What is Pinene?

Pinene (C10H16) is one of the most abundant components in essential oils of various plant species. It is a hydrocarbon which occurs as two isomers found in nature, α- and β-Pinene are often found in coniferous trees essential oils (EO), such as our Douglas Fir EO which gives it its signature piney aroma. These two phytochemicals exhibit numerous biological activities which has led them to use as fungicidal agents, flavours, fragrances, and antiviral and antimicrobial agents. The safety profile of pinene is considered outstanding, being used in everything from food to medicines & more.

We’ll speak of inhalation as the primary method of use as it relates to our products. Pinene is insoluble in water yet soluble in blood and adipose tissues (fatty tissues). So when we inhale pinene it goes into our bloodstream to produce the effects. After exposure, pinene is rapidly metabolized in the bloodstream, most gone within hours and all within days. A culmination of studies (Salehi et al, 2019) concludes that it is clear α- and β-Pinene have antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties.

A study of α-Pinene in mice (Satou et al, 2014) showed the ones who inhaled Pinene for a period of days were better able to adapt to new stresses in their environment due to this substance in their system, reinforcing its anti-anxiety effect. On the flip side, a study of the oxidation products of (+)-α-Pinene shows this reaction product may have moderate-lasting adverse effects on both the upper airways and pulmonary regions (Rohr et al, 2002). Another study (Ikei, Song & Miyazaki, 2016) of α-Pinene that looked at humans noted that this terpene significantly decreased heart rate and induced physiological relaxation. This speaks to Pinenes feelings of general well being. When we are relaxed (less or no stress hormones) it is much easier for the body to heal and function at its best.

When thinking of the Botanacine Pinene Nasal Inhaler product, it contains both α- and β-Pinene so we need to get a holistic view to see the effects. The largest collection of scientific literature (Salehi et al, 2019) states that this terpene has been reported as a anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Leishmania, and analgesic effects. The most prominent effects of α-β-Pinene are cytogenetic, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, cytoprotective, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective, as well as their effects against H2O2-simulated oxidative stress, pancreatitis, stress-stimulated hyperthermia, and pulpal pain.

To summarize, Pinene is a naturally energizing terpene with anti-anxiety and improved mental focus effects.

Buy Pinene Nasal Inhaler | $5.99 ea

References:
Ikei, Song & Moyazaki (2016). Effects of olfactory stimulation by α-Pinene on autonomic nervous activity. Journal of Wood Science 62: 568-572.
Salehi et al (2019). Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature. Biomolecules 9(11).
Satou et al (2014). Daily inhalation of α-Pinene in mice: effects on behaviour and organ accumulation. Phytother Res. 28(9): 1284-1287.
Rohr et al (2002). Upper airway and pulmonary effects of oxidation products of (1)-α-Pinene, d-limonene, and isoprene in BALB/c mice. Inhalation Toxicology 14(7): 663-684.