Cannabis & Cannabinoids · Terpenes · A woody, citrus-like scent molecule in tea tree oil, nutmeg, lilac, cumin and some cannabis

Terpinolene

Q: Which plants contain terpinolene?

Studies report it in cannabis, tea tree oil (2.75% to 4.19% in seven oils), nutmeg seed oil, lilac flowers, cumin oil, and the oils of sage, rosemary and some pines. We found no source that says apples contain it, so we do not say so.

Q: Does every cannabis strain contain a lot of terpinolene?

No. In a Nevada dataset, 53 of 62 strain medians were below 0.2% and a few were above 0.5%. The same strain name also varies between samples and datasets, so a strain name does not tell you the amount.

Q: Is terpinolene uplifting, energizing or sedating?

Not shown in people. In mice, inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep. No human study tested it, and one observational study that included terpinolene reported no terpinolene result in its abstract. Words like "uplifting" are marketing labels.

Q: Does terpinolene reduce anxiety?

Not shown in people. In zebrafish it changed behaviour in a way read as less anxious, and a CB2 blocker removed the effect. A survey found that patients using cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to prefer terpinolene, which is a preference and not an effect.

Q: Does terpinolene relieve pain?

Only in mice with chemotherapy nerve damage, plus one computer-model prediction. No human study exists. It is not a treatment for pain.

Q: Is terpinolene a cancer treatment?

No. It slowed growth of several tumour cell lines in dishes, at high concentrations, and also reduced growth of normal rat neurons in one study. No animal tumour study or human study was found.

Q: Can terpinolene cause a skin allergy?

Yes, in the form found in oxidised tea tree oil. People allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene on patch testing, and a review names it among the major sensitisers. Fresh oil is a weak sensitiser.

Q: Is terpinolene safe?

Nobody has tested it in people alone, so safety is largely unknown. In dishes it lowered human blood-cell viability above 100 mg/L without damaging DNA. The pure oil is flammable, an irritant and dangerous if swallowed. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take medicines.

Q: What happens when terpinolene is heated or vaped?

In laboratory tests at vaping-type temperatures, only 11% to 28% of terpinolene stayed unchanged, and 29 reaction products formed. The toxicity of inhaling them is not known.

1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylidenecyclohexene (alpha-terpinolene), C10H16 · also called Terpinolene, alpha-terpinolene, p-mentha-1,4(8)-diene, 4-isopropylidene-1-methylcyclohexene, isoterpinene

Terpinolene is a small, scented plant molecule (a monoterpene) made by cannabis and many other plants. It is a few percent of tea tree oil and is also reported in nutmeg, lilac flowers and cumin oil. Nearly all research is in mice, fish and cells; there is no human trial of terpinolene alone, and no source shows it is sedating or uplifting in people. Terpinolene that has aged in air is a known skin allergen.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a scented plant molecule found in cannabis, tea tree oil, nutmeg, lilac and cumin. Almost all research is in mice, fish and cells: inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep in mice, and it changed fish behaviour in a way read as less anxious. There is no human trial of terpinolene alone. No source shows that terpinolene makes cannabis sedating or uplifting; those are marketing labels. Terpinolene that has aged in air can cause skin allergy, heating breaks it down into other chemicals, and the pure oil is dangerous if swallowed. In our lab data, most strains carry very little terpinolene and a few carry a lot.

What it is

Terpinolene is a monoterpene: a small molecule of ten carbon atoms with the formula C10H16 (PubChem compound 11463). It has one ring and no oxygen. A cannabis enzyme paper describes its aroma as woody and citrus-like. Cannabis makes terpinolene in the resin glands of the female flower using a terpinolene synthase enzyme; changing a single amino acid in that enzyme makes it produce limonene instead.

Terpinolene is not the same as limonene, myrcene or pinene, although they share the same formula or a similar structure. Each is a different molecule with its own studies.

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Where you meet terpinolene

Cannabis: in one analysis of 33 flower samples, terpinolene was 12.1% of total terpenes in CBD-dominant samples and 7.0% in THC-dominant ones, one of the eight main terpenes. In a study of three Dutch medicinal varieties it was a top-five compound in one variety (Bedrocan) and a major component of its vapour and smoke. Tea tree oil: 2.75% to 4.19% of seven tea tree oils in one study. Nutmeg seed oil: its share rises in later distillation fractions, so it depends on how the oil is made. Lilac flowers: one of the most abundant scent molecules released by fresh Syringa oblata flowers. Cumin oil: one of eight predominant compounds in an active fraction. Sage, rosemary and pine oils are also reported to contain it.

We found no source that states terpinolene is found in apples, so we do not say so. Because terpinolene is also used as a flavouring, a terpinolene figure on a label does not tell you whether it came from the plant. Related pages on tea tree oil, nutmeg and cumin are linked at the end; those pages do not discuss terpinolene themselves, so the amounts above come from the studies cited here.

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What the lab numbers show

Our data hold 136 terpinolene measurements for 122 named strains, including 20 of the 28 strains that have a profile page here. They come from several kinds of source, each in its own unit, so numbers in different units must not be compared. A Nevada regulator dataset gives one median per strain for 62 strains, in percent by weight (the source does not label the unit for each column). These medians run from 0.0017% (151 samples) to 1.135% (Durban Poison, 214 samples), and the middle strain's median is about 0.018%. Most strains carry very little terpinolene: 53 of the 62 medians are below 0.2% and 48 are below 0.05%. Only nine are above 0.2%. Most medians rest on 100 or more samples, but a few rest on very few: Zkittlez's 0.7232% comes from a single sample with a value.

Other sources use other units. A study of one California dispensary (February 2015 to February 2016) gives means in mg/g for two strains: Jack Herer at 8.3 (9 samples, SD 3.0) and Trainwreck at 9.6 (7 samples, SD 4.8). A hemp field trial gives means of 3 replicate plots in mg/g for 27 varieties, from 0 (11 of the 27 varieties) to 2.27 (Suzys Gift), and a second hemp table gives means in ppm for 20 varieties from 0.39 to 148 (Ceiba); its replicate count is not stated. A few published tables list one commercial batch each, for 17 strains, with tiny numbers (0.00006 to 0.0074) under a heading of percent dry weight, which we do not compare with the other sets.

The same strain name varies a lot. Blue Dream appears as 0.0187% (Nevada median, 363 samples, 52 with a value) and as four single-batch values of 0.0036 to 0.0074 in a different table; Gorilla Glue #4 appears as 0.013% (660 samples) under the name GG4 and as 0.08% (89 samples) under a variant name. Jack Herer is 0.5421% in Nevada (191 samples) and 8.3 mg/g in California, which are different units and cannot be compared. These numbers are measurements of flower content from regulator, lab and published datasets, not from our own testing. They say nothing about how a strain feels or about effects.

Examples within the same unit and source type (Nevada medians, percent by weight) among our profile strains: the highest were Durban Poison (1.135%, 214 samples), Purple Haze (0.65%, 65 samples), Super Lemon Haze (0.5909%, 184 samples) and Jack Herer (0.5421%, 191 samples); the lowest were Gorilla Glue #4 (0.013%, 660 samples), Wedding Cake (0.0153%, 953 samples) and Runtz (0.0167%, 253 samples). Sample counts differ a lot, so smaller groups are less certain.

The popular claims

"Terpinolene is uplifting or energizing." No source read supports this. A 2025 analysis of 140 German medicinal cannabis flowers found no link between terpene profiles and sativa, indica or hybrid labels or estimated effects, and the one observational study that included terpinolene among five terpenes did not report a terpinolene result in its abstract.

"Terpinolene is sedating." In mice, inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep. That is the only direct evidence, and no human study exists. Whole-oil trials in people used mixtures and cannot be credited to terpinolene.

"A terpinolene-dominant strain name tells you what you get." The same strain name varies a lot between samples. In plants grown under controlled conditions, terpene content varied by about 20% between ten plants of one strain, and plants sold under the same cultivar name differed widely.

"Terpinolene fights cancer or treats pain." It does not. Cell tests and one mouse study exist; none shows treatment or prevention in people.

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What the research shows

Human: no trial of terpinolene alone. A survey of 1,060 medical cannabis patients found that the anxiety-only group was less likely to prefer terpinolene; that is a stated preference, not an effect. An observational study of 101 regular cannabis users examined five main terpenes and reported significant results for caryophyllene and pinene but none for terpinolene in its abstract. A pilot of 38 men found a phlai-oil blend and olive oil improved mood equally, and a trial of 16 adults found two wood oils had opposite effects on nerve balance. In human blood cells in a dish, terpinolene lowered cell viability above 100 mg/L and did not damage DNA.

Animals and cells: inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep in mice; in zebrafish it changed behaviour in a way read as less anxious, and a CB2 blocker removed the effect. In mice with chemotherapy nerve pain it reduced pain-type responses. In cell dishes it slowed LDL oxidation, lowered inflammatory signals, slowed growth of several tumour cell lines and lowered the amount of an antibiotic needed against a resistant bacterium. A systematic review of 57 studies says efficacy and safety have been poorly evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. A computer-only study suggested binding to pain targets; that is a prediction, not a test.

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Regulatory status

In the US, section 172.515 of the Code of Federal Regulations lists "Terpinolene; p-menth-1,4(8)-diene" among synthetic flavouring substances that may be safely used in food under stated conditions (read 2026-10-25). That is a food flavour status. It does not speak to vaping, heating or cannabis products.

In the European Union, EFSA's animal-feed panel (2015) calculated low safe use levels for terpinolene as a feed flavouring and said it should be treated as a skin, eye and airway irritant and a skin sensitiser; we read only the abstract. Companies' notified hazard classes for pure terpinolene (aggregated by PubChem from European notifications) include flammable, aspiration hazard, skin irritant, skin sensitiser and aquatic toxicity; these are notifications, not a regulator's ruling. We did not review the legal status of cannabis and give no legal advice.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Flavouring and fragrance ingredient in food and scented products (reviews and FDA flavouring list)
Natural part of tea tree oil, nutmeg seed oil, cumin oil, lilac scent and the oils of some pines and herbs
Used as a "terpene profile" word on cannabis product labels (retail practice, not research)

Studied for research

Calming or sedation: mouse inhalation studies only, very low
Anxiety-like behaviour: one zebrafish study and a preference survey, very low
How terpinolene-rich cannabis feels: no result in the one observational study, insufficient
Mood from whole oils that contain terpinolene: two small mixture trials, insufficient
Chemotherapy nerve pain: one mouse paper and one computer model, very low
Antioxidant, skin inflammation and cancer-cell tests: cells and mice only, very low

Main compounds

Terpinolene (alpha-terpinolene), C10H16, PubChem 11463
Related monoterpenes: alpha- and gamma-terpinene, limonene, myrcene, phellandrenes
Oxidation products formed on ageing or heating, including peroxides and p-isopropenyltoluene

Common forms

Natural part of cannabis flower and extracts
Tea tree, nutmeg, cumin and some pine oils
Pure compound in laboratory studies and as a flavouring

