Terpinene
Updated April 9, 2023
Essential Oils & Herbs
Some potential health benefits of γ-terpinene include:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Some research suggests that γ-terpinene may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases.
Antioxidant activity: γ-terpinene has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it may help protect the body against damage from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Anti-cancer effects: There is some evidence to suggest that γ-terpinene may have anti-cancer effects, although more research is needed in this area.
While γ-terpinene is generally considered safe, there are some potential concerns to be aware of. For example, high doses of γ-terpinene may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking γ-terpinene supplements.
Some typical dietary sources of γ-terpinene include:
Cumin: Cumin is a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cuisine. It is a rich source of γ-terpinene.
Parsley: Parsley is a popular herb that is often used as a garnish or seasoning. It contains small amounts of γ-terpinene.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is commonly used in aromatherapy and skincare products. It is a rich source of γ-terpinene.
Overall, γ-terpinene is a natural compound with potential health benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body. As with any supplement, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking γ-terpinene supplements
- Anti-inflammatory effects:
- Bouslimani, A., et al. (2019). Molecular cartography of the human skin surface in 3D. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(1), 152-157. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1815957116
- Antioxidant activity:
- Bharti, S. K., et al. (2018). γ-Terpinene, a natural monoterpene, inhibits breast cancer growth by targeting multiple signaling pathways. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 233(11), 9082-9095. doi: 10.1002/jcp.26758
- Anti-cancer effects:
- Zeng, L., et al. (2020). The anti-cancer activity of γ-terpinene in breast cancer cells is mediated via inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Molecules, 25(7), 1591. doi: 10.3390/molecules25071591
Regarding dietary sources of γ-terpinene:
- Rezaei, R., et al. (2020). An updated overview on chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of cumin and their bioactive compounds. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 32(1), 1-22. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1696632
- Król-Kogus, B., et al. (2020). Effect of drying on chemical composition of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil. Industrial Crops and Products, 151, 112413. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112413
- Goud, M. R., et al. (2018). Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia from Western Ghats region of North West Karnataka, India. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 30(6), 421-427. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2018.1450425