What Are Pinene Compounds?

Alpha, beta, and gamma-pinenes are monoterpene-type compounds. Pinenes are commonly found in plants with pungent odors, such as turmeric and black pepper. In turmeric plants, pinene compounds are mostly found in the essential oils from the leaves. Their odor can resemble that of turpentine and pine. ^{(ii.1, 3, 11 12, 15 16, 20-24)}

What Plants Contain Pinene Compounds?

Herbs and spices that contain pinene compounds include cinnamon, chamomile, chaste-tree, coriander, cumin, damiana, eucalyptus, juniper berries, mace, mint, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, saffron, sage, sassafras, and tarragon. Fruits with pinenes include lemon, lime, and oranges. Many of these offer healthful benefits, too, whether used as a spice or as an herbal remedy (e.g., for acne, preventing cancer, thinning hair, weight loss, stress relief, or as an aphrodisiac). They can even be enjoyed in aromatherapy. ^{(ii.1, 3, 11 12, 15 16, 20-24)}

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Pinene Compounds?

Research suggests pinene compounds have a number of properties that could help prevent or treat diseases: ^{(ii.1, 3, 11 12, 15 16, 20-24)}

• Alpha-pinene compounds in turmeric have antiviral effects that work against both influenza A and B viruses.
• Alpha-pinene also has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties.
• Gelomyrtol® forte (a combination of the turmeric compounds 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and limonene) effectively treats chronic bronchitis.
• The essential oil from turmeric leaves contain almost 9% β-pinene. Beta-pinene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants get rid of free radicals that cause damage to your DNA. In turn, this can help prevent cancer and other diseases.
• Alpha-pinene has insecticidal activity against pests that attack garden vegetables (such as the European corn borer).