World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes - Trans-nerolidol

World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes

This month we are going to explore the dense and woody terpene Trans-nerolidol. This one is a secondary terpene found mostly in flowers like rose, jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. Most popular are the ginger and neroli essential oils in which trans-nerolidol is found. The smell of trans-nerolidol reminds me of a of a mixture between flowers, lemon and earthy aromas and can be described in general as woody, citrus and floral.

The trans-nerolidol terpene has been known to be beneficial in combating pests that harm humans and plants. Nerolidol has, in some cases, been effective at warding off head lice, spider mites, parasites, and certain bacteria, and fungi, in addition to exhibiting a range of other potential benefits as a scent compound and a naturally occurring component of cannabis.

Perhaps one of the most remarkably study that gives this more validity is the study done by the American Society of Microbiology under the Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy.
Were trans-nerolidol was investigated for its ability to enhance bacterial permeability and susceptibility to exogenous antimicrobial compounds. That particular study shows that the introduction of “trans-nerolidol actually sensitizes infectious bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to antibiotics. In other words, trans-nerolidol can work together with antibiotics to destroy bacterial pathogens more effectively.” This is a power discovery because that means cannabis plants high in nerolidol could have this benefit as well if the cultivar contained enough of this terpene.

Trans-nerolidol has been traditionally used for its relaxing, slightly sedative effects. Another study, which I found fascinating, was the one held by BMC Neuroscience. Their study found that “the neuroprotective effect of nerolidol is mediated through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which strongly supports its therapeutic potential for the treatment of Parkinson Disease.” Which again, is powerful information if you are growing craft boutique cannabis for wellness and specifically as a neuroprotectant.

Trans-nerolidol’s potential effects include:

• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-microbial​

You can find humulene in cultivars such as:

• Skywalker OG Jack Herer
• Blue Dream
• Black Lime Reserve
• Chemdawg
• Island Sweet Skunk
• Sour Kush
• Tangilope

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

​Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content you can and find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.

Go forth, Go Cannabis...