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. In fact, adding terpenes to health and beauty products, cosmetics, vaporizers, foods and beverages, and aromatherapy infusions is a great way to add an extra boost of body-nourishing benefits to your products and make THC/CBD products more effective. This week, we're diving deeper into the energizing, sweet, and citrusy terpene known as Para-Cymene (p-Cymene).
Para-Cymene isolate
Para-Cymene is a very common terpene found in over 100 different species of plants, including oregano, anise, citrus fruit, and mace. It offers a variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects along with an energizing aromatherapeutic effect. p-Cymene is the most commonly found form of Cymene terpenes, though other less-common forms do exist: o-Cymene and m-Cymene.
p-Cymene is most often used as a flavoring agent in beverages and baked goods since its flavor profile is largely sweet and citrusy. However, there's a good chance you can find it in cosmetics, fragrances, and anti-bacterial cleaning products too. Some medications include para-Cymene terpenes for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.
Interestingly, p-Cymene terpenes smell differently to some people. While the general consensus is that p-Cymene terpenes are sweet and citrusy (predominantly orange or carrot) some people tend to smell aged wood and lemon. p-Cymene terpenes may be responsible for these flavor profiles in certain cannabis strains.
Here's everything you need to know about para-Cymene terpenes.
Benefits of Para-Cymene Terpenes
While p-Cymene terpenes have been studied relatively extensively in the food and cosmetics industries, current evidence has largely been concluded via animal models. Please keep in mind that further investigation is still needed to determine the long-term effects of p-Cymene terpenes on humans. Always be sure to always consult your doctor before beginning any supplemental regimens, including ones with naturally-occurring Para-Cymene terpenes.
With that in mind, a handful of studies outline the medicinal benefits of p-Cymene terpenes, which give a variety of plants and essential oils their therapeutic value. For starters, like most terpenes, p-Cymene terpenes are antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal in nature. One study highlighted p-Cymene as an antifungal against candida, making it a valuable addition to many topical skin products. This fungus is also aggressive with produce, making p-Cymene a valuable option as a topical spray for keeping food safe.
When taken internally or applied topically, p-Cymene terpenes are also notably anti-inflammatory. In one study on mice, the terpene inhibited nociception in mice. In a separate study on human cells outside of the body, p-Cymene was able to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the body from activating certain pain-modulating receptors and decreasing the body's ability to signal the release of chemicals that cause inflammation. In the same vein, this effect proved to be analgesic (pain-relieving) in animal models
When taken a step further, a similar effect was documented in a Brazilian study. p-Cymene offers a notable antioxidant effect that was able to reduce the imbalance of damaging free radicals in the body. In 2019, the results were further solidified when scientists found that the antioxidant properties acted as a neuroprotective in brain cells.
Last but not least, a collection of studies and scientific evidence supports p-Cymene as a potential supporting agent in the fight against cancer. While none of these studies have been conducted on cells inside actual living people, they were conducted on lab-grown human body cells. When cancerous cells were treated with p-Cymene, they found that p-Cymene inhibits tumors. p-Cymene inhibits tumors in connective tissue, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and others.
All in all, there is a decent amount of research on para-Cymene terpenes and their effects. However, further study on living humans is still needed to prove all of the claims listed above.
Natural Sources of Para-Cymene Terpenes
p-Cymene terpenes are found in a huge variety of plants, herbs, and spices. They can also be found in cannabis in low concentrations. In fact, because p-Cymene is found in so many plants and essential oils, there's a good chance you've used it unknowingly right in your own kitchen. P-cymene is one of the major constituents of many essential oils, including cumin, thyme, angelica, bay leaf, sage, anise, oregano, eucalyptus, coriander, mace, and more. Below are several other examples of plants that contain para-Cymene terpenes.
TLDR; Para-Cymene Terpenes
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiviral
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic (pain-relieving)
Antioxidant
Neuroprotectant
Antitumor
Common Uses of Para-Cymene Terpenes
Whether through your favorite fruits and herbs or through a diffuser, Para-Cymene isolate smells and tastes great and works wonders within your body.
Para-Cymene terpenes can be safely added to all sorts of products to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and help with a variety of other ailments. 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 Para-Cymene terpenes to foods and beverages to enjoy the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-oxidative properties within the whole body. A dash of water-soluble Para-Cymene terpenes in your favorite foods or beverages add a pleasant citrusy sweetness that can help to kill tumor cells and promote feelings of energy and calm.
Add Para-Cymene terpenes to essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy infusions to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, microbes, and fungal spores and help you breathe easier. The sweet and citrusy aroma is also great for promoting a burst of energy to your daily routine.
Add Para-Cymene terpenes to cannabis concentrates and hemp oils made from strains with higher citrus/floral terpene content, such as Myrcene or b-Caryophyllene since Para-Cymene is often found as the second-most abundant terpene in a cannabis strain’s profile. Try it in products made from strains like Bakerstreet, Mango Haze, and Lemon Skunk. Para-Cymene 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 Para-Cymene 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.