Ocimene is a monoterpene found in various plants and fruits, and it has a sweet, woody aroma. Mint, parsley, tarragon, kumquats, and mangoes are some of the natural sources of this terpene.

As an acyclic terpene similar to myrcene , ocimene and its chemical variant, beta-ocimene, are unstable in air and almost insoluble in water. However, it is soluble in some common organic solvents, such as acetone and ethanol.

What is ocimene?

Ocimene derives from the ancient Greek word ocimum , meaning basil , although the terpene profile is not predominantly herbal. However, it is found naturally in basil essential oil. In terms of flavor, some people characterize this terpene as citrusy or fruity .

Like the terpenes borneol and guaiol , ocimene exhibits a strong, woody aroma . Others may perceive more subtle hints of lavender or a metallic scent when experiencing this terpene in cannabis. Whatever the aroma, it is not favored by insects, and therefore its unique scent may be present in certain insecticides, a common use for many terpenes.

What are you doing?

In addition to insecticides , ocimene has a range of other industrial and practical applications. These include antiperspirants, fabric softeners, shampoos, soaps, and hard surface cleaners . If you've ever used one of these woody or forest-scented products, you may have encountered ocimene. Perfumes with woody or herbaceous notes may also contain traces of this terpene.

Its herbaceous undertones will be revealed if you cook a dish sprinkled with pepper or parsley . Even a peppermint candy , if the ingredients are natural, could be flavored with the terpene. Ocimene can also be present in the orchid flower , a common houseplant known for its air-purifying qualities at night, when it releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide.

Therapeutic properties

Researchers have begun exploring the potential medicinal effects of various terpenes, including ocimene. This terpene has demonstrated certain antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, although further research is needed on each of these.

Antifungal : The Journal of Natural Medicines published a study in 2015 that investigated ocimene as part of a mixture of components against yeasts and molds. The researchers determined that ocimene, in combination with other elements, can be useful as an antifungal agent. Specifically, they cited fungal species in humans, including dermatophytosis, a skin fungus commonly known as ringworm.

Anti-inflammatory: Ocimene was studied as a component of Oenanthe crocata essential oil in a 2013 study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology . Researchers observed strong anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antioxidant and antifungal properties, in the ocimene. Similar to the study in the Journal of Natural Medicines , this study revealed a potential effect against ringworm, and the researchers recommended the oil for the treatment of other inflammatory conditions.

Antiviral : The essential oils of seven Lebanese tree species were studied and analyzed in a 2008 report in Chemistry & Biodiversity. Ocimene was one of the main components of the oils examined in vitro for its inhibitory effect against SARS-CoV, a coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, and the herpes simplex virus. Laurus nobilis oil , which contains ocimene, demonstrated an antiviral effect against SARS-CoV in the study, but further research beyond the in vitro stage would be useful to determine the full extent of the terpene's potential antiviral activity.

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