Research links: PubChem: Terpinolene · US eCFR: 21 CFR 172.515 (flavouring substances) · Systematic review of terpinolene (PubMed) · Sedation of inhaled terpinolene in mice (PubMed) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Name: Terpinolene (alpha-terpinolene)
Chemical name: 1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylidenecyclohexene
Other names: alpha-Terpinolene; p-Mentha-1,4(8)-diene; 4-Isopropylidene-1-methylcyclohexene; 1,4(8)-p-Menthadiene; Isoterpinene; Terpinolen; Terpinolene (>85%)
Common names: Terpinolene (English); Terpinoleno (Spanish)
Formula: C10H16
Molecular weight: 136.23
CAS number: 586-62-9
PubChem ID: 11463
Chemical class: Monoterpene: a small aromatic hydrocarbon built from ten carbon atoms, with one ring and no oxygen (formula C10H16)
How the plant makes it: Cannabis makes terpenes in the resin glands (trichomes) of the female flower using a family of terpene synthase enzymes; a 2025 structure study describes a terpinolene synthase (CsTOS) from Cannabis sativa and shows that changing one amino acid (H618) makes the enzyme make limonene instead of terpinolene. A 2017 study of the hemp variety Finola found nine terpene synthases whose products include myrcene, ocimene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene and humulene but did not name terpinolene. A 2020 study found 33 terpene synthase genes in cannabis and large differences in terpene profiles between plants sold under the same cultivar name.
Where it is found: Cannabis flower: in one analysis of 33 samples, terpinolene was 12.1% of total terpenes in CBD-dominant and 7.0% in THC-dominant samples, among the eight main terpenes. In a study of three Dutch medicinal varieties, terpinolene was among the top five compounds in the extract of one variety (Bedrocan) and a major component of its vapour and smoke.; Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): 2.75% to 4.19% of the oil in seven samples in one study.; Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seed oil: its share rises in later distillation fractions, so the amount depends on how the oil is made.; Lilac (Syringa oblata) flowers: terpinolene is one of the most abundant volatile scent compounds released by fresh flowers in one study, with the relative amounts differing between white and purple varieties.; Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) oil: terpinolene and limonene were among eight predominant compounds in an active fraction of the oil; no percentage is given in the abstract.; Pine, sage, rosemary and other plants: terpinolene is described as a common component of sage and rosemary, and it was isolated from Pinus mugo oil and found among the components of Pinus massoniana needle oil and Hinoki wood oil.; Apple: a common claim, but no source read states terpinolene is found in apples. This is NOT verified.
Related or similar compounds: Name: Alpha-terpinene and gamma-terpinene; Note: PubChem CIDs 7462 and 7461, also C10H16. Similar names and structures; they are different molecules. All three are named in the tea tree allergy literature.; Name: Limonene; Note: PubChem CID 22311 (unspecified mirror form), C10H16. A single amino acid change in the cannabis terpinolene synthase switches its product from terpinolene to limonene.; Name: Alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene; Note: PubChem CIDs 7460 and 11142, C10H16. Other cannabis and plant monoterpenes with the same formula. Some lab methods struggle to tell similar terpenes apart.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Food and fragrance additive	The FDA lists terpinolene among synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food under stated conditions (read 2026-10-25). A systematic review also calls it widely used as a flavouring agent in industry.	21 CFR 172.515 via eCFR; Menezes et al. 2021 (PubMed 34634744)
Pine oil research (2000s)	German researchers found that terpinolene from the oil of the mountain pine Pinus mugo, together with vitamin E and beta-carotene, slowed oxidation of human LDL in a test tube.	Grassmann et al. 2005 (PubMed 16008117)
Herb-oil sedation research (2011 to 2013)	A Japanese group fractionated the leaf oil of the herb Microtoena patchoulii, found that inhaled terpinolene reduced the movement of mice and lengthened barbiturate sleep, and then studied which parts of the molecule matter.	Ito and Ito 2011 and 2013 (PubMed 21287406, 23339024)
Tea tree oil allergy (since 1991)	Allergic reactions to tea tree oil have been reported since 1991; by 2016 nearly 100 patients had been described, and terpinolene is among the named sensitisers in oxidised oil.	de Groot and Schmidt 2016 (PubMed 27173437)
Cannabis terpene research (2010s to 2020s)	Studies of medicinal and retail cannabis report terpinolene as one of the main terpenes in some samples and varieties; it is used on product labels as a "terpene profile" word. Studies of the enzyme that makes it appeared in 2025.	Fischedick et al. 2010; Dei Cas et al. 2021; Wiles et al. 2025 (PubMed 20118579, 34111731, 40553903)
Name and first isolation	The origin of the name "terpinolene" and the date of first isolation were not verified from any source read. Wikipedia-only statements were not used.	None

History shows how a substance was used or discovered. It does not show that a product works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Terpinolene (alpha-terpinolene) PubChem 11463	Monoterpene (cyclic hydrocarbon)	Cannabis resin; tea tree, nutmeg seed, cumin oils; lilac flowers; pine and conifer oils; sage and rosemary Varies by plant, batch and method; see "What the lab numbers show" on the Overview tab for measured cannabis values and units.	Studied mostly in mice, fish and cells for sedation, anxiety-like behaviour, pain, inflammation and tumour-cell growth; no human trial of terpinolene alone. ^{25 21 22}	Very low
Alpha-terpinene PubChem 7462	Monoterpene	Tea tree oil and other essential oils 3.47% to 12.62% of seven tea tree oils in one study	Named with terpinolene as a patch-test allergen in tea-tree-oil-sensitive patients. ^{38 17}	Low
Gamma-terpinene PubChem 7461	Monoterpene	Tea tree oil; nutmeg oil 16.42% to 20.75% of seven tea tree oils in one study	Rises in later distillation fractions of nutmeg oil together with terpinolene. Reduced to about half its concentration as tea tree oil oxidised. ^{38 19 17}	Low
Limonene PubChem 22311	Monoterpene	Citrus oils; cannabis resin; cumin oil	In a lysozyme test, terpinolene stopped fibril formation while limonene induced it. In the cannabis enzyme, one amino acid change switches the product from terpinolene to limonene. See the limonene page. ^{26 39}	Laboratory research
Beta-myrcene PubChem 31253	Monoterpene	Cannabis resin 18.2% (CBD-dominant) and 20.0% (THC-dominant) of total terpenes in 33 samples	Another main cannabis terpene. Far more stable than terpinolene when heated: 97% to 98% stayed unchanged in the vaping-temperature test. See the myrcene page. ^{11 40}	Low
Ascaridole PubChem 10545	Peroxide formed when terpene oils oxidise	Aged tea tree oil (formed from alpha-terpinene)	Found in oxidised tea tree oil and a patch-test allergen in the same patients who reacted to terpinolene. ¹⁷	Low

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor pathway	CNR2	In zebrafish, the anxiety-lowering behaviour caused by terpinolene was removed by a CB2 blocker (AM630) but not by a CB1 blocker (rimonabant). The abstract does not show that terpinolene binds CB2 directly. ²²	Animal research
Opioid and serotonin systems; ATP-sensitive potassium channels	MOR, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, KATP	In mice with paclitaxel nerve pain, the pain-reducing effect of terpinolene involved the mu-opioid receptor, 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 serotonin receptors and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Docking suggested the strongest binding with 5-HT3 and the alpha-2-delta subunit of calcium channels. ¹	Animal research
Absorption through the nose and sedation	Not identified	In mice with impaired smell, inhaled terpinolene still had its sedative effect, so it acted after nasal absorption into the body rather than through smell. Double bonds in the ring or side chain were important for the effect. The receptor was not identified. ^{21 20}	Animal research
Inflammasome and NF-kB signalling	NLRP3, NFKB1	Alpha-terpinolene inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-kB signalling in mouse acne skin, and suppressed NF-kB activity and IL-6 and TNF-alpha in cultured cells. ^{32 41}	Animal research
AKT1 growth-signal protein	AKT1	Terpinolene markedly reduced AKT1 protein in K562 leukaemia cells and inhibited their proliferation. ²⁹	Laboratory research
Protein clumping (amyloid-type fibrils)	Not applicable	In a test-protein system, terpinolene inhibited fibril formation, with docking suggesting binding near tryptophan 62 and 63. In nerve-like PC12 cells it was linked to a variable reduction of amyloid beta aggregates but did not protect the cells. ^{26 23}	Laboratory research
Antioxidant chemistry	Not applicable	Terpinolene slowed copper-induced oxidation of LDL by slowing oxidation of its carotenoids; raised total antioxidant capacity in human blood cells between 10 and 75 mg/L; and a review notes modest lipid-peroxidation inhibition. ^{16 34 3}	Laboratory research
Bacterial resistance pump and beta-lactamase	QacC efflux pump, beta-lactamase	Terpinolene lowered the MIC of oxacillin and ethidium bromide against a resistant S. aureus strain, which the authors suggest may be due to blocking the pump and enzyme. ³¹	Laboratory research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: No human data were found. In mice, inhaled terpinolene was absorbed through the nose lining into the body (the sedative effect remained in mice with an impaired sense of smell).
Distribution: No data were found for people or animals.
Metabolism: No human or animal metabolism study of terpinolene was found in the sources read. Heated terpinolene reacts chemically (a laboratory finding, not body metabolism).
Elimination: No data were found.
Bioavailability: Not established for any route, including vaporized or smoked cannabis. In laboratory heating tests at vaping-type temperatures only 11% to 28% of terpinolene was still unchanged in the vapour, compared with 97% to 98% for myrcene.

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11benefits and uses looked at

42studies and sources checked

Very low certaintybest evidence rating found

10lab markers tracked in trials

9 very low certainty2 not enough evidence

What was looked at

The 11 benefits and uses checked for Terpinolene, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only)Very low certainty
Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and what patients say they preferVery low certainty
How terpinolene-rich cannabis feels ("uplifting", "sedating", "creative")Not enough evidence
Mood and stress after breathing whole essential oils that contain terpinoleneNot enough evidence
Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (mouse and computer studies)Very low certainty
Protection of nerve cells and protein clumping (test-tube work)Very low certainty
Antioxidant activity (test tube and cell work)Very low certainty
Skin inflammation, acne and wound-type cell testsVery low certainty
Cancer cell research (cell-culture work only)Very low certainty
Helping an antibiotic against resistant bacteria (test tube only)Very low certainty
Killing or repelling insects (not a use for people)Very low certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Spontaneous movement in mice (open-field activity)Barbiturate sleeping time in miceTime zebrafish spend in the inner zone of the arenaTouch and cold pain responses in mice with paclitaxel nerve damageSelf-rated mood, anxiety, stress and alertness scalesTotal antioxidant capacity in cultured human blood cellsOxidation of LDL particles (test tube)IL-6 and TNF-alpha release by cultured cellsNitric oxide production by macrophage-type cellsViability of cultured tumour cells

What is Terpinolene good for?

The uses people ask about and how strong the evidence is for each. For terpinolene, all of it is from mice, fish, cells or computer models, or from small human studies of whole oils, surveys or labels.

Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only)Very low certaintyIn mice, inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep. No study tested it in people, so calling terpinolene-rich cannabis "sedating" has no human evidence behind it. Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and patient preferencesVery low certaintyIn zebrafish, terpinolene changed behaviour in a way read as less anxious, and a CB2 blocker removed it. In a survey, patients using cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to say they prefer terpinolene. Neither shows an effect on anxiety in people. How terpinolene-rich cannabis feelsNot enough evidenceNo study shows that terpinolene makes cannabis uplifting, energizing, creative or sedating. The one observational study that included terpinolene among five terpenes did not report a result for it in its abstract. Mood after breathing whole oils that contain terpinoleneNot enough evidenceA small trial of an oil blend and a small trial of two wood oils used mixtures. The blend and olive oil both improved mood with no group difference on the mood scales, and the two wood oils had opposite effects on heart-rate nerve balance. Terpinolene cannot be credited. Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (mouse and computer studies)Very low certaintyTerpinolene reduced pain-type responses in mice with paclitaxel nerve damage, and a computer model suggested binding to pain targets. There are no human studies. Nerve-cell protection and protein clumping (test-tube work)Very low certaintyTerpinolene slowed clumping of a test protein and was linked to a variable reduction of amyloid clumps in cell work, but it did not protect nerve-like cells from amyloid in a cannabis-terpene screen. Antioxidant activity (test tube and cell work)Very low certaintyTerpinolene slowed LDL oxidation in a test tube and raised antioxidant capacity in cultured human blood cells at low concentrations; higher concentrations lowered cell viability. Not shown in people. Skin inflammation and acne (cells and mice)Very low certaintyIn skin and immune-type cells terpinolene lowered inflammatory signals, and on mouse skin it eased acne-like inflammation. No human skin trial exists, and aged terpinolene-containing oils can cause skin allergy. Cancer cell research (cell culture only)Very low certaintyIn cultured tumour cells terpinolene slowed growth and in some tests killed more cancer cells than normal skin cells, but it also reduced growth of normal rat neurons at high concentrations. This is not evidence of a treatment. Helping an antibiotic against resistant bacteria (test tube only)Very low certaintyTerpinolene had no direct antibacterial action but lowered the oxacillin needed against a resistant strain in a test tube, and it was toxic to fruit flies. Insect control (not a human use)Very low certaintyA systematic review lists insecticidal and larvicide activity among the most prominent reported properties. This is pest-control research, not human health.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only)

Very low certainty

In mice, breathing in terpinolene lowered movement and made barbiturate-induced sleep last longer. No study has tested whether terpinolene is calming or sleep-inducing in people, so a "sedating" or "uplifting" label for terpinolene-rich cannabis has no human evidence behind it.

