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All About Terpenes

IMPORTANT INFO

1/29/20253 min read

a bag with lemons and a pair of glasses on it
a bag with lemons and a pair of glasses on it

Harnessing the Power of Plants to Enrich the Human Experience

What are Terpenes?

"Terpenes are hydrocarbons produced by plants, animals, and even fungus. In plants, these aromatic molecules are found in essential oils, and they combine to create each plant species’ unmistakable scent and flavor experience. But that’s not all they do. Terpenes can also have a therapeutic effect on humans and animals when inhaled, ingested, or applied topically." (Source: True Terpenes)

What are Terpenes used for?

"Research into terpenes has revealed that these compounds may offer various therapeutic benefits for human health. Different types of terpenes possess distinct properties that can impact mood, stress levels, and wellness. For example, limonene, found in citrus fruits, is known for its uplifting qualities, while linalool, present in lavender, is often associated with calming effects. As science continues to explore the synergy between terpenes and human health, there is growing interest in harnessing their potential as natural remedies to enrich our overall experience." (Source: True Terpenes)

"As isolates (individual terpenes) or in blends, terpenes can be used to enhance and flavour food and beverages and add aroma and effects to natural medicines, cosmetics, and household products." (Source: True Terpenes)

Benefits of Terpenes

"Chances are, you’ve already experienced the therapeutic benefits of terpenes in nature. Think of the sense of uplifting calm you feel while walking through a pine forest. It’s due in part to the fact that terpenes comprise the majority of the forest atmosphere. What you may not realize is that the benefits of inhaling the molecules go beyond relaxation." (source: True Terpenes)

Terpene Applications

Therapeutic & Medical Applications

  • Anticancer agents

  • Antimicrobial properties

  • Anti-inflammatory treatments

  • Antioxidant, antiallergic properties

  • Pain relief and analgesic effects

  • Anxiety and depression treatment

  • Topical treatments for skin inflammation

  • Antiplasmodial activity (antimalarial)

  • Neuroprotective, sedative properties

Aromatherapy & Wellness
Beverage Industry

  • Craft beer enhancement with terpenes like myrcene for fruity notes and limonene for citrus flavors 1

  • Terpenes extracted from hops create distinct aromas ranging from citrusy and fruity to earthy and piney 2

  • Energy drinks, RTD coffee, sports drinks, and cocktails benefit from terpenes for flavor consistency and mood-boosting properties 3

  • Wines and spirits contain natural botanical terpenes that can be enhanced with additional terpene profiles for aromatic diversity 4

  • Soft drinks, carbonated water, flavored water, tonics, beer, wine-based drinks, and liquors all use terpenes as flavor enhancers 5

Perfume & Fragrance Industry

  • Geraniol, linalool, citronellol, citronellal and citral are the most important terpenes widely used in perfume industries

  • Mono- and sesquiterpenes have played a dominant role in fragrance industries throughout history

  • Ancient civilizations used essential oils and terpenes for cosmetic purposes, a tradition that continues today

Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Essential oils and their terpenoids are among the most important natural products used by cosmetic industries

  • Terpenes are used in skin creams, shampoos, hair sprays and deodorants

  • Linalool is used in perfumes for lavender scent, while menthol is used in toothpaste and mouthwash

  • Linalool is commonly used in perfumes, shampoos, cleansers, detergents, and soaps 6

Cleaning Products

  • D-Limonene is a powerful green cleaner used as an eco-friendly detergent and industrial-strength surface disinfectant 7

  • D-Limonene from citrus peels serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cleaning agents 8

  • Lavender oil containing terpenes like linalool and borneol provides anti-bacterial, antimicrobial properties for laundry detergents 9

  • Terpenes have high solvency and remove greases, oils, fluxes and adhesives, often better than chlorinated solvents 10

  • Terpenes like limonene and pinene are biodegradable, antimicrobial, and provide powerful degreasing properties 11

  • Terpene hydrocarbons are commonly found in dish detergents, laundry additives, stain removers, and disinfectants 12

Food Industry

  • Terpenes are used in starters, snacks, sauces, honeys, jams, ice cream, bakery items, and desserts5

Terpene Extraction

In short, essential oils and terpenes are extracted using one of the oldest extraction methods known to man: steam distillation or hydrodistillation. It remains the most widely used method today due to its low technology and low cost. Distillation using a still or steam is possible in all developing countries, where many extractions are carried out using this method rather than costly solvent-based methods or even more expensive solvent-free CO2 extraction methods.

Articles explaining how essential oils and terpenes are extracted

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_distillation

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/steam-distillation

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