Limonene AKA The Happy Terp!

Lets Talk about D limonene!

Aka 4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene
- Limonene is a cyclic monoterpene, wehich means it has a ring in its structure
- and notice there are no oxygen molecules (so it’s a terpene, its not a terpenoid)
- just like the other monoterPENES, its Molecular Formula is C10H16
- It has a Molecular weight of 136.2 Da
- however, due to its ring structure, Its Boiling point is at around 352*F (which is a little higher than acyclic monoterps BPs like myrcenes because of the ring
- Limonene is the second MC found terpene in nature behind pinene, and its one of the top 3 most common terps seen in cannabis,
- Besides cannabis, Limonene occurs naturally in many other plant species common to citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, other citrus fruits, citrus rinds, grapefruit, mandarins, and even non citrusy stuff like rosemary, juniper, even peppermint
Its odor or fragrance has been described as: orangey, citrusy, sweet, and tart,
and it characteristically gives cannabis strains that: citrusy lemony sweet flavor/aroma
Interestingly enough, Limonene is an optically active compound, which means it exists in two enantiomeric forms: R and S.
Whats more, Limonene is kinda special compared to the other terps in that it itself is actually a precursor to several other monoterpenes. Infact, Most of the terps that bear the 1-p-menthene skeleton, are derived from limonene (carveol, carvone, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole)
research has demonstrated that limonene can easily be converted to α-terpineol and carvone when stored in a variety of conditions
this might help explain the diversity of terps that can be seen on the CoA when a sample if being tested
In addition, limonene seems to have important ecological roles to play
limonene acts as a deterrent to feeding and is toxic to many herbivore species
In addition, when plants exude limonene from their underground structures,
they are able to slow down or even completely deter other plants from growing in their vicinity.
But on a different note,
- I call limonene the Happy terp – Its known to provide uplifting and energizing effects, like a refreshed feeling of happiness,
- And anecdotal reports suggest adding limonene to THC causes the experience to be more cerebral and euphoric
- Due to its structure, Limonene displays high bioavailability with 70% absorption after human pulmonary administration,
- Which means when we sniff this stuff in the air around us, we absorb up to 70% of it
- It was shown to rapidly metabolize and accumulate in fatty body tissues such as adipose tissues and the brain,
- If it can hang out in out tissues, it can certainly effect us to some degree.
- It also easily triggers our olfactory memory, which can triggers feelings of nostalgia, etc.

So this kinda leads us in to the next segment,
What are some of the therapeutic properties that D-limonene has to offer?

Its been shown to be a powerful anxiolytic agent and It’s been shown to be helpful in depression

Which leads us to limonene and its Anti-inflammatory properties
Antinociceptive activity:
Antioxidant activity:
Limonene also demonstrates chemotherapeutic properties
A patent has been filed based on the ability of limonene to ameliorate gastro-esophageal reflux (Harris, 2010) and a commercial capsule preparation is available.
The antimicrobial properties of limonene,
Limonene as a vehicle in transdermal drug delivery

0:18 Limonene Facts
3:23 Limonene Medical Benefits