Hello, hello! We’re back with a new entry in our blog and this one revolves around terpenes; more specifically sabinene. Sabinene is a terpene which derives specifically from the holm oak and the Norway spruce. It vastly consists of carrot seed oil but also shows up in lower concentrations in tea tree oil. Sabinene has a spicy kick to it, which is why it has been studied for its possible antioxidant and antimicrobial usages.
What is sabinene?
This spicy terpene contributes to the savoury flavour of black pepper and the earthy taste of carrots. The Myristica evergreen that grows in abundance in Indonesia is one other common natural source of sabinene. The tree’s seeds constitute the globe’s main source of nutmeg, a spice which comprises one more element of sabinene’s aromatic profile. Scientifically, sabinene is classified as a bicyclic monoterpene, similar to other terpenes found in cannabis, such as carene.
Sabinene in every-day life
You have likely encountered sabinene during a spicy meal rich in ingredients like black pepper. A slice of carrot cake also bears a connection to sabinene, as does any baked good that contains nutmeg. If you have used tea tree oil for its antiseptic or antifungal purposes, then your skin has made contact with sabinene. The Norway spruce, which is indigenous to Europe, owes part of its potent, Christmas tree fragrance to the presence of sabinene. The holm oak is native to the Mediterranean and also grows in England, so you may have come across sabinene in your travels. On top of everything stated above, sabinene may also have a good counter against oxidation which is believed to cause the skin to age more rapidly.
Antioxidant
Sabinene could be a natural antioxidant, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. In the form of sabinene hydrate, the terpene was tested for its usefulness in preserving the freshness of roasted sunflower seeds. Based on encouraging results, researchers concluded that the natural compound could be used in place of synthetic preservatives. Additional research on sabinene’s potential in preserving the youth and elasticity of the skin would shed light on exactly how powerful of an antioxidant the terpene might be.
Antibacterial
As a component of wild juniper berry oil, sabinene demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity in a 2015 study from India. Specifically, the presence of sabinene in the essential oil showed potential against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that cause dangerous conditions such as meningitis and toxic shock syndrome.
What is sabinene’s role in cannabis?
Unlike some terpenes like limonene, sabinene is not commonly found in cannabis. When the terpene does occur in cannabis, it is generally present in lower quantities. If you detect a pine-minty or peppery fragrance in your weed, then sabinene could be part of the mix.
And with that said, see you all next week!