2 studiesPure terpinolene vapour (and a plant oil containing it) inhaled by mi…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of terpinolene on sleep, calm or alertness was found. The two mouse papers are the only direct evidence.

Results

Mice breathing the vapour of a Microtoena patchoulii leaf oil moved less. Terpinolene alone also lowered movement, brought caffeine-excited movement back to normal and made pentobarbital sleep last longer. A second paper tested similar molecules and found that terpinolene still worked in mice with an impaired sense of smell.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstracts give no numbers, doses or sample sizes.

Why this rating

Two mouse papers from one research group, with no numbers in the abstracts and no human data.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene vapour (and a plant oil containing it) inhaled by mice in a laboratory. This is not cannabis flower and not an oral product.

Who was studied

Mice.

Limits

Mouse results often do not carry over to people. The mice were given vapour in a chamber; a person smoking or vaping cannabis is exposed in a very different way and to many other compounds, including THC.

Why researchers looked

A Japanese group looked for the active sedative part of a herb oil and found terpinolene. People also say terpinolene-rich cannabis feels "uplifting" or "energizing", so researchers ask what the molecule itself does.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

In the mouse work, terpinolene reached the body through the nose lining (not through smell): mice with an impaired sense of smell still responded. Structure tests suggested that double bonds in the ring and side chain matter. The nerve receptors involved were not identified.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

In mice terpinolene lengthened barbiturate sleep, so it is a reminder that sedating drugs can add up. Nothing in people has been tested. Do not drive or use machinery if you feel drowsy.

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Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and what patients say they prefer

Very low certainty

In zebrafish, terpinolene in the tank water changed behaviour in a way the researchers read as less anxious, and a CB2-receptor blocker removed the effect. In a survey of medical cannabis patients, those using cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to prefer terpinolene. Neither result shows that terpinolene treats or causes anxiety in people.

2 studiesPure terpinolene dissolved in water for fish; self-reported preferenc…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No trial in people. The only human data are a survey of 1,060 medical cannabis patients (preferences, not effects) and a smaller observational study that did not report a terpinolene result in its abstract.

Results

Zebrafish given terpinolene spent more time in the inner zone and less in the outer zone of the arena, which the authors read as an anxiety-lowering effect. In the survey, patients who used cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to say they prefer terpinolene than the other groups.

Effect sizes as reported

Concentrations in the tank water were 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1%; no effect sizes in the abstract.

Why this rating

A fish behaviour test and a preference survey. Neither is a controlled test of terpinolene in people.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene dissolved in water for fish; self-reported preferences for cannabis products in the survey.

Who was studied

Zebrafish; 1,060 medical cannabis patients (survey).

Limits

Fish tests do not translate directly to human anxiety. A "less likely to prefer" finding in a survey cannot show whether terpinolene helps, harms or does nothing.

Why researchers looked

Many people want to know whether the terpene profile of a cannabis product changes how anxious they feel, and cannabinoid receptors are a known target for anxiety research.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

The zebrafish effect was removed by a CB2 blocker (AM630) but not by a CB1 blocker (rimonabant), suggesting a CB2-dependent pathway. Whether terpinolene binds CB2 itself was not shown in the abstract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Some people feel more anxious with THC-containing cannabis. No study tested whether terpinolene changes that. If cannabis makes you anxious, talk to a clinician.

^{22 13}

How terpinolene-rich cannabis feels ("uplifting", "sedating", "creative")

Not enough evidence

No study shows that terpinolene makes cannabis uplifting, energizing, creative or sedating. The one observational study that included terpinolene among five terpenes did not report a terpinolene result in its abstract. Words like "uplifting" are marketing labels, not findings.

2 studiesSmoked cannabis flower of different cultivars in everyday use.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

One ecological momentary assessment study of 101 regular cannabis users who smoked cultivars coded by main terpene (caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, pinene or terpinolene) reported significant links for caryophyllene and pinene and for the indica label, but its abstract reports no terpinolene result. Cultivars were coded from a website, not from lab tests of the flower used.

Results

Indica-labelled cultivars were linked to more low-arousal ("sluggish, slow") effects (b = 0.44, p = 0.01). Caryophyllene-primary cultivars were linked to more pain (b = 0.53, p = 0.03) and more negative effects (b = 0.22, p = 0.01); pinene-primary to fewer negative effects (b = -0.35, p = 0.04). No terpinolene result is reported in the abstract.

Effect sizes as reported

See results.

Why this rating

There is no controlled human test of terpinolene. The one observational study is preliminary, used website labels and did not report a terpinolene result.

Form and dose studied

Smoked cannabis flower of different cultivars in everyday use.

Who was studied

101 regular cannabis users followed for 2 weeks.

Limits

Cultivar labels are unreliable, cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, and people expect certain effects from labels. Self-ratings are subjective. The study cannot separate terpinolene from THC or other terpenes.

Why researchers looked

Terpinolene is a common "main terpene" label on cannabis products, and sellers often attach feelings to each terpene.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

No mechanism has been shown in people. Terpinolene is a small, scented molecule found at low levels in most flower; any effect on how cannabis feels would have to be tested against THC and the many other compounds present.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not assume a terpinolene label means a calm or alert experience. THC impairs driving and thinking whatever the terpene profile.

^{28 13}

Mood and stress after breathing whole essential oils that contain terpinolene

Not enough evidence

Two small human trials used whole oils that contain terpinolene among many compounds. One found the oil blend and plain olive oil both improved mood with no difference between them. The other found two different wood oils pushed the body's nerve balance in opposite directions. Neither shows what terpinolene does by itself.

2 studiesInhaled essential oil blends (steam inhalation; 5-minute inhalation).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In a randomised, double-blind pilot of 38 healthy young men, one 15-minute steam inhalation of a phlai-based oil blend (said to contain sabinene, terpinene, terpinolene and terpinen-4-ol) or olive oil both improved mood; there was no group difference on the mood scales, only on a Rorschach stress test. In 16 healthy adults, 5 minutes of Meniki or Hinoki wood oil changed heart rate and nerve balance in opposite ways, and both raised a pleasant mood. Hinoki oil is reported to contain terpinolene among 29 compounds.

Results

Blend versus olive oil: no difference on mood scales; Rorschach stress test p = 0.015. Wood oils: opposite effects on parasympathetic activity.

Effect sizes as reported

The first abstract reports p = 0.015 for the Rorschach test; other values are not given.

Why this rating

Whole mixtures, small samples, one session, and no way to attribute any effect to terpinolene.

Form and dose studied

Inhaled essential oil blends (steam inhalation; 5-minute inhalation).

Who was studied

Healthy young men (n = 38); healthy adults (n = 16).

Limits

Terpinolene is one of many compounds in these oils and is not tested alone. The abstract of the second trial does not describe a control condition.

Why researchers looked

Aromatherapy trials often test plant oils, some of which are rich in terpinolene, to see whether scents change mood or stress.

Traditional use

Aromatherapy with plant oils is traditional in many places, but these are modern small trials.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

No mechanism for terpinolene was tested in these trials. Smell, expectation and the other compounds in the oils may all play a part.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported in the abstracts.

^{4 9}

Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (mouse and computer studies)

Very low certainty

In mice with nerve pain caused by the cancer drug paclitaxel, terpinolene reduced pain-type responses. A computer simulation also suggested it could bind pain-related proteins. There are no human studies, and terpinolene is not a treatment for pain.

2 studiesTerpinolene given to mice; a docking model.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study of terpinolene for pain was found.

Results

Terpinolene reduced mechanical and cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in paclitaxel-treated mice, in acute and subacute settings, and restored lowered glutathione in serum. In cells it was not cytotoxic to U-87 glioma-derived cells or normal breast cells, and with paclitaxel it slowed the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells. The second paper is a computer simulation only.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstracts give no numbers.

Why this rating

One mouse paper from 2025 and one computer-only paper. No human data.

Form and dose studied

Terpinolene given to mice; a docking model.

Who was studied

Mice with paclitaxel-induced nerve pain; cultured cells; computer model.

Limits

Mouse pain tests are indirect measures; the computer study is a prediction, not an experiment. Combining a natural compound with chemotherapy has not been tested in people.

Why researchers looked

Nerve pain after chemotherapy is common and hard to treat, so researchers screen natural molecules.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

The mouse effect depended on opioid and serotonin pathways (MOR, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Docking suggested binding to 5-HT3 and the alpha-2-delta subunit of calcium channels. A separate docking-only paper proposed binding to pain targets in diabetic nerve pain.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use terpinolene or cannabis products in place of pain care from your oncology team. Tell your care team about any cannabis product you use during chemotherapy.

^{1 30}

Protection of nerve cells and protein clumping (test-tube work)

Very low certainty

In test tubes and cell cultures, terpinolene slowed the clumping of a test protein and was linked to a variable reduction of amyloid clumps, but it did not protect nerve-like cells from amyloid or oxidative damage in one cannabis-terpene screen. This is basic laboratory science, not a treatment for memory loss.

3 studiesPure terpinolene in a test tube or cell dish.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study. A 2024 review of the entourage effect notes only modest lipid-peroxidation inhibition by terpinolene and the pinenes.

Results

Terpinolene inhibited fibril formation by hen egg white lysozyme (while limonene made it worse) and cells exposed to those fibrils survived better. In PC12 nerve-like cells, terpinolene was linked to a variable reduction of amyloid beta fibril and aggregate density, but only the pinenes protected the cells from amyloid beta, and no terpene protected against an oxidant.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Two test-tube papers: one favourable for terpinolene in a test-protein system, one in which terpinolene did not protect cells and the authors highlighted the pinenes.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene in a test tube or cell dish.

Who was studied

Test proteins and cultured cells.

Limits

A protein from egg white is not a human brain protein. Concentrations in a dish are far from what reaches the brain after inhalation. No animal or human follow-up was found.

Why researchers looked

Clumping of proteins such as amyloid is linked to Alzheimer's disease, and researchers screen plant molecules, including cannabis terpenes, for effects on it.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

In the egg-white protein test, docking suggested terpinolene binds near tryptophan 62 and 63 and interrupts self-assembly. Its ring is not flat, unlike most anti-amyloid small molecules.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None identified.

^{26 23 3}

Antioxidant activity (test tube and cell work)

Very low certainty

In test tubes and cell cultures, terpinolene slowed the oxidation of LDL particles, raised a measure of antioxidant capacity in human blood cells at low concentrations, and was one of three of twenty terpenes with a steady benefit in ageing-stressed rat blood-vessel cells. These are laboratory results; no study shows that eating, breathing or smoking terpinolene lowers oxidative damage or heart disease risk in people.

