We are in the infancy stages of understanding cannabis's full potential.
With new research and evidence coming to light, we now know that the cannabis plant
consists of various chemical compounds that play an essential role in cannabis's many benefits
Cannabinoids and Terpenes are some of these chemical compounds produced
alongside the glandular trichomes of the cannabis flower.
Terpenes determine the smell and taste of different strains and play a
crucial role in the cannabis experience (Witheley, 2017).
Fenchol, a frequently used terpene in producing perfume, defines the distinctive
aroma of Basil. It also exhibits anti-microbial, antibacterial,
and antioxidant properties, among other benefits.
What Is Fenchol?
Fenchol, also known as Fenchyl alcohol or 2-fenchanol, is a monoterpenoid
and isomer of the terpene borneol. It is known for its herbal scent and is a common
ingredient to produce candles, shampoos, perfume, laundry detergent, and as a food additive.
One of the most common plants identified with this terpene is Basil;
however, it is also present in eucalyptus leaves, wild celery, nutmeg, aster flowers,
and citrus fruits. Its fragrance is perceived as herbal, earthy, and can taste like camphor or piney.
Unlike many other terpenes, fenchol doesn't act as a sedative.
It can have the effect of waking you up; yet, it is not a stimulant.
It is recently being studied, among other benefits, for its antibiotic properties.
Fenchol combined with Linalool and B-phellandrene
could enhance antioxidant and anti-microbial actions.
Many antibiotics no longer work due to viruses and bacteria that
are now resistant to them. This terpene, used together with cannabinoids
or chemical compounds, can enhance the medicinal properties of cannabis.
This phenomenon is commonly known as the entourage effect.
Fenchol Benefits
As mentioned earlier, we are in the infancy stages of understanding
the full potential of terpenes and their interactions. Fenchol has shown positive outcomes
in several therapeutic areas, including its
properties as an antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-microbial.
Anti-microbial
The Scientific World Journal published in 2013 a study that showed
that the combinations of the terpene Linalool with Fenchol demonstrated
both anti-microbial and antioxidant properties
(Guleria et al., 2013).
Antibacterial
A study published in 2017 showed the efficacy of the Fenchol terpene
against a large number of bacteria. In the study, the potency of fenchol was
measured against Penicillin in combating 63 different bacterial strains.
Although Penicillin is still more effective, fenchol was found to impede bacterial growth.
Analgesic
According to a study held in 2014, fenchol could play a role in pain relief.
The results showed how fenchol (fenchyl alcohol) might inhibit an influential
protein in the body's pain signaling system (TRPA1 receptor).
Besides, the study suggests that other monoterpenes possess
pain relief properties
(Takaishi, Uchida, Fujita, & Tominaga, 2014)
Fenchol In A Nutshell
The full potential effects of Fenchol is being researched and studied.
Without a doubt, the power of terpenes is just starting to be understood.
Fenchol scent is considered refreshing and earthy, the reason why it is common
in the fragrance industry. It also has potential therapeutic applications as an antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and analgesic (pain reliever).
Understanding how terpenes work, both individually and in synergy
with other terpenes and cannabinoids, holds great
promise in maximizing overall health and wellbeing.
References:
Chouhan, S. (2017).
Anti-microbial Activity of Some Essential Oils-Present Status and Future Perspectives.
Medicines. 4(3): 58.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fenchol
Kotan, R., Kordali, S. (2007).
Screening of antibacterial activities of twenty-one oxygenated monoterpenes.
Journal of Biosciences. 62(7-8):507-13.
Russo, E. (2011).
Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.
British Journal of Pharmacology. (163)7: 1344-1364.
Takaishi, M., Uchida, K., et al. (2014).
Inhibitory effects of monoterpenes on human TRPA1 and the structural basis of their activity.
Journal of Physiological Sciences. 64(1): 47–57.
Guleria, S., Tiku, A., Koul, A., Gupta, S., Singh, G., & Razdan, V.
(2013, May 28).
Antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of the essential oil and extracts
of Zanthoxylum alatum grown in north-western Himalaya.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679694/
A. K. (2007).
Screening of antibacterial activities of twenty-one oxygenated monoterpenes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17913064/