Alpha and Beta Pinene

As the name would suggest pinene is the terpene found in pine resin and conifers. Not only is it encountered in the plant kingdom, but also in the insect world where it is part of their chemical communication system.

If you think of the fresh alpine smell one can’t help but think of cleaning products and detergents. It’s no surprise then that it has anti-microbial properties, showing effectiveness even against antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Scientific Research

Pinene has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2014 study on humans, it was even found to be a potential candidate for a new osteoarthritis drug.

A 2002 study published in the journal of Inhalation Toxicology found that alpha-pinene opened the airways of the upper respiratory system. A study nine years later at the Northeast Forestry University of China found that it had anti-microbial qualities that made it capable of treating both viral and bacterial infections.

Pinene comes in two types: alpha and beta. The alpha smells like pine needles and rosemary while the beta emits aromas of dill, parsley, and basil

Pinene Chemistry

Pinene is the common name of two isomer bicyclic monoterpenoids, α-pinene, β-pinene, which are main components of the pine resin and of other conifers. Alpha-pinene is also more prevalent in cannabis than its beta counterpart.

Benefits of Alpha Pinene

A-pinene is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that may be beneficial for memory and may reduce the negative THC effects on it, although this is no more than a mere assumption at this point. Aplha pinene has also served as biosynthetic base for the ligands of the cannabinoid receptor CB2.

• antibacterial & anti-microbial properties  showing effectiveness even against antibiotic resistant pathogens.
• anti-inflammatory: It reduces inflammation, which is effective in controlling the start of a disease, the spread of a disease, and the symptoms of that disease.
• anti-proliferative: This means it has the ability to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells
• antioxidant: Found in abundance in things like coffee and blueberries, antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage of cells in the body (which helps prevent mutations).
• increases memory retention: It does this by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential to communication between nerves and muscles.