6 studiesPure terpinolene in a dish or test tube (terpinolene from Pinus mugo …

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study measured oxidative stress after terpinolene exposure. The human material used was LDL from blood plasma and cultured blood cells from 5 donors, all in a dish.

Results

LDL enriched with terpinolene was protected against copper-induced oxidation. In human blood cells (5 donors), 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L terpinolene raised total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) without changing total oxidative stress, while above 100 mg/L it lowered cell viability. In rat endothelial cells treated with D-galactose, terpinolene reduced senescence-marker activity, oxidative stress and improved viability at the same concentration. A systematic review calls antioxidant activity one of its most prominent reported properties.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given as effect sizes in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Test-tube and cell work only; the effective range for blood cells is narrow and higher concentrations were harmful to the cells.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene in a dish or test tube (terpinolene from Pinus mugo oil in the LDL study).

Who was studied

Human LDL from plasma; cultured human blood cells (5 donors); rat blood-vessel cells.

Limits

Laboratory concentrations are not the same as exposure from breathing or eating. Antioxidant results in a dish often do not translate into health benefits in people.

Why researchers looked

Antioxidant activity is one of the most commonly reported properties of terpinolene, and oxidised LDL is linked to artery disease.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

In the LDL work, terpinolene delayed copper-induced oxidation of the fats and the protein in LDL by slowing the oxidation of the particle's own carotenoids. In rat nerve cells, terpinolene raised antioxidant capacity at 10 to 50 mg/L but raised oxidative stress above 50 mg/L.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

In human blood cells terpinolene lowered cell viability above 100 mg/L (see Safety).

^{16 34 6 2 25 3}

Skin inflammation, acne and wound-type cell tests

Very low certainty

In cultured skin cells, terpinolene lowered inflammatory signals (IL-6, TNF-alpha, nitric oxide) and helped fibroblasts move across a scratch. In mice, applying alpha-terpinolene to the skin eased acne-like inflammation. No human skin trial exists, and terpinolene that has aged in air can itself cause skin allergy (see Safety).

2 studiesPure terpinolene on cultured cells; topical alpha-terpinolene on mice.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial for acne, wounds or any skin condition.

Results

In fibroblast and macrophage-type cells, terpinolene raised cell movement and growth and lowered IL-6 and TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent way; at 100 micromolar it inhibited nitric oxide production by 41.3% and superoxide by 82.1 +/- 3.5%. In skin cells and mice with P. acnes-induced skin inflammation, alpha-terpinolene lowered IL-6, IL-8, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha and eased skin thickening and inflammation. It had the lowest MIC against P. acnes among eight pine-needle oil components tested.

Effect sizes as reported

Percentages above are from a cell assay at 100 micromolar.

Why this rating

One cell-culture paper and one 2026 mouse and cell paper; no human data.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene on cultured cells; topical alpha-terpinolene on mice.

Who was studied

Cultured fibroblasts, macrophage-type cells and skin cells; mice.

Limits

Mouse acne models and cell assays do not show a benefit in human skin. Oxidised terpinolene (for example in aged tea tree oil) is a known skin sensitiser.

Why researchers looked

Pine and other plant oils that contain terpinolene are used on skin, so researchers test their parts in skin models.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

In acne mice, terpinolene inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-kB signalling. In cells it also suppressed NF-kB activity and lowered nitric oxide and superoxide production.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Terpinolene can be a skin sensitiser when it has oxidised. See the Safety tab.

^{41 32}

Cancer cell research (cell-culture work only)

Very low certainty

In cultured tumour cells, terpinolene slowed growth, lowered a growth-signal protein (AKT1), triggered cell-death markers in glioblastoma cells and made a plant flavonoid more toxic to chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer cells. It also lowered the growth of normal rat nerve cells at high concentrations. No animal tumour study and no human study was found. This is not evidence that terpinolene treats cancer.

5 studiesPure terpinolene in cell dishes.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human cancer study of terpinolene.

Results

In K562 leukaemia cells terpinolene markedly lowered AKT1 protein and inhibited proliferation. In rat nerve cells and N2a neuroblastoma cells, proliferation fell significantly from 100 mg/L and 50 mg/L respectively, with no DNA damage. In U87MG glioblastoma cells, four terpenoids including terpinolene lowered viability with lower toxicity in skin fibroblasts and raised caspase-3 activity at 30 micrograms/mL. In Taxol-resistant breast cancer cell lines, kaempferol increased the cytotoxic effect of terpinolene; in a separate mouse-and-cell paper terpinolene plus paclitaxel was synergistic in MDA-MB-231 cells and not cytotoxic to normal breast cells.

Effect sizes as reported

No effect sizes in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Several cell-culture papers pointing the same direction, but cells only, at high concentrations, and in some cases also affecting normal cells.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene in cell dishes.

Who was studied

Cultured human and rat cell lines.

Limits

Results in a dish rarely carry over to animals or people. The effective concentrations (tens to hundreds of mg/L) are far above what is reached by food or inhalation. In one study growth of normal neurons also fell.

Why researchers looked

Plant terpenes are screened in cancer cell lines as a first step to find leads. Terpinolene appears in sage, rosemary and cannabis, so it is often included.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Reported cell effects include lower AKT1 protein (K562 cells), increased caspase-3 activity (U87MG cells) and effects on antioxidant and oxidant balance. Direct mechanisms were not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use terpinolene or cannabis terpene products as a cancer treatment. Tell your oncology team about anything you use.

^{29 6 10 33 1}

Helping an antibiotic against resistant bacteria (test tube only)

Very low certainty

Terpinolene did not kill a drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain on its own, but it lowered the amount of oxacillin needed in a test tube. The same paper found that terpinolene was toxic to fruit flies. This is not an antibiotic.

1 studiesPure terpinolene in a test tube.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study.

Results

No direct antibacterial activity (MIC at or above 1024 micrograms/mL). The MIC of oxacillin fell from 161.26 to 71.83 micrograms/mL and that of ethidium bromide from 45.25 to 32 micrograms/mL when terpinolene was added. In Drosophila melanogaster, terpinolene killed with an EC50 of 34.6 microlitres/L within 12 hours.

Effect sizes as reported

See results.

Why this rating

One laboratory paper on one bacterial strain; no animal infection model.

Form and dose studied

Pure terpinolene in a test tube.

Who was studied

One S. aureus strain; fruit flies.

Limits

Not a test of infection. The authors say new tests are needed to confirm the mechanism.

Why researchers looked

Drug-resistant bacteria are a major problem and researchers test plant molecules that may weaken their defences.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

The authors suggest terpinolene may block a resistance pump (QacC) and the beta-lactamase enzyme, based on lower MICs of oxacillin and ethidium bromide.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Terpinolene was toxic to fruit flies at the concentrations tested.

³¹

Killing or repelling insects (not a use for people)

Very low certainty

The reviewers of terpinolene's biological properties say that its insecticidal and larvicide activities stand out among the properties reported. This is research on pest control, not on human health.

1 studiesIsolated terpinolene or plant oils in pest studies.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

A systematic review of 57 included studies reports antioxidant, larvicide and insecticide activities as the most prominent.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given in the abstract.

Why this rating

Included only so readers know why the topic appears in the literature. It is not a health benefit.

Form and dose studied

Isolated terpinolene or plant oils in pest studies.

Who was studied

Insects and larvae.

Limits

Review abstract only; the individual insect studies were not read.

Why researchers looked

Plant terpenes are studied as natural insect-control agents.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

The review says the mechanisms behind its effects are still to be explained.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Insect toxicity is also a reminder that terpinolene is biologically active.

²⁵

Connections to the rest of health

How Terpinolene connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Nervous System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only) Studied for: Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and what patients say they prefer	^{21 20 22 13 28 4 9 1 30 26 23 3}
Sleep Recovery	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only)	^{21 20}
Stress Mood	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and what patients say they prefer Studied for: How terpinolene-rich cannabis feels ("uplifting", "sedating", "creative")	^{22 13 28 4 9}
Pain Inflammation	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (mouse and computer studies) Studied for: Skin inflammation, acne and wound-type cell tests	^{1 30 41 32}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Antioxidant activity (test tube and cell work)	^{16 34 6 2 25 3}
Integumentary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Skin inflammation, acne and wound-type cell tests	^{41 32}
Immune System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Cancer cell research (cell-culture work only) Studied for: Helping an antibiotic against resistant bacteria (test tube only)	^{29 6 10 33 1 31}
Whole Body	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Killing or repelling insects (not a use for people)	²⁵

C. Body parts and organs

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Skin	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Patients allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene on patch testing; a review names it among the major sensitisers. Preparation or compound: Oxidised tea tree oil and other aged terpinolene-containing oils	^{17 42}
Lungs	Adverse effect or risk	Not enough evidence	Aspiration hazard notified for the pure oil; heating produces breakdown products of unknown toxicity. Preparation or compound: Pure terpinolene (swallowed) and heated terpinolene (vaping)	^{36 40 27}
Nervous system	Biological association	Very low certainty	Lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep in mice; nothing in people. Preparation or compound: Inhaled pure terpinolene (mice)	^{20 21}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Spontaneous movement in mice (open-field activity)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{20 21}
Barbiturate sleeping time in mice	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
Time zebrafish spend in the inner zone of the arena	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²²
Touch and cold pain responses in mice with paclitaxel nerve damage	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹
Self-rated mood, anxiety, stress and alertness scales	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴
Total antioxidant capacity in cultured human blood cells	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	³⁴
Oxidation of LDL particles (test tube)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁶
IL-6 and TNF-alpha release by cultured cells	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{41 32}
Nitric oxide production by macrophage-type cells	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴¹
Viability of cultured tumour cells	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{6 10 29}

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Terpinolene (alpha-terpinolene)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied mostly in mice, fish and cells for sedation, anxiety-like behaviour, pain, inflammation and tumour-cell growth; no human trial of terpinolene alone. Preparation or compound: Cannabis resin; tea tree, nutmeg seed, cumin oils; lilac flowers; pine and conifer oils; sage and rosemary	^{25 21 22}
Alpha-terpinene	Biological association	Low certainty	Named with terpinolene as a patch-test allergen in tea-tree-oil-sensitive patients. Preparation or compound: Tea tree oil and other essential oils	^{38 17}
Gamma-terpinene	Biological association	Low certainty	Rises in later distillation fractions of nutmeg oil together with terpinolene. Reduced to about half its concentration as tea tree oil oxidised. Preparation or compound: Tea tree oil; nutmeg oil	^{38 19 17}
Limonene	Biological association	In vitro	In a lysozyme test, terpinolene stopped fibril formation while limonene induced it. In the cannabis enzyme, one amino acid change switches the product from terpinolene to limonene. See the limonene page. Preparation or compound: Citrus oils; cannabis resin; cumin oil	^{26 39}
Beta-myrcene	Biological association	Low certainty	Another main cannabis terpene. Far more stable than terpinolene when heated: 97% to 98% stayed unchanged in the vaping-temperature test. See the myrcene page. Preparation or compound: Cannabis resin	^{11 40}
Ascaridole	Biological association	Low certainty	Found in oxidised tea tree oil and a patch-test allergen in the same patients who reacted to terpinolene. Preparation or compound: Aged tea tree oil (formed from alpha-terpinene)	¹⁷

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 10 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other631

The evidence

The research centre for Terpinolene. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Calming or sedating effect (mouse studies only) 2 studies Very low certainty Anxiety-like behaviour (zebrafish) and what patients say they prefer 2 studies Very low certainty How terpinolene-rich cannabis feels ("uplifting", "sedating", "creative") 2 studies Not enough evidence Mood and stress after breathing whole essential oils that contain terpinolene 2 studies · 38 people in trials Not enough evidence Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (mouse and computer studies) 2 studies Very low certainty Protection of nerve cells and protein clumping (test-tube work) 3 studies Very low certainty Antioxidant activity (test tube and cell work) 6 studies Very low certainty Skin inflammation, acne and wound-type cell tests 2 studies Very low certainty Cancer cell research (cell-culture work only) 5 studies Very low certainty Helping an antibiotic against resistant bacteria (test tube only) 1 study Very low certainty Killing or repelling insects (not a use for people) 1 study Very low certainty

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 40 sources, read the FDA flavouring lists through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, read PubChem for identity and hazard classifications, and ran the PubChem identity check. Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. LiverTox, LactMed, JECFA, EU cosmetics rules and the full EFSA opinion were not read. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.

