Terpenes to Know: Pinene and Its Medicinal Benefits

Have you ever experienced the fresh and invigorating smell that fills your nose on a crisp morning in the mountains while surrounded by pine trees?

The terpene that creates this effect is called pinene, and luckily you don’t need to live off-the-grid to appreciate its effects. When isolated or consumed as a component of plant-based medicine, pinene is literally a breath of fresh air.

Before diving any deeper, let’s briefly discuss terpenes. Terpenes are organic compounds found in all plants that when activated act as a fragrant chemical signal that informs the environment of specific needs, threats and opportunities. 

While these fragrances are superficially appreciated by us humans as we garden and cook, terpenes serve as vital communication tools among the plant kingdom. In addition, when multiple terpenes are consumed alongside one another, an entourage effect is induced. This means that the natural chemicals synergize to empower and amplify the effects to provide an enhanced treatment.

The most abundant terpene found in the plant kingdom, pinene contains two different strains: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. The alpha variation smells of pine needles and rosemary while the beta variation produces fragrances of dill, parsley and basil. Put simply, pinene is what makes plants feel and smell fresh.

When consumed as a component of plant medicine, pinene can counteract some effects of the psychoactive components of THC. Pinene has shown the potential to treat asthma, pain, ulcers and anxiety. In addition, a 2002 study published in the Journal of Inhalation Toxicology proved that alpha-pinene opened the airways of the upper respiratory system, making it a possible treatment for asthma. Another study completed nine years later at the Northeast Forestry University of China found that pinene had anti-microbial qualities that enabled it to treat both viral and bacterial infections. Lastly, the British Journal of Pharmacology found that alpha-pinene possesses enough anti-inflammatory properties to combat Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, arthritis and cancer.

The following is a rundown of pinene’s miraculous benefits, especially for those who are interested in the health perks of plant medicine without the accompanying psychoactive effects.

• Anti-inflammatory: Pinene can reduce inflammation, which is effective in controlling the start, spread and symptoms of a disease.
• Increases memory retention: Pinene works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential to communication between nerves and muscles. In simpler terms, pinene is an optimal terpene for consumers who are concerned about memory loss or poor mental performance when using plant-based medicine.
• Analgesic: Pinene can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
• Anti-proliferative: Pinene has shown to have the ability to slow or stop the growth and development of cancer cells. 
• Antioxidant: Antioxidants found in pinene help prevent oxidative damage of cells in the body.
• Antibacterial properties: Pinene has shown to have the ability to stop the spread of bacterial infections in the body.

Pinene is a key terpene that provides plant medicines with an enlightening, healing and refreshing punch.

Gofire is focused on helping patients understand proper dosing when it comes to plant-based medicine. Utilizing the advanced health suite and Gofire App, patients can find in-depth information on products, including lab-test results with exact chemical profiles — which include terpenes. Meaning, if you find that pinene works well with your body chemistry, the Gofire app can help you find and track other products that work well with you!

The Gofire Inhaler also allows patients to dial in on specific terpene profiles using precise temperature controls to maximize terpene volatilization.

With so many plants possessing pinene in their profile, the options for self discovery and better health are endless.