notes, possibly leaning into trans-β-ocimene’s sweeter floral aroma. One of the OG cultivars, aka landraces, the terpene might aid in its symptom-relieving effects. Patients may use the cultivar for stress, depression, and fatigue, so ocimene play helps play a role.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake 

A classic sweet fruit cultivar, ocimene helps deliver Pineapple Upside Down Cake's tropical sweet profile. It’s the most abundant terpene in the strain, which may help with its balanced, euphoric effect. Consumers report that the cultivar helps with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Medicine Man

Sometimes mistaken for its close family member, White Rhino, Medicine Man is most abundant in the minty side of ocimene. The strain often helps with pain, stress, and anxiety, with a flowery hint in its flavor. These all point to the terpene's more prominent role in this cultivar.

Deep Purple

Lastly, Deep Purple is known for its calming and sedative effects. Ocimene may contribute to its sweet meets berry aromatic profile. 
There is a world of other ocimene-rich cultivars available. Consumers can explore this special terpene while finding an ideal strain that fits their desired effects.

References

1. Farré-Armengol G, Filella I, Llusià J, Peñuelas J. β-Ocimene, a Key Floral and Foliar Volatile Involved in Multiple Interactions between Plants and Other Organisms. Molecules. 2017;22(7):1148. Published 2017 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/molecules22071148 ↩︎
2. Kim MJ, Yang KW, Kim SS, et al. Chemical composition and anti-inflammation activity of essential oils from Citrus unshiu flower. Nat Prod Commun. 2014;9(5):727-730. ↩︎
3. Valente J, Zuzarte M, Gonçalves MJ, et al. Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;62:349-354. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.08.083 ↩︎
4. Karimian P, Kavoosi G, Amirghofran Z. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Tagetes minuta essential oil in activated macrophages. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014;4(3):219-227. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60235-5 ↩︎
5. Lewis MA, Russo EB, Smith KM. Pharmacological Foundations of Cannabis Chemovars. Planta Medica. 2017;84(04):225-233. doi:10.1055/s-0043-122240 ↩︎
6. Daswani PG, Gholkar MS, Birdi TJ. Psidium guajava: A Single Plant for Multiple Health Problems of Rural Indian Population. Pharmacogn Rev. 2017;11(22):167-174. doi:10.4103/phrev.phrev_17_17 ↩︎
7. He X, Luan F, Yang Y, et al. Passiflora edulis: An Insight Into Current Researches on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:617. Published 2020 May 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00617 ↩︎
8. Wani AR, Yadav K, Khursheed A, Rather MA. An updated and comprehensive review of the antiviral potential of essential oils and their chemical constituents with special focus on their mechanism of action against various influenza and coronaviruses. Microb Pathog. 2021;152:104620. doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104620 ↩︎
9. Sousa JMSd, Nunes TAdL, Rodrigues RRL, Sousa JPAd, Val MdCA, Coelho FAdR, Santos ALSd, Maciel NB, Souza VMRd, Machado YAA, et al. Cytotoxic and Antileishmanial Effects of the Monoterpene β-Ocimene. Pharmaceuticals. 2023; 16(2):183. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020183 ↩︎

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