Study library: every study we checked 42

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Acha 2025 Terpinolene alleviates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in mice: Possible involvement of opioid and serotoninergic systems and L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. Toxicology and applied pharmacology · PMID 40447115 · DOI	Animal research mouse and cell	Mice with paclitaxel-induced nerve pain; human glioma-derived cells (U-87), normal breast cells (MCF-10) and breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231)	Terpinolene Isolated compound Acute and subacute settings	Terpinolene reduced mechanical and cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in mice with paclitaxel nerve pain, and restored reduced glutathione in serum. The pain relief involved opioid and serotonin pathways and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. In cells, terpinolene was not cytotoxic to U-87 or MCF-10 cells, and with paclitaxel it had a synergistic effect on the growth of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Lower pain-type responses in mice and a growth-slowing effect with paclitaxel in cultured cancer cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain responses to touch and cold, heat sensitivity, glutathione, antagonist tests, cell growth Limitations: Mouse and cell work plus computer docking. No doses or numbers in the abstract. Results in mice with chemotherapy nerve damage do not show benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Almeida AJPO 2026 Triple-Marker Screening of 20 Terpenes Identifies Candidate Modulators of Senescence-Associated Phenotypes in D-Galactose-Treated Endothelial Cells. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 42197166 · DOI	Laboratory research rat cells	Rat aortic endothelial cells treated with D-galactose to mimic ageing	Twenty terpenes including terpinolene (1 nanomolar to 1 micromolar) Isolated compounds 1 nM to 1 micromolar · vs D-galactose only	Citral, terpinolene and farnesol were the only compounds with concordant beneficial effects across all three endpoints at the same concentration. Terpinolene was one of three of twenty terpenes with a consistent benefit in ageing-stressed rat blood-vessel cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, cell viability and oxidative stress Limitations: Rat cells in a dish; screening study that the authors say needs follow-up. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
André 2024 The Entourage Effect in Cannabis Medicinal Products: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 39598452 · DOI	Review review	Comprehensive review of the entourage effect in cannabis medicinal products	Cannabinoids and terpenes in combination Review	In relation to neuroprotection, the review states that the analysed studies show no evidence of neuroprotective or anti-aggregatory effects of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene against beta-amyloid toxicity, while modest lipid peroxidation inhibition by alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and terpinolene may contribute to multifaceted neuroprotection properties of cannabis. A review sees only modest lipid-peroxidation inhibition for terpinolene, in laboratory work. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Whether combinations of cannabis compounds work better than single compounds Limitations: Only one sentence of the abstract relates to terpinolene; the review is not about terpinolene alone. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Arpornchayanon 2019 Acute effects of essential oil blend containing phlai oil on mood among healthy male volunteers: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine · PMID 31618177 · DOI	Controlled trial	38 Healthy young male volunteers (mean age about 22)	Steam inhalation of an essential oil blend based on Zingiber montanum (phlai) and Z. tenuiscapus oils, said to contain sabinene, terpinene, terpinolene and terpinen-4-ol Essential oil blend One 15-minute inhalation Single session · vs Olive oil	Both the oil blend and olive oil raised positive mood and reduced negative mood. There was no difference between groups on mood scores, except on the Rorschach stress test (p = 0.015). No difference between the oil blend and olive oil on the mood scales. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mood, anxiety, stress and alertness scales and a Rorschach stress test Limitations: A mixture of many compounds, so no effect can be assigned to terpinolene. Pilot trial, 19 per group, one session, only men. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Avonto 2016 In Chemico Evaluation of Tea Tree Essential Oils as Skin Sensitizers: Impact of the Chemical Composition on Aging and Generation of Reactive Species. Chemical research in toxicology · PMID 27286037 · DOI	Laboratory research in-chemico	Tea tree essential oils tested in a chemical (not living) skin-sensitisation assay	Tea tree oils, fresh and aged Essential oils Accelerated ageing	The major tea tree oil components terpinolene, alpha-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol were unstable under accelerated ageing, which led to the formation of several reactive adducts. Terpinolene breaks down on ageing into reactive products in a chemical test. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Which components react with skin proteins as aged oils form allergens Limitations: Chemical (in chemico) assay, not a test in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Aydin 2013 Anticancer and antioxidant properties of terpinolene in rat brain cells. Arhiv za higijenu rada i toksikologiju · PMID 24084350 · DOI	Laboratory research rat cells	Primary rat nerve cells and N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells	Terpinolene (10 to 400 mg/L) Isolated compound 10 to 400 mg/L	Cell proliferation fell significantly from 100 mg/L in rat nerve cells and from 50 mg/L in neuroblastoma cells. Terpinolene was not genotoxic in either. At 10, 25 and 50 mg/L it raised antioxidant capacity in rat nerve cells; above 50 mg/L it increased oxidative stress in both cell types. Slowed the growth of brain-tumour-type cells and of normal rat neurons at high concentrations; no DNA damage. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell growth (MTT), DNA damage (comet assay), antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress Limitations: Cell culture. The authors call it a potent antiproliferative agent for brain tumour cells, but it also reduced growth of normal rat neurons at 100 mg/L, so the effect was not selective in this study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Booth 2019 Terpenes in Cannabis sativa - From plant genome to humans. Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology · PMID 31084880 · DOI	Review review	Review of cannabis terpene biology and what is known in humans	Cannabis terpenes Review	The review notes that there is concern about the lack of consistency in the terpene and cannabinoid composition of different cannabis strains, and that claims about medicinal properties of cannabis metabolites would benefit from thorough scientific validation. Terpene composition differs between strains and medicinal claims need validation. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: State of knowledge on cannabis terpenes Limitations: Only the abstract was read; it does not discuss terpinolene specifically. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Booth 2020 Terpene Synthases and Terpene Variation in Cannabis sativa. Plant physiology · PMID 32591428 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	Plants grown from 32 cannabis seed sources and five selected cultivars	Leaf terpene profiles, flower profiling and trichome transcriptomes Cannabis plants	The authors found large variation in terpene profiles both within and between sets of plants labelled as the same cultivar. They identified 33 terpene synthase genes and note that cultivar labelling is sometimes incorrect. Plants sold under one cultivar name can have very different terpene profiles. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Terpene profile variation within and between cultivars; terpene synthase genes Limitations: Plant study of leaf and flower terpenes; it does not report on terpinolene specifically in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Chen 2015 Effect of Hinoki and Meniki Essential Oils on Human Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood States. Natural product communications · PMID 26411036	Controlled trial	16 Sixteen healthy adults	Inhaled wood essential oils of Meniki (Chamaecyparis formosensis) and Hinoki (C. obtusa); Hinoki oil is reported to contain terpinolene among 29 compounds Essential oils 5 minutes of inhalation	Meniki oil lowered systolic blood pressure and heart rate and raised parasympathetic activity. Hinoki oil lowered systolic blood pressure, heart rate and parasympathetic activity and raised sympathetic activity. Both oils raised heart-rate variability and a pleasant mood. Two different whole oils had opposite effects on the nervous-system balance, showing that the whole mixture, not one molecule, drives the result. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood pressure, heart rate, heart-rate variability, nervous-system activity and mood (POMS) Limitations: Whole oils with dozens of compounds; terpinolene is only named as one of them in Hinoki oil. Small, and the abstract does not describe a control condition. Funding and conflicts: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't (funder not named in the abstract) Read: abstract
Daş 2026 Selective Cytotoxic and Redox-Associated Effects of Plant-Derived Terpenoids in Human Glioblastoma Cells. Cell biochemistry and biophysics · PMID 42584754 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	Human glioblastoma cells (U87MG) and normal human skin fibroblasts (HDFa)	Alpha-pinene, farnesene, carvone and terpinolene (30 micrograms/mL in some tests) Isolated compounds Up to 30 micrograms/mL · vs Untreated cells	The terpenoids lowered U87MG viability in a concentration-dependent way with substantially lower toxicity in the fibroblasts. At 30 micrograms/mL all increased caspase-3 activity in U87MG cells. Selective cell killing of cultured glioblastoma cells compared with skin cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell viability, caspase-3 activity, total antioxidant and oxidant status Limitations: Results are reported for four terpenoids together in the abstract; terpinolene-only numbers are not given. Cell culture only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Dei Cas 2021 Characterization of chemotype-dependent terpenoids profile in cannabis by headspace gas-chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · PMID 34111731 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	33 33 cannabis flower samples: 20 THC-dominant (type I) and 13 CBD-dominant (type III)	Headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for terpenes Cannabis flower	The share of total terpene content for terpinolene was 12.1% in CBD-dominant versus 7.0% in THC-dominant samples. Beta-caryophyllene, beta-myrcene, terpinolene, alpha-humulene, D-limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and cis-beta-ocimene accounted for more than 80% of total terpenoids. The method has a detection limit of 5 ppm and can pick up artificial additives such as hexyl butyrate. Terpinolene was one of the eight main terpenes in this set of 33 samples. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Terpene composition by chemotype Limitations: A small set from one lab; these are percentages of the terpene fraction, not of the flower. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) 2015 Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (chemical group 31) when used as flavourings for all animal species. EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · PMID 40061604 · DOI	Authoritative guidance n/a	European Food Safety Authority animal-feed panel opinion on chemical group 31 (hydrocarbons used as flavourings in feed)	Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons used as feed flavourings, including terpinolene [FLAVIS 01.005] Feed additive review	For terpinolene and five similar compounds in Cramer Class I, the calculated safe use level is 1.5 mg/kg complete feed for cattle, salmonids and non-food-producing animals and 1 mg/kg for pigs and poultry. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from use up to the highest safe feed levels. All compounds should be considered irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract and as skin sensitisers. Seventeen of the group are currently authorised for use as flavours in food. EFSA considered feed use safe at low levels and said terpinolene should be treated as a skin, eye and airway irritant and a skin sensitiser. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety of feed flavourings for animals, consumers and the environment Limitations: An animal-feed opinion from 2015, read as an abstract only. It is not a statement about people using cannabis or inhaling terpinolene. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: abstract
