What is Valencene?

Though many think that the complex cannabis plant only has two compounds, THC and CBD, the truth is that there's plenty more to consider. 

Organic compounds known as terpenes and terpenoids are critical in shaping the aroma, flavor, and effects of various plants, including cannabis.¹ Valencene, a lesser-found terpene in cannabis, may help select strains produce various reported physical, mental, and environmental benefits.

What is Valencene?

Terpenes are a compelling and diverse group of natural compounds primarily responsible for aromatic properties in plants. In cannabis, terpenes are essential to shaping the plant's flavor and effects. 

These complex compounds also play an important role in defending the plant from nature and attaching certain insects to help protect it. 

Terpenes are classified into numerous subcategories. They include, but are not limited to: 

• Monoterpenes
• Sesquiterpenes
• Diterpenes
• Triterpenes

Valencene is a sesquiterpene made of three isoprene units. Like other carboxylic compounds, this terpene is characterized by its molecular structure containing several carbon rings and at least one double bond, otherwise known as a polycyclic olefin.²

Beyond aromas, valencene shows promise in the medical field. Certain preliminary studies have shown that this terpene includes a range of beneficial medical properties. Its versatility allows for additional applications in a number of everyday products, including food and agriculture.³

What Does Valencene Smell Like?

Valencene is an essential terpene in many of nature's most enjoyable aromas, playing a part in delivering a plethora of herbaceous scents, helping shape the smells of favorite scents like:

• Valencia oranges
• Grapefruits
• Tangerines
• Clementines
• Wood

With its name, it should not come as a surprise that valencene is known to deliver a sweet citrus flavor that many compare to Valencia oranges.

Effects and Benefits of Valencene

Current research into valencene and its effects indicates that it contains various potential benefits and effects. Consumers report many beneficial effects, including:³

• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Anti-inflammatory effects may reduce physical and mental pains in consumers, possibly resulting in lower pain levels and reduced anxiety. 
• Improved Sleep: Valencene's reported relaxation effects may deliver physical and mental relief, improving sleep quality in many consumers. 
• Enhanced Mood: Valencene's potential neuroprotective properties may maintain or improve brain health and mood regulation. 
• General Health Maintenance: Valencene's benefits are believed to support the health of various body parts, including the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. 
• Natural Protection: This sesquiterpene's various antimicrobial and insecticidal effects serve as a natural pest repellent, providing consumers with a non-toxic, effective solution.
• Cancer-Fighting: Valencene has been demonstrated in preclinical studies to fight off certain cancer cell types.⁴

Valencene is a lesser-found terpene in cannabis. However, it and every other cannabis compound shape a strain's unique plant profile and effects. 

Combined, these compounds are believed to deliver an entourage effect of benefits that many consider the optimal consumption experience. While additional research is required to confirm the effect, proponents in the cannabis community believe combining terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other plant elements is why cannabis is reported to benefit many conditions ranging from acne to neuropathic pain.

What Other Plants Contain Valencene?

In addition to certain cannabis strains, the terpene valencene is found in various citrus fruits, including:⁴ 

• Valencia oranges
• Grapefruits   
• Nectarines   
• Mangoes   
• Tangerines 

Research into the terpene and its effects on fruits reveal a shared overlap with some of the effects produced in cannabis. Similar benefits reported include inflammation relief and mood-enhancing effects, indicating there is some pool of shared benefits between cannabis flowers and these citrus fruits.

What Conditions Can Valencene Help With?

Based on current research, valencene's beneficial effects may help address various health conditions and symptoms, including:³

• Bacterial infections 
• Fungal infections
• Insect bites
• Oxidative stress-related conditions
• Inflammation and inflammatory-related diseases
• Various cancer forms
• Diseases and disorders related to the cardiovascular system, brain, liver and kidney

While there is not much official anecdotal feedback that focuses on a minor terpene like valencene, decades of self-reports suggest that cannabis may help address the above conditions and many others.

Even though valencene can aid with some health conditions, anyone looking for a health boost while sick or during allergy season should consider reaching for some citrus fruits rather than cannabis. Smoking cannabis may produce some benefits while sick, like improved rest. However, it may also exacerbate conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system.

Best Strains for Valencene

You're in luck if you're looking for strains rich in valencene's effects. Several popular cannabis strains contain this terpene in their plant profile, helping produce various reported beneficial effects. 

Tangie

Tangie is a highly regarded strain known for its strong tangerine aroma and flavors. Valencene is crucial in delivering this strain's citrus experience, helping produce effects linked to mood and energy enhancement and reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Agent Orange

Agent Orange has an aroma and flavor spelled out in its name. Although the name comes from one of history's darker moments, there's a ton to love about this strain, including its rich flavors, aromas, and mood-enhancing effects.

Clementine

Clementine is a sweet citrus cultivar made from Tangie and Lemon Skunk. Its effects are linked to boosted moods and energy levels while producing mental relaxation and spikes in creativity.

Sour Diesel

Sour D is an iconic strain that burst onto the scene in the '90s. After all these years, Sour D is still beloved for its diesel-meets-citrus flavor and aroma. This uplifting sativa dominant strain has been linked with various benefits often associated with physical and mental pain relief.

Gushers

With a mix of fruity candy flavors and a hint of cream, the citrus produced by valencene isn't as prominently felt as the strains above. Still, it plays a substantial role in shaping this delicious strain. Regarded for its sedative-meets-euphoric effect, Gushers is reported to deliver beneficial effects, such as stress and anxiety relief.

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. 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 ↩︎
3. Zhang LL, Chen Y, Li ZJ, Fan G, Li X. Production, Function, and Applications of the Sesquiterpenes Valencene and Nootkatone: a Comprehensive Review. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(1):121-142. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07543 ↩︎
4. Tomko AM, Whynot EG, Ellis LD, Dupré DJ. Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis. Cancers. 2020; 12(7):1985. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12071985 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.