If you're just getting started with terpenes, odds are you're wondering how each isolate can be used. Terpene isolates can be used in hemp, CBD, and cannabis products as well as concentrates, vapes, foods, beverages, and aromatherapy infusions. This week, we're diving deeper into the eucalyptus-derived terpene isolate known as alpha-Phellandrene.
a-Phellandrene Isolate
There are hundreds of discovered terpene isolates found in cannabis and out in nature. However, out of this list is a few extremely common primary terpenes, and many different secondary and tertiary terpene isolate that don’t get as much scientific research. This week, we’re covering a secondary terpene isolate known as a-Phellandrene, which is most commonly found along with primary terpene isolates like Limonene and Pinene.
Phellandrene comes in a package deal. a-Phellandrene (which we’re covering now) and b-Phellandrene (which we’ll be covering later). They are most commonly found in eucalyptus essential oils as well as a variety of other plant species in the same family.
a-Phellandrene is a fragrant, aromatic terpene. It’s distinct minty, woody, and slightly citrusy profile is a common addition to many cosmetics, cleaning products and candles. Plants sthat contain a-Phellandrene have been a staple in eastern holistic medicine for a long time thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties found in medicinal plants like Yarrow and Feverfew.
Despite a lack of formal research, there is still much evidence to suggest that a-Phellandrene terpenes offer a host of health benefits and mouth-watering scents and flavors. Below, you’ll dive deeper into everything you need to know about a-Phellandrene terpenes.
Benefits of a-Phellandrene
As a secondary terpene, very little is actually known about a-Phellandrene. It was discovered in the early 1900s as a secondary terpene normally found alongside more prominent terpenes like Limonene and Pinene. In fact, a-Phellandrene was once mistaken entirely for Limonene and Pinene terpenes until it was tested in eucalyptus oil and found to be its own separate isomeric compound.
One thing we know about a-Phellandrene is that it is easily absorbable via the skin. This discovery has made a-phellandrene a common addition to many cosmetics, creams, lotions, and salves since the early 20th century. Its absorbability along with its antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties (common in almost all terpene isolates) make it a go-to choice for acne medications. It’s earthy and floral scent is also used to improve the aroma of the final product.
Aside from its use in cosmetics, scientific studies have confirmed that a-phellandrene terpenes may act as an antidepressant and an antihyperalgesic. In a 2015 rodent model study, a-phellandrene paired with Limonene exhibited antihyperalgesic effects against mechanical hyperalgesia, and acted antidepressive, while only α-phellandrene inhibited cold hyperalgesia in SNI rats. However, since these compounds were studied together (as they are often found in nature), we are unclear whether a-phellandrene will promote the same benefits on its own.
In a similar rodent model study, a-phellandrene showed to also act as an anti-inflammatory agent, like many other terpene isolates. It was found to significantly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation.
a-Phellandrene was also studied in vitro as an anti-cancer agent against liver tumors. The object of the study was to find out if a-phellandrene could cause cell death in liver tumor cells, and the results found that it significantly decreased cell viability after 24 hours.
All in all, little study has gone into the health benefits of a-phellandrene terpenes. As a secondary terpene that often supports the effectiveness of primary terpenes, it often takes the back seat when it comes to scientific study and research. Always talk to your doctor before introducing a-phellandrene terpene isolate to your diet or daily regimen to rule out potential negative side effects.
Natural Sources of a-Phellandrene
a-Phellandrene can be found in a variety of fruits, flowers, and nuts. Although it’s most prominently found in eucalyptus, a-phellandrene terpenes can also be found in cannabis strains like SAGE and Jack Herer as well as other plants like mint, dill, cinnamon, pine, lavender, fennel, and ginger.
TLDR; a-Phellandrene Terpene Benefits
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Antiviral
Antihyperalgesic
Antidepressant
Anticancer
Anti-inflammatory
Common Uses for a-Phellandrene Terpenes
Whether through your favorite fruits and herbs or through a diffuser, a-Phellandrene isolate smells and tastes great and works wonders within your body.
a-Phellandrene terpenes can be safely added to all sorts of products to encourage relaxation and sleep as well as a host of potential health benefits. It can safely be eaten, drank, infused, and inhaled with a little bit of mixing. It can also be used to improve cannabis products like vapes and concentrates that may have lost cannabinoid potency or terpene content during extraction
Add a-Phellandrene terpenes to foods and beverages to enjoy the anti-inflammatory and body-modulating properties within the whole body. A few drops of a-Phellandrene terpenes in your favorite foods or beverages adds an energetic burst of mint and citrus that can help you fight infections and stay healthy.
Add a-Phellandrene terpenes to essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy infusions to enjoy a powerful floral eucalyptus scent that promotes long-lasting energy and helps kill airborne bacteria, viruses, microbes, and fungal spores.
Add a-Phellandrene terpenes to concentrates and hemp oils made from strains with higher a-Phellandrene content like Jack Herer, Trainwreck, and Ace of Spades. a-Phellandrene terpenes can make them smell and taste better and boost the potency of THC/CBD effects.
Just keep in mind that not all terpenes are created equal. Different terpenes will always have different effects, but they're not all made the same. We know you have a choice when it comes to terpene providers, but no other choice comes close to our level of quality.
At Peak Supply Co, our a-Phellandrene terpene isolates are extracted from all-natural food-grade fruit, flower, and nut oils in our state-of-the-art facility. With our proprietary extraction and refinement method, we remove plant materials and any leftover impurities, leaving behind the purest terpene isolates on the market. Best of all, we even offer sample packs so you can try them all.