Fedorova 2025 Cannabis Practices and Cannabinoid/Terpene Preferences in Medical Cannabis Patients Who Use Cannabis for Pain and Anxiety. Journal of psychoactive drugs · PMID 40605183 · DOI	Observational	1060 Medical cannabis patients using cannabis for pain only, anxiety only, or both (survey); 39 interviewed	Self-reported cannabis practices and preferences for cannabinoids and terpenes Past 90 days · vs Pain-only, anxiety-only and combined groups compared	Patients preferred CBD and caryophyllene for pain relief and myrcene for pain and anxiety relief. The anxiety-only group was less likely to prefer terpinolene. A survey finding about what patients say they prefer, not about what terpinolene does. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Preferences for cannabinoids and terpenes in each group Limitations: Self-reported preference, not a test of effects. A "less likely to prefer" result does not mean terpinolene causes or worsens anxiety. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Fischedick 2010 Cannabinoid receptor 1 binding activity and quantitative analysis of Cannabis sativa L. smoke and vapor. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin · PMID 20118579 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	Three medicinal cannabis varieties (Bedrocan, Bedrobinol, Bediol) and their vapour and smoke	Extracts, Volcano vaporizer vapour and joint smoke analysed by GC and HPLC Cannabis flower	In Bedrocan, terpinolene was among the top five compounds in the extract (after THC and CBG) and among the major components (above 1.0 mg/g) in vapour and smoke. Terpinolene was also a major component of Bediol vapour and smoke. CB1 binding of smoke and vapour did not differ significantly from pure THC at an equal THC concentration. Terpinolene was a major terpene in some medicinal cannabis varieties and survived into vapour and smoke. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cannabinoids and terpenoids in extract, vapour and smoke; CB1 receptor binding Limitations: Three Dutch medicinal varieties from 2010; results depend on the product tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Giovannoni 2023 Determination of variability of terpenes and terpenoids in Cannabis sativa by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Journal of chromatography. A · PMID 36463647 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	20 Inflorescences of two cannabis strains (CAT 1 and CAT 3); ten plants of each grown under controlled conditions	SPME with GC-FID and GC-MS terpene analysis Cannabis flower	Twenty terpenes were quantified. The variability among ten plants of each strain, grown under controlled conditions and harvested at the same time, was about 20% for terpenes above 20 micrograms per gram. Terpinolene is not named in the abstract. Even genetically similar plants grown together vary by about 20% in terpene content. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Terpene content and plant-to-plant variability Limitations: Two strains from one lab; the abstract does not name terpinolene. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Grassmann 2005 The monoterpene terpinolene from the oil of Pinus mugo L. in concert with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene effectively prevents oxidation of LDL. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · PMID 16008117 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro (human plasma LDL)	Human LDL ("bad cholesterol" particles) from blood plasma, in a test tube	Terpinolene from the oil of Pinus mugo, with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene Isolated compound	LDL enriched with terpinolene was protected against copper-induced oxidation of both its fat and protein parts, through slowed oxidation of its own carotenoids. Terpinolene slowed LDL oxidation in a test tube. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Copper-induced oxidation of LDL lipids and proteins Limitations: Test-tube chemistry on LDL taken from blood. It does not show that eating or inhaling terpinolene lowers heart disease risk. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Hausen 1999 Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in tea tree oil. American journal of contact dermatitis : official journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society · PMID 10357714 · DOI	Mixed guinea pig and human	11 Guinea pigs (sensitisation tests) and 11 tea-tree-oil-sensitive patients (patch tests)	Fresh and oxidised tea tree oil, fractions and 15 constituents Essential oil and isolated constituents Stored on a window sill for days to months	Fresh tea tree oil was a very weak sensitiser; oxidised oil was 3 times stronger. All 11 patients reacted, mostly strongly, to alpha-terpinene, terpinolene and ascaridole. Terpinolene fell to about half its former concentration as the oil oxidised. Patients already allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene on patch tests. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Sensitising strength of fresh and oxidised oil; patch-test reactions to constituents Limitations: Small, selected group of patients who were already allergic. It does not give a rate of allergy to terpinolene in the general public. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Herwig 2025 Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint-A Broad Analysis of Chemovars in the German Market. Cannabis and cannabinoid research · PMID 39137353 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	140 140 medicinal cannabis flowers sold on the German market	GC-MS terpene profiling and statistical clustering Cannabis flower	There was no statistical correlation between terpene profiles and the genetic (sativa/indica/hybrid) profile. The authors say terpene profiles of sativa, indica and hybrid strains are heterogeneous and show no relation between terpenes and the estimated pharmacological effect. They propose six terpene-profile clusters. Sativa, indica and hybrid labels did not predict terpene profiles. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Whether terpene profiles match sativa/indica/hybrid labels or predicted pharmacological effects Limitations: German medicinal flowers; the abstract does not name terpinolene. The proposed clusters are a classification idea, not a proven link to effects. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Ibrahim 2020 Utilization of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) Seed Hydrodistillation Time to Produce Essential Oil Fractions with Varied Compositions and Pharmacological Effects. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 32012955 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seed essential oil collected in ten distillation time fractions	Hydrodistillation fractions of nutmeg seed oil Seed essential oil 0 to 240 minutes	The concentrations of terpinolene, alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene and myristicin increased in later distillation fractions, while alpha-pinene, sabinene, limonene and myrcene decreased. The nutmeg oil showed some antimalarial activity but no significant antifungal activity. Terpinolene is present in nutmeg seed oil, and its share rises the longer the distillation runs. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition of the oil fractions; antimalarial and antifungal activity Limitations: It shows terpinolene is in nutmeg oil but the abstract gives no percentage; the share depends on how the oil is made. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Ito 2011 Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of the essential oil of Microtoena patchoulii and its related compounds. Journal of natural medicines · PMID 21287406 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice	Vapour of Microtoena patchoulii leaf oil and its parts: terpinolene, 1-octen-3-ol, patchouli alcohol, methyl salicylate Essential oil and isolated compounds	Inhaling the whole oil significantly reduced spontaneous movement. Terpinolene, 1-octen-3-ol and patchouli alcohol each reduced movement when given alone. Terpinolene reduced caffeine-excited movement to normal levels and further lengthened sleep time caused by pentobarbital. The authors conclude terpinolene is a potent suppressor of the central nervous system. Inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep in mice. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Spontaneous movement, caffeine-induced excitement and pentobarbital sleeping time in mice Limitations: Mouse study with a plant oil from a Chinese herb; no doses, numbers or sample sizes in the abstract. It does not show the same in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Ito 2013 The sedative effect of inhaled terpinolene in mice and its structure-activity relationships. Journal of natural medicines · PMID 23339024 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice (including mice with an impaired sense of smell)	Terpinolene and related molecules, inhaled Isolated compound	Comparing terpinolene with similar molecules, a double bond in the side chain or pi bonds in the six-membered ring were important for the sedative effect. In mice with an impaired sense of smell, inhaled terpinolene still worked, which the authors say shows it acts after absorption through the nose into the body. Inhaled terpinolene had a sedative effect in mice, and absorption through the nose (not the smell) was enough. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Sedative effect of inhaled terpinolene and which parts of the molecule matter Limitations: Mouse study. The abstract gives no numbers, doses or sample sizes. Mouse sedation is not shown to apply to people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Johnson 2023 Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · PMID 37865998 · DOI	Animal research zebrafish	Zebrafish (open field test)	Terpinolene (0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% in the water) and beta-caryophyllene (4%); with CB1 and CB2 blockers Isolated compounds Concentrations in the tank water as stated · vs Untreated fish and fish given only the blockers	Terpinolene increased time in the inner zone and decreased time in the outer zone, which the authors read as an anxiety-lowering effect. A CB2 blocker (AM630), but not a CB1 blocker (rimonabant), removed the effect of both terpinolene and beta-caryophyllene. Anxiety-like behaviour fell in zebrafish, and the effect depended on CB2 receptors. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Time in the inner versus outer zone of the arena (an anxiety-like behaviour); locomotion Limitations: Fish in tank water, a very different route from smoking or vaping. Numbers and sample sizes are not in the abstract. Zebrafish anxiety tests do not show an effect on human anxiety. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Laws 2024 Characterizing cannabis-prevalent terpenes for neuroprotection reveal a role for α and β-pinenes in mitigating amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and aggregation in vitro. Neurotoxicology · PMID 38070653 · DOI	Laboratory research cell	PC12 nerve-like cells exposed to amyloid beta or an oxidant	Twelve cannabis terpenes including terpinolene (1 to 200 micromolar) Isolated compounds 1 to 200 micromolar 24 hours · vs Untreated cells	Terpenes were benign to the cells up to 50 micromolar. Only alpha- and beta-pinene protected the cells against amyloid beta. Alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, terpineol, terpinolene and friedelin were associated with a variable reduction of amyloid fibril and aggregate density. No terpene protected against the oxidant. Terpinolene did not protect the cells; it was linked only to a variable reduction in amyloid clumps in a test tube. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell survival, protection against amyloid beta and against an oxidant, and amyloid fibril formation Limitations: Cell and test-tube work. The authors' conclusion is about the pinenes, not terpinolene. Funding and conflicts: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't (funder not named in the abstract) Read: abstract
Li 2006 Analysis of volatile compounds emitted from fresh Syringa oblata flowers in different florescence by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analytica chimica acta · PMID 17723612 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	Fresh flowers of Syringa oblata (lilac), white and purple varieties	Headspace sampling with GC-MS of fresh flowers Flowers	Terpinolene was among the most abundant volatiles released by fresh S. oblata var. alba flowers, together with lilac aldehydes and alcohols, alpha-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool and others. The relative amounts differed between the two varieties. Terpinolene is one of the scent molecules of lilac flowers. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Volatile compounds released by the flowers Limitations: The abstract lists the compounds but gives no percentages. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Menezes 2021 Biological properties of terpinolene evidenced by in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies: A systematic review. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · PMID 34634744 · DOI	Review in-vitro and animal	Systematic review of in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies (1960 to June 2020)	Terpinolene (isolated) Isolated compound	Of 2,449 articles found, 57 were included. The reviewers say antioxidant, larvicide and insecticide activities stand out, that the mechanisms are still unclear, and that in vivo efficacy and safety have been poorly evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Mostly laboratory and animal work; the authors call most studies a superficial characterisation and ask for trials. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Biological activities of terpinolene reported in the literature Limitations: A 2021 review covering studies up to June 2020. It does not give human results. The abstract does not give a certainty grade. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Morshedi 2014 Identification and characterization of a compound from Cuminum cyminum essential oil with antifibrilation and cytotoxic effect. Research in pharmaceutical sciences · PMID 26339258	Laboratory research cell and test tube	Hen egg white lysozyme (a test protein) and PC12 cells	Fractions of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) oil; terpinolene and limonene tested separately Cumin oil fraction and isolated compounds	In the cumin oil fraction with the strongest effect, eight compounds were predominant, including terpinolene and limonene. Terpinolene inhibited fibril formation while limonene induced it. Cells exposed to fibrils formed in the presence of terpinolene survived better. Docking suggested a binding site near tryptophan 62 and 63. Terpinolene slowed protein clumping in a test tube and improved survival of cultured cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Whether the compounds stopped or started amyloid-type protein clumping, and cell survival Limitations: A test protein from egg white and rat tumour-derived cells, plus computer docking. It also shows that cumin oil contains terpinolene, but the abstract gives no percentage. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Niu 2023 Thermal reaction products and formation pathways of two monoterpenes under in situ thermal desorption conditions that mimic vaping coil temperatures. Scientific reports · PMID 38066090 · DOI	Lab analysis lab chemistry	Alpha-pinene and terpinolene in a thermal desorption instrument (100 to 300 C)	Heating of alpha-pinene and terpinolene Isolated compounds	29 reaction products were identified from terpinolene at a relative concentration of 0.01% or more; the products were dominated by p-isopropenyltoluene. The amounts depended on temperature and on how much air was present. Heated terpinolene forms many reaction products. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Reaction products and their formation pathways Limitations: A laboratory heating test; health effects of the products were not tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Okey 2023 An Ecological Examination of Indica Versus Sativa and Primary Terpenes on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis: A Preliminary Investigation. Cannabis and cannabinoid research · PMID 36648357 · DOI	Observational	101 Regular cannabis users who smoked cannabis, followed for 2 weeks	Smoked cannabis cultivars coded by their primary terpene (caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, pinene or terpinolene) and by sativa or indica label from the Leafly website Smoked cannabis flower 2 weeks of daily reports · vs The mean of all other cultivars/terpene types	Cultivars labelled indica-dominant were linked to more low-arousal effects (b = 0.44, p = 0.01). Primary caryophyllene was linked to more pain and negative effects, and primary pinene to fewer negative effects. The abstract reports no significant result for terpinolene. No terpinolene result is given in the abstract; the authors call all findings preliminary. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Self-rated pain, low-arousal effects, high-arousal effects and negative effects within 30 minutes of smoking Limitations: Observational. Cultivars were coded from a website, not from lab tests of the actual flower smoked. Self-rated effects. Cannabis also contains THC and many other compounds. Terpinolene was one of five terpenes examined. Funding and conflicts: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't (funder not named in the abstract) Read: abstract
