The biochemical composition of essential oils - Terpenes

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are the most common molecules in essential oils. They are produced by many plants, particularly conifers. Terpenes have odoriferous properties in plants. They serve to defend plants against predatory insects, or to attract them for pollination.

The most important terpenes are αlpha-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, limonene and carotene.

There are two major types of terpene, Monoterpenes (C10H16) and Sesquiterpenes (C15H24).

Terpene-rich oils are particularly useful for maintaining respiratory health and general well-being, especially during the colder months.

Properties of terpene-rich essential oils

Terpene-rich essential oils are renowned for their varied and beneficial properties. Here's an overview of the main characteristics of these oils:

Decongestant: Terpenes, such as pinene and limonene, have decongestant effects that help clear airways and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion.

Expectorantes anti-inflammatories: Terpenes promote the elimination of mucus and bronchial secretions, making breathing easier and helping to treat respiratory infections.

Anti-inflammatory: Some terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract and other body tissues.

Antimicrobial: Terpenes have antimicrobial effects that help inhibit the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms, thus helping to prevent infections.

Natural defense stimulants: They can boost the immune system by stimulating the body's natural defense capabilities.

Antioxidants: Some terpenes possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Energizing: Essential oils rich in terpenes can have revitalizing and invigorating effects, helping to combat fatigue and improve general well-being.

Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes are compounds found in many essential oils, and play a key role in their therapeutic properties

Biological properties of Monoterpenes

  • Toniques general stimulants (positivants)
  • Atmospheric antiseptics (for diffusion)
  • "Cortison-like stimulants of the pituitary-cortical-adrenal axis, useful in prolonged inflammatory states
  • Respiratory decongestants
  • Balsamic expectorants
  • Lymphotoniques
  • Immunostimulants

Precautions : Dermocaustic (paracymene, pinenes); revulsive action on the skin in a pure state and aggressive to mucous membranes: redness, irritation, pruritus.
Nephrotoxicity of turpentine and juniper twigs.
Dilute in 50% vegetable oil and do not use for prolonged periods.

In which essential oils are Monoterpenes found?

  • α- and β-pinene: Scots pine, lemon, balsam fir, black spruce, juniper, rockrose. Lymphotoniques and decongestants.

  • δ-3-carene: cypress

  • Camphene: Siberian fir, rosemary

  • Sabinene: nutmeg

  • Limonene: The most widely distributed terpene. It is found in many citrus fruits.
    Stimulates microcirculation digestive.Temporisateur of the irritant activity of citrals.

  • α- and ɣ- terpinenes: lime, lemon, coriander

  • Myrcene: marjoram, pistachio mastic

  • Paracymene: thyme, savory
    Paracymene is a percutaneous analgesic useful for localized pain.


Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes are present in small quantities in plants, except in the wood of trees. They are useful for treating arterial pathologies and inflammatory or allergic conditions.

Biological properties of Sesquiterpenes

  • Anti-inflammatory ++++
  • Calming +++
  • Venous and lymphatic decongestants
  • Slightly hypotensive
  • Soothing and anti-allergic (chamazulene)

Precautions : Good skin tolerance. Virtually no toxicity at physiological doses.

In which essential oils are Sesquiterpenes found?

  • Cedar: Atlantic cedar

  • α-and β-himachalene: Atlantic cedar, Atlas cedar

  • β-caryophyllene: most common anti-inflammatory ++. Almost systematically found in plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family: St. John's wort

  • α-curcumene: turmeric

  • Germacrene: St. John's wort, ylang-ylang anti-inflammatory ++ and of interest in vascular pathology

  • α-humulene: hops, cannabis, balsam fir

  • Zingiberene: derived from the phenylpropane pathway, found in ginger and turmeric. It activates digestive microcirculation.

  • α-farnesene: ylang ylang, responsible for the green coloring of dihydro-chamazulenes

  • Chamazulene: annual tansy, yarrow, German chamomile.

    Chamazulene is a powerful antihistamine, anti-inflammatory ++, negativizing.

    --> Some "hot" inflammatory sites have a surplus of "positive" charges. This type of "negativizing" sesquiterpene molecules can give up negative charges to compensate for the excess of positive charges present, thus reducing inflammation.

    Azulenes" are sesquiterpenes named after their violet, blue or green color.

Diterpenes(C20H32)

Molecules that are quite rare in essential oils and present in small quantities. Found in cypress, cedar and larch essential oils.


Triterpenes(C30H48)

Their presence is random in essential oils, as the greater the number of carbons in the molecule, the "heavier" it is, and the more difficult it is to extract by steam distillation. Triterpenes are often part of the epicuticular structures of aromatic plants.

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