All about the farnesene terpene

Farnesene is a type of chemical compound known as a terpene. It’s found naturally in plants such as cannabis, apples, and sandalwood.

Farnesene has a sweet and fruity aroma and taste. It may also offer some health benefits, including anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.

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What is farnesene?

Farnesene is a terpene found in several plants, including:

• Cannabis
• Apples
• Grapefruit
• Sandalwood
• Ginger
• Hops
• Turmeric
• Patchouli
• Chamomile

In nature, farnesene helps protect plants from harmful insects, bacteria, and fungi. It also provides a fruity, spicy, and sweet flavor and aroma.

Farnesene can be found in some types of bug spray. It’s also commonly used as a fragrance for cosmetics and other scented products. 

Farnesene benefits

Farnesene may have some health benefits. But most studies on the terpene have been done in animals or cells. More human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.  

Lowers inflammation

A cell study found that farnesene may help lower inflammation by affecting your body’s white blood cells, which work to protect your body from infections and other harmful substances.

Fights fungal infections 

According to a study in cells, farnesene may help prevent the growth of Candida albicans, a common type of yeast infection that can affect the digestive tract and other parts of the body. 

Protects brain health

Farnesene is an antioxidant. This means it helps protect your body from oxidative stress, which is a state of imbalance caused by exposure to unstable molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative stress can make your body more susceptible to diseases and cell damage.

A study in cells suggests that farnesene’s antioxidant effects may help protect the brain from certain types of damage that can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.    

Farnesene terpene in cannabis

Cannabis contains over 150 terpenes, including farnesene. But farnesene is a rare terpene that isn’t found in all cannabis strains. Cannabis strains that do contain farnesene often only contain trace amounts, where the terpene makes up 0.002% to 1.96% of the plant.

Strains high in farnesene

Some cannabis strains contain higher levels of farnesene than others:

• Cherry Punch is known for its balanced effects which may help you feel calm and uplifted.

• White Rhino may help relieve pain and anxiety.

• Zookies may help promote relaxation and focus without causing drowsiness. 

• Dutch Treat Haze is known to help boost energy levels and improve mood.

If you’re seeking out strains that contain above-average farnesene levels, ask your dispensary’s budtender or a Leafwell provider for help finding what you need.

Farnesene side effects

Research on farnesene’s side effects is limited. But you should avoid inhaling or ingesting pure, undiluted farnesene. Undiluted farnesene may also cause irritation if applied directly to the skin.

The amounts of farnesene naturally found in cannabis are unlikely to cause side effects.  

The bottom line: Farnesene is a rare cannabis terpene with possible health benefits

Farnesene is found in only trace amounts in cannabis, as it’s a relatively rare terpene. But farnesene still plays a role in the taste, smell, and effects of certain strains. Its potential health benefits include anti-inflammatory, brain-protecting, and antifungal effects.

Consider getting your medical cannabis card to legally access cannabis strains that contain farnesene. The healthcare team at Leafwell can help you get your card conveniently through telemedicine. 

Resources

• Effects of cinnamaldehyde, ocimene, camphene, curcumin and farnesene on Candida albicans. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=69427
• Neuroprotective effects of farnesene against hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicty in vitro. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10571-013-9991-y
• Neutrophil immunnomodulatory activity of farnesene, a component of Artemisia dracunculus essential oils. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/5/642
• Secondary terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and synergy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9775512/
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — From plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190

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