Ocimene

In this chapter, we break down the terpene Ocimene. What is Ocimene, what does it smell and taste like, and does it have benefits? Read on for these answers and more.

What is Ocimene?

Pronounced Oh-sih-meen, the terpene compound Ocimene is more prevalent in the natural world and perfumes than in cannabis. Unlike primary terpenes like Myrcene and Caryophyllene, Ocimene is a secondary terpene, found in more abundance in natural plants than in cannabis.

These plants include mint, parsley, basil, orchids, pepper, and mangoes. While Ocimene occurs in smaller amounts due to its nature of being a secondary terpene, you’ve likely smelled it in some of your favorite cannabis cultivars.

Terpene Flavor and Aroma Profile: Ocimene

Ocimene has an herbaceous, woody flavor and aroma, with notes of sweetness and hints of citrus. Thanks to its delightfully woody, sweet aroma with hints of floral and citrus, Ocimene is a monoterpene additive found in perfumes, colognes, and other cosmetics.

Research has shown that Ocimene may act as a plant’s natural defense mechanism, helping them fend off pests and survive harsh climates. Plants containing the compound Ocimene secrete oils that can act as a deterrent to harmful crop pests like aphids. This is similar to flowers secreting citrus oil to ward off mosquitoes.

Cultivars with the Terpene Ocimene

Cultivars like Dutch Treat, Amnesia, Dream Queen, Golden Pineapple, Jack Herer, and Clementine contain terpenes like Ocimene. Ocimene content tends to vary more than other terpenes, but these cultivars tend to have an above-average amount of it.

While it’s rarely a cultivar’s primary terpene, it can often show up as a second or third. For instance, Ocimene is an example of a rare instance in which Ocimene shows up as the second most abundant terpene in a cultivar, second to the primary Limonene.

Does Ocimene Get You High?

No, since terpenes are non-psychoactive, Ocimene does not get you high. As we’ve mentioned in other chapters of our Terpenes Guide, Ocimene may play a role in the entourage effect.

This means that Ocimene may have a subtle impact on the consumer when combined with other compounds in whole-plant cannabis like cannabinoids and other terpenes. As is the case with so many other aspects of cannabis, more research is needed to determine this, and each consumer responds differently.

Potential Benefits of Ocimene

There is a lack of studies conducted specifically on Ocimene in cannabis. This is because it can be difficult to isolate individual terpenes, especially when they are minor terpenes. There are a few studies done on Ocimene derived from other plants though.

One such study shows Ocimene may have effective anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. The researchers of the study isolated Citrus unshiu and noted that it acted as an anti-inflammatory. In the study, the researchers state that Ocimene made up 5.6% of the oil from the Citrus unshiu plant. The researchers discovered that this compound may suppress several bodily inflammatory substances.

Another study published by researchers at the Federal University of Technology in 2013 on the Ocimene in black pepper shows a potential benefit for people living with diabetes. The authors of the study suggest that black pepper oil acts as an antioxidant and may inhibit enzymes that cause diabetic symptoms.

What We Learned: Ocimene

Unlike some of the other Terpenes in this Guide, Ocimene is understudied, often overlooked and we know little about it. However, its woody, sweet, citrusy flavor and aroma are delightful, and consuming cultivars that contain this terpene is a great experience. Here’s what we learned about Ocimene in this chapter:

• Ocimene is more prevalent in the natural world and perfumes than in cannabis.
• Unlike primary terpenes like Myrcene and Caryophyllene, Ocimene is a secondary terpene, found in more abundance in natural plants than in cannabis.
• Plants containing Ocimene include mint, parsley, basil, orchids, pepper, and mangoes.
• Research has shown that Ocimene may act as a plant’s natural defense mechanism, helping them fend off pests and survive harsh climates.
• Cultivars like Dutch Treat, Amnesia, Dream Queen, Golden Pineapple, Jack Herer, and Clementine contain terpenes like Ocimene.
• Despite the lack of research on this terpene, some studies indicate Ocimene may have effective anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

As we continue to see cannabis research progress forward, we could see the known benefits of terpenes like Ocimene increase. The future is bright for the wonderful world of terpenes, and only time will tell how much more we can learn about these valuable natural compounds.

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