Okumura 2012 Terpinolene, a component of herbal sage, downregulates AKT1 expression in K562 cells. Oncology letters · PMID 22740904 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	K562 human leukaemia cells	Terpinolene; sage and rosemary extracts Isolated compound and herb extracts 48 hours for extracts	Sage and rosemary extracts lowered AKT1 mRNA and protein. Terpinolene, described as a common component of sage and rosemary, markedly reduced AKT1 protein and inhibited cell proliferation in K562 cells. Lower AKT1 protein and slower cell growth in cultured leukaemia cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: AKT1 gene and protein levels and cell proliferation Limitations: A short abstract with no numbers; one cell line. It also states terpinolene is a common component of sage and rosemary. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Ravishankar 2025 Studies on the role of Terpinolene a monoterpene on neuropathic pain: an in Silico and molecular dynamic approach. In silico pharmacology · PMID 41244931 · DOI	In silico computer model	Computer model (no animals, cells or people)	Terpinolene Isolated compound	The authors report that terpinolene docks well with pain targets related to neuropathy and the models were stable, and propose it as a potential drug for pain linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A computer prediction only. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Docking and simulation of terpinolene against pain-related proteins in diabetic nerve pain Limitations: A docking simulation is a prediction, not a test in a living system. It is the weakest kind of evidence on this page. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Scherf 2020 Effect of terpinolene against the resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, carrier of the efflux pump QacC and β-lactamase gene, and its toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster model. Microbial pathogenesis · PMID 33002597 · DOI	Laboratory research bacteria and fruit fly	A drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain; fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) for toxicity	Terpinolene alone and with oxacillin or ethidium bromide Isolated compound 12 hours exposure for fly mortality	Terpinolene had no direct antibacterial action (MIC at or above 1024 micrograms/mL) but lowered the MIC of oxacillin and ethidium bromide. In fruit flies, terpinolene caused mortality with an EC50 of 34.6 microlitres/L within 12 hours and damaged movement in a concentration-dependent way. No direct antibacterial effect; it helped an antibiotic in a test tube and was toxic to fruit flies. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Minimum inhibitory concentration, resistance-pump and beta-lactamase inhibition, fly mortality and movement Limitations: Bacteria in a dish and fruit flies; not a test in mammals. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Sha 2026 Effect of α-terpinolene on Propionibacterium acnes-induced hyperkeratosis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Microbial pathogenesis · PMID 41967723 · DOI	Animal research mouse and cell	Human skin cells (HaCaT) and mouse acne models	Alpha-terpinolene applied to cells and to the skin of mice Isolated compound (from Pinus massoniana needle oil screening)	Among eight active components of pine needle oil, alpha-terpinolene had the lowest MIC against P. acnes. It lowered IL-6, IL-8, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha release from skin cells and eased skin changes in mouse acne models by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-kB activation. Less skin inflammation in mice and skin cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Anti-P. acnes activity, inflammatory signals, skin thickening and inflammasome/NF-kB activation Limitations: Mouse and cell work with network (computer) analysis. No human trial. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Tomko 2022 Anti-cancer potential of cannabis terpenes in a Taxol-resistant model of breast cancer. Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology · PMID 35704944 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	Taxol-resistant human breast cancer cell lines	Five cannabis terpenes (nerolidol, beta-caryophyllene, ocimene, terpinolene, beta-myrcene), alone and with cannabinoids or the flavonoid kaempferol Isolated compounds	Nerolidol and beta-caryophyllene had the greatest cytotoxic effects. Combining kaempferol with ocimene, terpinolene and beta-myrcene made their cytotoxic effects stronger. Terpinolene alone was not highlighted; it was boosted by a plant flavonoid in cultured cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cell invasion Limitations: Cell lines only. The strongest results were for other terpenes. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Turkez 2015 Genotoxic and oxidative damage potentials in human lymphocytes after exposure to terpinolene in vitro. Cytotechnology · PMID 24590926 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	5 Cultured human blood cells from 5 people	Terpinolene (0 to 200 mg/L) Isolated compound 0 to 200 mg/L 24 and 48 hours · vs Untreated cells	Above 100 mg/L terpinolene decreased cell viability. It was not genotoxic in these tests. At 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L it raised total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) without changing total oxidative stress. No DNA damage seen; cells died at the higher concentrations. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell survival (LDH and MTT), DNA damage (micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange, 8-OH-dG), total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress Limitations: Cell culture from 5 donors. Concentrations in a dish are not the same as exposure in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
US Food and Drug Administration 2026 US Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, section 172.515: Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants eCFR (API; text version dated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Section 172.515 says synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants may be safely used in food under stated conditions, including use in the minimum quantity required to produce the intended effect. Its list includes "Terpinolene; p-menth-1,4(8)-diene". The related GRAS list in section 182.60 was also read and does not name terpinolene. Section 172.515 says synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants may be safely used in food under stated conditions, including use in the minimum quantity required to produce the intended effect. Its list includes "Terpinolene; p-menth-1,4(8)-diene". The related GRAS list in section 182.60 was also read and does not name terpinolene. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Whether terpinolene is on the FDA list of synthetic flavouring substances permitted in food Limitations: A food-flavouring status only. It says nothing about inhaling, vaping or heating terpinolene, or about use in cannabis products. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
US National Library of Medicine (PubChem) 2026 PubChem: GHS classification for terpinolene (aggregated from company notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory) PubChem PUG-View API (retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	In the main aggregate (2,251 reports from 44 notifications): may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (H304, 98%); flammable liquid and vapour (H226, 77.8%); may cause an allergic skin reaction (H317, 76.9%); causes skin irritation (H315, 59.3%); toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411, 81.3%). PubChem notes that classifications vary between notifications. In the main aggregate (2,251 reports from 44 notifications): may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (H304, 98%); flammable liquid and vapour (H226, 77.8%); may cause an allergic skin reaction (H317, 76.9%); causes skin irritation (H315, 59.3%); toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411, 81.3%). PubChem notes that classifications vary between notifications. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Hazard classifications notified for pure terpinolene Limitations: These are classifications that companies notified for the pure chemical, not a regulator's decision and not about low-level food or aroma exposure. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
US National Library of Medicine (PubChem) 2026 PubChem compound record for terpinolene: CID 11463 PubChem REST API (retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	CID 11463: IUPAC name 1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylidenecyclohexene, formula C10H16, molecular weight 136.23, InChIKey MOYAFQVGZZPNRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N. Synonyms include alpha-terpinolene, isoterpinene, p-mentha-1,4(8)-diene, CAS 586-62-9, EC 209-578-0 and FEMA No. 3046. CID 11463: IUPAC name 1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylidenecyclohexene, formula C10H16, molecular weight 136.23, InChIKey MOYAFQVGZZPNRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N. Synonyms include alpha-terpinolene, isoterpinene, p-mentha-1,4(8)-diene, CAS 586-62-9, EC 209-578-0 and FEMA No. 3046. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity, formula, IUPAC name, synonyms and registry numbers of terpinolene Limitations: Database record, not a study. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
Vázquez 2023 HPTLC Analysis and Chemical Composition of Selected Melaleuca Essential Oils. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 37175338 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	7 Seven tea tree oils (M. alternifolia) and four other Melaleuca oils	GC-MS and HPTLC analysis of oils Essential oils	In the seven tea tree oils, terpinolene made up 2.75% to 4.19% of the oil. Terpinen-4-ol (37.66% to 44.28%) and gamma-terpinene (16.42% to 20.75%) were the most abundant. Terpinolene was about 3% to 4% of the seven tea tree oils tested. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition of tea tree oils Limitations: Seven oils from one study; composition varies between producers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Wiles 2025 The product specificities of terpinolene synthase, from cannabis sativa, reveals the plasticity of the terpene synthase active site. Journal of structural biology · PMID 40553903 · DOI	Lab analysis enzyme	Terpinolene synthase enzyme from Cannabis sativa (CsTOS)	Crystal structure and mutations of the enzyme Enzyme	The authors solved a 2.5 angstrom crystal structure of terpinolene synthase. Replacing one amino acid (H618) with charged residues made the enzyme produce limonene in preference to terpinolene. One amino acid change can switch the enzyme from terpinolene to limonene. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Structure of the enzyme and which amino acids decide whether it makes terpinolene or limonene Limitations: Enzyme chemistry, not a test of what terpinolene does in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Zhu 2022 In-situ TD-GCMS measurements of oxidative products of monoterpenes at typical vaping temperatures: implications for inhalation exposure to vaping products. Scientific reports · PMID 35773373 · DOI	Lab analysis lab chemistry	Five monoterpenes in a thermal desorption instrument at vaping-type temperatures	Myrcene, terpinolene and others heated at or below typical vaping temperatures Isolated compounds	The unchanged portion of the parent compound in the vapour varied from 97% to 98% for myrcene to 11% to 28% for terpinolene. Oxidation products included p-(1-propenyl)-toluene, beta-pinone and fenchol. The authors say the toxicity of inhaling these products is not clear. Terpinolene was the most heat-labile of five terpenes tested. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: How much of each terpene stays unchanged and which oxidation products form Limitations: A laboratory heating test, not inhalation by people. Toxicity of the products was not tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
de Christo Scherer 2019 Wound healing activity of terpinolene and α-phellandrene by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro. Journal of tissue viability · PMID 30792116 · DOI	Laboratory research cell	Fibroblasts and macrophage-type cells in culture	Terpinolene and alpha-phellandrene (up to 100 micromolar) Isolated compounds Up to 100 micromolar	Terpinolene increased migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. At 100 micromolar it inhibited nitric oxide production by 41.3% and superoxide production by 82.1 +/- 3.5%, and it suppressed NF-kB activity. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signals in cultured cells. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Wound-scratch closing, inflammatory signals (NO, TNF-alpha, IL-6, NF-kB) and antioxidant tests Limitations: Cell work only; no animals or people. The title talks about wound healing, but no wound was healed in a living system. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
de Groot 2016 Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. Contact dermatitis · PMID 27173437 · DOI	Review	Review of contact allergy to tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)	Tea tree oil Essential oil	Routine patch tests were positive in 0.1% to 3.5% of people. Fresh tea tree oil is a weak to moderate sensitizer but oxidation increases its allergenic potency. The major sensitizers appear to be ascaridole, terpinolene, alpha-terpinene, 1,2,4-trihydroxymenthane, alpha-phellandrene and limonene. Terpinolene is one of the main allergens in oxidised tea tree oil. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Rates of allergy and which constituents are the allergens Limitations: A review of tea tree oil, a mixture. It does not give a separate rate for terpinolene. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: everything is very low or insufficient certainty. Almost all of it is from mice, fish, cells, computer models or whole oils.
No trial of terpinolene alone in people, by any route.
No human study of whether terpinolene is sedating, uplifting or changes anxiety, and none that separates it from THC and other cannabis compounds.
No data on heated or vaped terpinolene in people, on pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or older adults, or on drug interactions.
We could not verify that apples contain terpinolene, and the amounts in cumin, nutmeg, lilac and pine oils are not given in the abstracts read.
Our lab numbers come from several datasets in different units; some are single batches or a handful of samples.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Other 10

