Camphene and Phellandrene

Hey! Welcome everyone to the next blog post in the series on terpenes. The terpene world is fascinating to delve into, with more information being learned about these terpenes almost daily as more research is actively done on cannabis plants. Today, we’ll be exploring two terpenes that have captured the attention of researchers and health enthusiasts alike: camphene and phellandrene. These terpenes hold immense potential for improving our well-being, and what makes them even more intriguing to me is that they are not only found in the cannabis plant, but other plants as well. So, whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or simply curious about natural compounds that may offer health benefits, then this article is for you. Let’s dive in and uncover the exciting possibilities that camphene and phellandrene have to offer.

The first terpene that we’ll talk about this evening is the terpene camphene. Camphene is a fascinating terpene found in various essential oils like cypress, valerian, and citronella oil1. First and foremost, as a cannabis nurse, I want to highlight that it’s essential to consult with your primary care physician (PCP) or a cannabis nurse before incorporating any new medications into your health regimen. Cannabis is an amazing plant that has so much potential as a medicine, but without more research we won’t know with 100% certainty that there aren’t any potential interactions with prescription medications. Camphene has shown potential health benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory properties and a role in pain relief. It is also believed to have potential antioxidant properties that can support overall wellness1. What was really interesting to learn about camphene, is that this compound has the potential to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can have a positive effect on lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases2. When I learn little facts about cannabis like this, I can’t help but imagine the ways that cannabis is going to be available in the future for consumers. I could envision a time where a person could walk into a dispensary or pharmacy and ask for a camphene isolate product they could consume to help reduce their cholesterol levels just like a person would do if they started on a traditional prescription med, such as atorvastatin. It's been shown that if camphene is combined with vitamin C, it has powerful potential antioxidant properties2. In terms of aroma, camphene emits a fresh, herbal scent with hints of pine, damp woodlands, fir needles, and musky earth2. Camphene has been found in cannabis cultivars such as: Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, and Mendocino Purps3. Now, since we’ve learned that cultivars with higher levels of camphene could potentially help lower our cholesterol, we can’t automatically assume that it will combat any cholesterol we consume. But in combination with making healthy food choices, exercise, and consuming cannabis with camphene at appropriate doses, they could all work together to potentially help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The next terpene that we’re going to talk about is phellandrene. Phellandrene is classified as a secondary terpene in cannabis. What this means is that while it can be found within cannabis, it is not as prevalent as say myrcene or linalool which are primary terpenes. Phellandrene has two isomers, the alpha- and beta-, that are very similar in chemical structure but are more prevalent in different plants. Phellandrene can be found in various plants, such as ginger grass, cinnamon, angelica, lavender, mint, dill, parsley, and pine4. This might be getting repetitive, but it’s worth repeating how important it is to talk with your PCP or cannabis nurse about cannabis and what your specific goal is with consuming it as a medicine. As I work my way down the list of terpenes that can be found in the cannabis plant, the general amount of research that has been able to be completed on the terpenes decreases. Cannabis has been around for many years, but research hasn’t been able to be completed efficiently due to its Schedule I status. In time we’ll have more information about these specific terpenes, but currently we don’t have all the information needed for standardization. Phellandrenes have been used for many years as a staple of holistic Eastern medicine practices5. In holistic Eastern medicine practices, phellandrene was used for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties5. More recent research has shown that phellandrene has potential health benefits when it comes to cancer, fungus, pain and inflammation4. There was some really interesting research started in 2014 that looked at the role of alpha-phellandrene in causing liver tumor cells to die that hopefully will have continued research as laws are changed6. Phellandrene also has potential benefits as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which could contribute to pain relief. What’s really interesting though, is the way that phellandrenes have an effect on inflammation and pain7. The researchers in this article found that phellandrenes may have an effect on neutrophil migration modulation (the way that your body responds to inflammation) and mast cell stabilization, which could reduce the inflammation and pain that is felt7. In terms of aroma, phellandrene emits a fresh, minty, and slightly citrusy fragrance5. Phellandrene can be found in cannabis cultivars such as: Trainwreck, Jack Herer, Ace of Spades, and SAGE5.

In conclusion, the world of terpenes is a fascinating realm with immense potential for our health and well-being. There is still so much to learn about cannabis compounds through research that I’m sure will get easier to access as cannabis becomes even more known as a medicine worth trying. Throughout this blog post, we explored the intriguing terpenes, camphene and phellandrene, which are not only found within the cannabis plant, but also in various other plants that we consume. Their potential health benefits range from anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to antibacterial and immune-supportive effects. However, it is crucial to remember that incorporating any new medications or substances into your health routine should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. So, if you’re interested in exploring the potential benefits of camphene, phellandrene, or any other terpenes, I highly encourage you to consult with me, a specialized cannabis nurse. By prioritizing your well-being and seeking professional advice, you can make informed decisions on your path to optimal health. Feel free to reach out to me on social media or through the contact us section on the website. I’d love the chance to talk with you about your specific cannabis needs.

References

1. Editors, W. (2022) Camphene, Weedmaps. Available at: https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/camphene (Accessed: 22 June 2023).

2. Clark, C.S. (2021) ‘Cannabis Pharmacology’, in Cannabis: A handbook for nurses. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, pp. 126–127.

3. CannaCon (2023) 15 cannabis terpenes explained: The magic of cannabis, CannaCon. Available at: https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/ (Accessed: 24 June 2023).

4. Editors, W. (2022b) Phellandrene, Weedmaps. Available at: https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/phellandrene (Accessed: 24 June 2023).

5. Alpha-Phellandrene terpene (2020) Lab Effects. Available at: https://labeffects.com/terpene-glossary-alpha-phellandrene/#:~:text=The%20phellandrenes%20are%20most%20prominent,fennel%2C%20dill%2C%20and%20cannabis. (Accessed: 24 June 2023).

6. Hsieh SL, Li YC, Chang WC, Chung JG, Hsieh LC, Wu CC. Induction of necrosis in human liver tumor cells by α-phellandrene. Nutr Cancer. 2014;66(6):970-979. doi:10.1080/01635581.2014.936946

7. Siqueira HDS, Neto BS, Sousa DP, et al. α-Phellandrene, a cyclic monoterpene, attenuates inflammatory response through neutrophil migration inhibition and mast cell degranulation. Life Sci. 2016;160:27-33. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2016.07.008