Understanding Terpenes: Linalool
Linalool is categorized as one of the 10 “minor” terpenes produced by the cannabis plant, meaning it is available in smaller quantities than “major terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and pinene. Significant medicinal benefits are derived from linalool, making it one of the top terpenes of interest to patients and those seeking to balance their ECS in an effort to achieve health and wellness.
Linalool is found in 200 other plants, including mints, scented herbs, citrus, and even birch trees. It is sometimes called beta linalool, linalyl alcohol, linaloyl oxide, and p-linalool. It’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it of special interest to endurance athletes seeking performance enhancement and faster recovery times.
Medicinal Efficacy
While linalool delivers a wide range of benefits for patients, its core efficacy is relaxation and a reduction of stress. In sufficient quantities, it can be used as a sedative and is helpful for insomniacs.
Linalool has also been shown to be a capable treatment for Alzheimers, the progressive brain disease that causes severe memory and cognitive problems. When administered properly by a medical professional or experienced caretaker, linalool’s sedative effects are significant enough for it to serve as a tranquilizer and effective enough to help patients suffering from conditions as severe as psychosis.
This terpene also serves as an analgesic, anti-convulsant, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory, making it of value in the treatment of diseases and conditions ranging from stress, arthritis, clinical depression, Dravet Syndrome, dystonia, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.
The Studies
Several studies have revealed the medicinal properties of linalool. Modern clinical research has identified this terpene as helpful in the treatment of a wide range of serious diseases, from Alzheimers to the lung damage caused by tobacco smoking to a reduction of opioid cravings in post-operative patients.
A 2016 study published in the journal Neuropharmacology entitled “Linalool Reverses Neuropathological and Behavioral Impairments in Old Triple Transgenic Alzheimers Mice” examined the link between linalool and a reversal of mental and emotional degradation that accompanies this common and severe disease of the brain. Concluded the study’s researchers, “Together, our findings suggest that linalool reverses the histopathological hallmarks of [Alzhemiers] and restores cognitive and emotional functions via an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, linalool may be an [Alzheimers] prevention candidate for preclinical studies.”
A study published in 2015 in the journal International Immunopharmacology entitled “Linalool Inhibits Cigarette Smoke-induced Lung Inflammation” found this popular terpene’s anti-inflammatory effects to be beneficial for repairing the lung damage caused by tobacco cigarettes via its anti-inflammatory properties. The research also illustrated the terpene’s anti-cancer properties. “Linalool inhibits cigarette smoke induced lung Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and pathological changes,” reported the researchers.
A 2007 study published in the journal Obesity Therapy entitled “Treatment with Lavender Aromatherapy Reduces Opioid Requirements of Morbidly Obese Patients” concluded, “Our results suggest that lavender aromatherapy can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in the immediate postoperative period. Further studies are required to assess the effect of this therapy on clinically meaningful outcomes….”
A 2003 study entitled “Linalool Produces Antinociception in Two Experimental Models of Pain” that was published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found linalool to aid in the treatment of pain based on its anti-inflammatory properties. Concluded the study’s researchers, “The results show that this compound induced a significant reduction of the acid-induced writhing at doses ranging from 25 to 75 mg/kg.”
A 2002 study published in the journal Phytomedicine entitled “Anti-inflammatory Activity of Linalool and Linalyl Acetate Constituents of Essential Oils” examined the significant anti-inflammatory effects of this terpene. The researchers found, “The results obtained indicate that linalool and the corresponding acetate play a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by the essential oils containing them, and provide further evidence suggesting that linalool and linalyl acetate-producing species are potentially anti-inflammatory agents.
