Terpenes: Ocimene

This episode of terpene education focuses on ocimene, a term that represents a group of isomeric hydrocarbons.

Molecular Weight: 136.238 g/mol

Density: 800 kg/m³

Melting Point: 122°F (50°C)

Percent Composition: C 88.16%, H 11.84%

alpha-ocimene

cis-beta-ocimene

trans-beta-ocimene

There are three forms of ocimenes. α-Ocimene, cis-β-Ocimene, and trans-β-ocimene are found naturally as mixtures. The beta-Ocimenes differ in the position of the isolated double bond. Our terpene education led us to find that this bond is terminal in the alpha-Ocimene. Both mixed and separate, all ocimenes are oils that emit a pleasant, herbaceous aroma. Because of the pleasant scent of sweet herbs ocimene is used in many perfumes. Some say the smell resembles that of wet cloth.
Ocimene is unstable in air, insoluble in water, but soluble in common organic solvents. Some cannabis strains have shown to test high in the terpenoid. Strawberry Cough, Space Queen, Golden Goat, Chernobyl, OG Kush, Lemon Sour Diesel, and Elwyn have all come back from the testing lab showing high levels of this terpene.

Outside of cannabis, Ocimene is commonly found in:

Allspice
Parsley
Pepper
Basil
Mint
Orchid
Mangoes
Kumquats
Ho leaf
Bergamot
Lavender
Petitgrain
Bigarde

There have been a couple of studies that show the benefits of ocimene oils and promote terpene education. One study showed that ocimene is effective in suppressing production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6. In another study, the Ferulago carduchorum essential oil was used to study the reaction to Candida albicans. The study concluded that ocimene was toxic, proving that it had antifungal properties. In the last study, the essential oil of Laurus nobilis was studied in relation to the SARS virus. A major constituent of the oil was found to be ocimene. This study concluded that ocimene had antiviral properties.