Geraniol terpenes are commonly used in flavoring and perfumery for their delightful aroma.
Molecular Weight: 154.253 g/mol
Boiling Point: 230 °C (446 °F; 503 K)
Density: 0.889 g/cm3
This terpene is a primary part of rose oil. It is also important in the biosynthesis of other terpenes. Geraniol is a monoterpenoid and alcohol. Honey bees actually produce this terpene from their scent glands. In acidic solutions, it is converted to the cyclic terpene alpha-terpineol. The bees then use Geraniol to mark nectar-bearing flowers to help make gathering honey more efficient. The insects also use the terpene to mark the entrance to their hives. It is also considered a severe eye irritant and is classified as a D2B using the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
Geraniol is found in some cannabis strains and:
- Rose
- Lemon peel
- Citronella
- Lemon grass
- Geranium
- Peach
- Passion Fruit
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- Coriander
- Nutmeg
- Bergamot
- Carrot
There have been a lot of studies done on the various effects Geraniol can have on the mind and body. A study was done on mice to determine how effective it could be with pain relief. The number of Fos-positive cells was significantly changed in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This directly mediated the activation of the pain neuron sites in the brain without negatively affecting motor skills. Another inquiry revealed that applied topically Geraniol could deter mosquitos. It can also enhance the skin’s ability to absorb cannabis topicals. The terpene is even confirmed toxic against multiple bacteria species. Lastly, Geraniol proved effective in preventing inflammation. It is possible that it could help treat mevalonate kinase deficiency.
Currently, this terpene is being studied for its ability to work as a(n):
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antibacterial
- Topical Drug Enhancer
Do you have suggestions for which terpene we should profile next? There’s so many terpenes we could take any suggestions at all. I’d love to hear them in the comments.
