Terpenes are components found in essential oils of plants.
It has a unique aroma and bitterness, and has a relaxing effect and lowers blood pressure. It is a familiar ingredient that is often used in aromatherapy and perfumes. You can also visit this product Super Lemon Haze if you have cough.
What are terpenes
Basic information
Terpenes are hydrocarbons [*2] with isoprene [*1] as a constituent unit, and are abundant in essential oil components of plants.
Terpene is the name given to 10-carbon compounds that were originally found in large quantities in essential oils, so their structures are divided based on 10 carbons.
Types of
Terpenes are composed of two or more isoprenes, and depending on the number of isoprene units, there are monoterpene, sesquiterpene, diterpene, sesterterpene, and triterpene.
It is a combination of two monoterpene isoprenes. Monoterpenes are aromatic compounds with rose and citrus-like fragrances. About 400 types are known in the natural world, and they are used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
When we talk about terpenes, we generally mean monoterpenes.
Famous ones include geraniol, menthol, pinene, limonene, and camphor.
Limonene, an aromatic component contained in lemons and other citrus fruits, is also used as a solvent and raw material for adhesives.
Menthol, which has a refreshing aroma, is used as a cooling agent in confectionery and pharmaceuticals.
Pinene, which has a forest bathing effect, is considered to be a substance that protects the body from external enemies for plants.
Cineole is contained in plants of the genus Eucalyptus, and is used in food additives, fragrances, and cosmetics because of its refreshing aroma and taste.
・A combination of three sesquiterpene isoprenes.
It is said that there are more than 3,000 types, but about 20 types are important as fragrances.
These include Elemen, Casinol, Cadinene, Farnesol, Nerolidol, Cloves, and Santonin.
– A combination of four diterpene isoprenes.
There are geraniol, phytol, abietic acid and taxol.
・Five sesterterpene isoprenes are bound together.
It is mainly found in plants such as fungi and lichens [*3], insects, and animals such as sponges [*4].
Geranyl farnesol etc.
・A combination of 6 triterpene isoprenes.
About 100 species are confirmed and distributed in the plant kingdom. Physiological activities such as anticancer effects have been found as components contained in mushrooms and ginseng.
Squalene is found in large amounts in deep-sea shark liver oil, but it is also found in plants.
There are limonin, ursolic acid, squalene, hopane, betulinic acid (betulinic acid), etc.
[*1: Isoprene is a hydrocarbon with five carbon atoms and two double structures. ]
[*2: Hydrocarbon is a general term for compounds made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. ]
[*3: Lichen is a general term for a symbiosis of fungi and algae that appears to be a single organism. ]
[*4: Sponges are a type of animal classified as jars or tree branches, and are living organisms that adhere to rocks and seaweed. ]
Effects of terpenes
●Relaxing effect
Monoterpene fragrance has a relaxing effect.
The reason why you feel refreshed when you peel lemons and oranges is that the aromatic component of limonene, a type of terpene, enters the body through breathing, and alpha waves that occur in the brain when relaxing are emitted. It is said.
Terpenes are widely used in aromatherapy and perfumes. It is said that the scent component works on the nervous system and immune system, and is effective in relieving stress and relaxing the mind and body.
Thus, terpenes have a calming and relaxing effect. [1]
●The effect of preventing hypertension Some
types of trees make people who live there feel comfortable. This is said to be due to the scent of terpenes contained in the yellow scent. Experiments have shown that the scent of cedar leads people to a state of relaxation. Blood pressure and blood flow are measured by smelling cedar. [2]
●Anti-inflammatory effect
Gingerol contained in terpenes has a powerful analgesic effect that calms inflammation and pain. In addition, it also reduces the release of histamine and relieves allergy symptoms. [3] [4]