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Everything You Need to Know About Fenchol And Its Benefits

We are in the infancy stages of understanding cannabis's full potential. With new research and evidence coming to light, we now know that the cannabis plant consists of various chemical compounds that play an essential role in cannabis's many benefits.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes are some of these chemical compounds produced alongside the glandular trichomes of the cannabis flower. Terpenes determine the smell and taste of different strains and play a crucial role in the cannabis experience (Witheley, 2017).

Fenchol, a frequently used terpene in producing perfume, defines the distinctive aroma of Basil. It also exhibits anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, among other benefits.

This article will explore the latest evidence supporting the potential of the terpene Fenchol, its uses, and its benefits within the Cannabis Plant.

What Is Fenchol?

Fenchol, also known as Fenchyl alcohol or 2-fenchanol, is a monoterpenoid and isomer of the terpene borneol.  It is known for its herbal scent and is a common ingredient to produce candles, shampoos, perfume, laundry detergent, and as a food additive.

One of the most common plants identified with this terpene is Basil; however, it is also present in eucalyptus leaves, wild celery, nutmeg, aster flowers, and citrus fruits. Its fragrance is perceived as herbal, earthy, and can taste like camphor or piney.

Unlike many other terpenes, fenchol doesn't act as a sedative. It can have the effect of waking you up; yet, it is not a stimulant. It is recently being studied, among other benefits, for its antibiotic properties. Fenchol combined with Linalool and B-phellandrene could enhance antioxidant and anti-microbial actions.

Many antibiotics no longer work due to viruses and bacteria that are now resistant to them. This terpene, used together with cannabinoids or chemical compounds, can enhance the medicinal properties of cannabis. This phenomenon is commonly known as the entourage effect.

What are Terpenes

Fenchol Rich Cannabis Cultivars

Strains with high levels of Fenchol include:

●      OG KUSH

●      Banana Kush

●      Sherbet


Fenchol Benefits

As mentioned earlier, we are in the infancy stages of understanding the full potential of terpenes and their interactions. Fenchol has shown positive outcomes in several therapeutic areas, including its properties as an antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-microbial.

Anti-microbial

The Scientific World Journal published in 2013 a study that showed that the combinations of the terpene Linalool with Fenchol demonstrated both anti-microbial and antioxidant properties (Guleria et al., 2013).

Read also: Terpene Linalool, What You Need to Know.

Antibacterial

A study published in 2017 showed the efficacy of the Fenchol terpene against a large number of bacteria.  In the study, the potency of fenchol was measured against Penicillin in combating 63 different bacterial strains.  Although Penicillin is still more effective, fenchol was found to impede bacterial growth.

Analgesic

According to a study held in 2014, fenchol could play a role in pain relief. The results showed how fenchol (fenchyl alcohol) might inhibit an influential protein in the body's pain signaling system (TRPA1 receptor). Besides, the study suggests that other monoterpenes possess pain relief properties (Takaishi, Uchida, Fujita, & Tominaga, 2014)

Fenchol In A Nutshell

The full potential effects of Fenchol is being researched and studied.  Without a doubt, the power of terpenes is just starting to be understood.

Fenchol scent is considered refreshing and earthy, the reason why it is common in the fragrance industry. It also has potential therapeutic applications as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and analgesic (pain reliever).

Understanding how terpenes work, both individually and in synergy with other terpenes and cannabinoids, holds great promise in maximizing overall health and wellbeing.

 

References:

  1. Chouhan, S. (2017). Anti-microbial Activity of Some Essential Oils-Present Status and Future Perspectives. Medicines. 4(3): 58.
  2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fenchol
  3. Kotan, R., Kordali, S. (2007). Screening of antibacterial activities of twenty-one oxygenated monoterpenes. Journal of Biosciences. 62(7-8):507-13.
  4. Russo, E. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. (163)7: 1344-1364.
  5. Takaishi, M., Uchida, K., et al. (2014). Inhibitory effects of monoterpenes on human TRPA1 and the structural basis of their activity. Journal of Physiological Sciences. 64(1): 47–57.
  6. Guleria, S., Tiku, A., Koul, A., Gupta, S., Singh, G., & Razdan, V. (2013, May 28). Antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of the essential oil and extracts of Zanthoxylum alatum grown in north-western Himalaya. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679694/
  7. A. K. (2007). Screening of antibacterial activities of twenty-one oxygenated monoterpenes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17913064/