Pinenes

Pinene is a bicyclic monoterpenoid. Just as it sounds, the chemical has the distinctive earthly aromas of pine and fir. Naturally, there are two structural isomers of pinene that can be found in nature: α-pinene and β-pinene. Both structural forms are very critical constituents of pine resin.

Of the two, α-pinene is the most frequently found terpenoid in nature. Pinene can also be found in many other conifers and is available in non-coniferous plants. Natural sources include balsamic resin, pine woods, and some citrus fruits. The two isomers of pinene form the primary ingredients of wood turpentine.

As one of the principal monoterpenes, it is important physiologically in both plants and animals. Pinene can also be used to form a variety of terpenes. This can be achieved through a combination of other chemicals. The result is a range of other terpenes like limonene and other compounds.

Medicinal uses of Pinenes

In the field of medicine, Pinene has been allocated in different types of medicine because it contains anti inflammatory properties. It is also used as an expectorant, bronchodilator, and local antiseptic. α-pinene, one of the major structural isomer is a natural compound isolated from pine needle oil. This compound has been known to have anti-cancer properties. Consequently, for many years it has been used as an anti-cancer agent, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It has also been suggested that the adverse effects of THC may be reduced if mixed with pinene before it is administered.

What Is Pinenes?

Pinene, a bicyclic monoterpenoid occurs in two different varieties: Alfa and Beta-Pinene. It is an aromatic compound that can found in a variety of plants including balsamic resin, pine woods, and some citrus fruits. The chemical compound gives distinctive earthy aromas of pine and fir, the kind of earthy smell you would expect in a pine forest. Pine trees, along with orange peels rosemary and basil are some of the plants that contain the compound.
This compound is also found in marijuana plants – in fact; it is one of the primary active compounds. So much research has been carried out with the aim of understanding the properties of pinene, one of the most common terpenes, and its benefits.

Beneficial Effects of Pinenes

As mentioned earlier, Pinene is an aromatic chemical compound that gives distinctive earthy aromas of pine and fir, the kind of earthy smell you would expect in a pine forest. However, beyond its aromatic properties, it is also part of the terpenes studied as aromatic oils produced by the plants.

These terpenes are usually employed to defend the plant as a defiance agent against natural predators. Beyond all these properties, it also has properties that are beneficial as far as humans are concerned. For marijuana users, this chemical compound has been found to have a variety of positive benefits. These positive benefits will be discussed below

Health Benefits of Pinenes

Pinene as a terpene, just like cannabinoids, can create different effects on the marijuana user’s body. These effects altogether usually contribute to the properties of different strains – with each strain having its specific identity.
Of the known effects, Pinene is famous for its ability to help prevent any form of short-term memory loss that is attributed to the use of THC. Acting as an anti-inflammatory, Pinene enhances mental alertness as well as improve airflow to the respiratory organs.

Visibly, it is very efficient in reducing the adverse effects of THC. This means that marijuana users do not need to worry about feeling too high after the intake of strains containing high concentrations of Pinene.
Perhaps, the most significant effect of Pinene lies in its ability to reduce the size of cancerous tumors.
So how does Pinene work?

Pinene can achieve all of the above primarily because it can overcome the blood-brain barrier. Once it gets to the brain, it begins to act on neurotransmitters thereby enhancing short-term memory. As it works on the neurotransmitters, it also helps to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC.
Intake of marijuana strains that have a high concentration of pinene by users will usually result in a high level of activity and alertness. As a bonus, note that these strains are also great for helping people suffering from asthma.