▼

Spontaneous movement in mice (open-field activity)

Lowered in trials

How much a mouse moves around by itself after breathing a vapour.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Lower movement is used as a sign of a calming or sedating effect in animals.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant in the abstract, but no numbers or sample size are given.

Safety implication

Reduced movement shows the molecule acts on the animal nervous system.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	Terpinolene, 1-octen-3-ol and patchouli alcohol each significantly reduced locomotor activity when given alone by inhalation.	Mice	Inhaled terpinolene vapour

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▲

Barbiturate sleeping time in mice

Raised in trials

How long a mouse sleeps after a sedative drug (pentobarbital).

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A longer sleep time means the extra substance adds to the sedative drug.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One paper; no sleep numbers in the abstract.

Safety implication

It suggests terpinolene could add to sedatives in mice. Nobody has tested this in people.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	Pentobarbital-induced sleeping time was further elongated by inhalation of terpinolene.	Mice	Inhaled terpinolene vapour

²⁰

▲

Time zebrafish spend in the inner zone of the arena

Raised in trials

A fish that is less anxious tends to swim more in the open centre of the arena.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is a quick animal test of anxiety-like behaviour.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One paper; the abstract gives no figures.

Safety implication

It shows an effect in fish, not in people.

Study	Result	People	Product
²²	Terpinolene (0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1%) increased time in the inner zone and decreased time in the outer zone; a CB2 blocker (AM630) removed the effect.	Zebrafish	Terpinolene in the tank water

²²

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Touch and cold pain responses in mice with paclitaxel nerve damage

Lowered in trials

How strongly a mouse reacts to a light touch or a cold stimulus when its nerves have been damaged by chemotherapy.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It measures the animal equivalent of nerve pain from touch and cold.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One mouse paper; no numbers in the abstract.

Safety implication

The pain relief involved opioid and serotonin pathways in mice; this does not show the same in people.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	Terpinolene reduced mechanical and cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in mice with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, acutely and after repeated dosing.	Mice with paclitaxel-induced nerve pain	Terpinolene

●

Self-rated mood, anxiety, stress and alertness scales

No clear change in trials

Short visual scales on which a person marks how they feel.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The usual quick way to test whether a scent changes mood.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A small pilot; the blend is not terpinolene alone.

Safety implication

Terpinolene cannot be credited for any change.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴	Both the oil blend (containing terpinolene) and olive oil improved positive and negative mood; no difference between the groups on the mood scales. The Rorschach stress test differed (p = 0.015).	38 healthy young men	One 15-minute steam inhalation of a phlai-based oil blend versus olive oil

⁴

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Total antioxidant capacity in cultured human blood cells

Raised in trials

A lab measure of how well a cell sample can neutralise oxidising chemicals.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is used to ask whether a compound acts as an antioxidant in cells.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant in a dish, but only in a limited range of concentrations.

Safety implication

Higher concentrations lowered cell viability.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁴	Terpinolene at 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L increased total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) without changing total oxidative stress; above 100 mg/L it lowered cell viability.	Cultured human blood cells from 5 donors	Terpinolene 0 to 200 mg/L for 24 and 48 hours

³⁴

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Oxidation of LDL particles (test tube)

Lowered in trials

How fast the fat and protein of LDL particles are damaged by an oxidising metal in a test.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Oxidised LDL is linked to artery disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A test-tube result with no clinical outcome.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁶	LDL enriched with terpinolene was protected against copper-induced oxidation of the lipid part and the protein part.	Human LDL from plasma	Terpinolene from Pinus mugo oil

¹⁶

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IL-6 and TNF-alpha release by cultured cells

Lowered in trials

Inflammatory messenger proteins that cells release when stressed.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Lower levels are used as a sign of less inflammation in cell tests.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two cell-and-mouse papers, no human skin data.

Safety implication

None reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴¹	Terpinolene suppressed IL-6 and TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited NF-kB activity.	Cultured fibroblast and macrophage-type cells	Terpinolene
³²	Alpha-terpinolene suppressed P. acnes-induced release of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha from skin cells.	Human HaCaT skin cells and mouse acne models	Alpha-terpinolene

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Nitric oxide production by macrophage-type cells

Lowered in trials

A signalling chemical made by immune cells during inflammation.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A drop is read as less inflammatory activity in the dish.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One cell assay.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴¹	At 100 micromolar terpinolene inhibited NO production by 41.3% and superoxide production by 82.1 +/- 3.5%.	Macrophage cell-culture assay	Terpinolene 100 micromolar

⁴¹

▼

Viability of cultured tumour cells

Lowered in trials

The share of cells in a dish that stay alive after exposure.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A drop shows toxicity to the cells; in cancer research it is a first screen.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Several cell papers; one showed normal neurons were affected too.

Safety implication

Cell toxicity at higher concentrations also affected normal cells in one study.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁶	Proliferation fell significantly from 100 mg/L in primary rat neurons and from 50 mg/L in N2a neuroblastoma cells; not genotoxic.	Rat neurons and N2a cells	Terpinolene 10 to 400 mg/L
¹⁰	Terpenoids including terpinolene lowered U87MG glioblastoma cell viability with substantially lower toxicity in skin fibroblasts.	U87MG cells and HDFa fibroblasts	Four terpenoids
²⁹	Terpinolene markedly reduced AKT1 protein and inhibited cell proliferation.	K562 leukaemia cells	Terpinolene

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Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

Oxidised terpinolene can cause skin allergy. Fresh tea tree oil is a weak sensitiser, but oil that has been exposed to air is about three times stronger in guinea pigs. In a patch-test study, all 11 people already allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene, alpha-terpinene and ascaridole. A review names terpinolene among the major sensitisers in oxidised tea tree oil. Companies also notify pure terpinolene as a possible skin allergen. Observational ^{17 42 5 36}
Pure terpinolene oil is dangerous if swallowed and is flammable. In the main aggregate of company notifications, pure terpinolene is classed as possibly fatal if swallowed and it enters the airways (98% of notifications), flammable (77.8%) and an irritant. EFSA says terpinolene and similar flavourings should be treated as irritants to skin, eyes and airways and as skin sensitisers. Keep pure terpene oils away from children. Authoritative guidance ^{36 12}
Heating terpinolene breaks it down into other chemicals. In two laboratory heating tests at vaping-type temperatures, only 11% to 28% of terpinolene stayed unchanged in the vapour (97% to 98% for myrcene), and 29 reaction products formed, mainly p-isopropenyltoluene. The authors say the toxicity of inhaling these products is not clear. Nobody has tested what this means for people who smoke or vape cannabis. Lab analysis ^{40 27}
Almost no human safety data exist. A systematic review says the in vivo efficacy and safety of terpinolene have been poorly evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. No human trial of terpinolene alone was found. Nothing is known about long-term inhalation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or older adults. Review ²⁵

Side effects 5

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Allergic contact dermatitis (itchy, red rash) from oxidised tea tree oil and other terpinolene-containing oils Rates are for tea tree oil as a mixture, in people tested in skin clinics. In the small patch-test study, people already allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene. Whether aged cannabis products cause the same problem has not been studied.	In routine patch testing with tea tree oil, 0.1% to 3.5% of people tested positive (review). The rate for terpinolene alone is not given.	moderate Not described in the abstracts	Observational ^{42 17}
Skin, eye and airway irritation These are classifications for the pure chemical. EFSA's feed opinion says terpinolene and similar compounds should be considered irritants to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.	Skin irritation (H315) in 59.3% of company notifications for pure terpinolene	mild Not described	Authoritative guidance ^{36 12}
Lung damage if the pure oil is swallowed and gets into the airways (aspiration) This is a hazard for pure terpene oil, not for the tiny amounts in cannabis flower or food.	H304 was notified in 98% of reports in the main aggregate	severe Not described	Authoritative guidance ³⁶
Possible irritation or breakdown-product exposure from inhaling heated terpinolene Only laboratory heating tests exist. The authors say allergic and irritation reactions to oxidised monoterpene oils are well documented and that inhalation effects of the products should be studied.	Not measured in people	unknown Unknown	Lab analysis ^{40 27}
No adverse effects of terpinolene by smoking, vaping or mouth were reported in the human sources read This is an absence of data, not evidence of safety. The only human studies of terpinolene-containing products were small trials of whole oils and a survey.	Not applicable	unknown Not applicable	Gap ²⁵

Liver

No human case of liver injury from terpinolene was found in the sources read, and no animal liver study of terpinolene was read. LiverTox was not read. The only liver-relevant data are cell-culture viability results (see Toxicity). Absence of reports is not proof of safety, because almost nothing has been studied. ²⁵

How often. No human rate was found.

Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Terpinolene supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 5

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
THC and other cannabis compounds cannabis	In a laboratory comparison of cannabis smoke and vapour, which contained terpinolene together with THC, CB1 binding did not differ significantly from pure THC at the same THC concentration. No study tested terpinolene added to THC in people.	Unknown. No study shows that terpinolene makes THC stronger, weaker, safer or riskier.	Lab analysis Not enough evidence ¹⁴	Do not assume a terpene label changes the effects or risks of THC. Impairment from THC still applies.
Sedatives: sleeping pills, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol prescription	In mice, inhaled terpinolene lengthened pentobarbital-induced sleep.	Unknown in people. It is a reason for caution only because the effect was seen in mice.	Animal research Very low certainty ²⁰	Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use concentrated terpene products together with sedating medicines or alcohol.
Cancer chemotherapy (paclitaxel) prescription	In cultured triple-negative breast cancer cells, terpinolene plus paclitaxel was synergistic in slowing growth; in mice with chemotherapy nerve pain it reduced pain-type responses.	Unknown. These are cell and mouse results only and do not show a benefit or a harm in treatment.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ¹	Tell your cancer care team about every cannabis product or terpene product you use. Do not use terpinolene in place of treatment.
Antibiotics such as oxacillin prescription	In a test tube, terpinolene lowered the amount of oxacillin needed against a resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain.	Not a drug interaction in people; it is a laboratory finding.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ³¹	No action for readers; listed so the laboratory result is not mistaken for a treatment.
Prescription drugs processed by liver enzymes (CYP enzymes) prescription	No study of terpinolene and drug-metabolising enzymes was found.	Unknown.	Gap Not enough evidence ²⁵	If you use cannabis products and take prescription medicines, ask your pharmacist about the whole product, not just one terpene.

Who should check first 7

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Known allergy to tea tree oil, turpentine or fragrance mixes, or sensitive or allergic skin	Avoid putting old or air-exposed terpinolene-rich oils such as aged tea tree oil on the skin. A review notes frequent co-reaction with turpentine oil and over-representation of reactions to fragrance mix I and other essential oils.	Observational ^{42 17}
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	No human safety data for terpinolene were found. Ask your doctor or midwife before using cannabis products or concentrated terpene products.	Gap ²⁵
Children, teenagers and older adults	No studies of terpinolene in these groups were found. Pure terpene oil is a swallowing hazard for children. The risks of THC for teenagers and older adults are covered on the THC page, not shown here for terpinolene.	Gap ³⁶
Mental health conditions, including psychosis, severe anxiety or dependence on cannabis	Nothing is known about terpinolene in these groups. A survey found that patients using cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to say they prefer terpinolene; that is a stated preference and not a safety finding. Ask a clinician about THC-containing products.	Observational ¹³
Asthma or chronic lung disease, and vaping or heating cannabis products	No study tested heated terpinolene in people with lung disease. Laboratory tests show heating breaks terpinolene into other chemicals.	Lab analysis ^{40 27}
Driving and machinery	No study tested whether terpinolene alone affects driving. In mice it lowered movement and lengthened sedative sleep. Impairment from THC is a separate and well-known risk; do not drive or use machinery if you feel drowsy or impaired.	Animal research ²⁰
People receiving chemotherapy	Tell your care team about any cannabis or terpene product you use. Cell and mouse studies suggest possible effects with paclitaxel, but nothing is known in people.	Laboratory research ¹

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. There are no human toxicity studies of terpinolene. Cell studies show it lowers the viability of cultured human blood cells above 100 mg/L without damaging their DNA in the tests used. It killed fruit flies in a test. EFSA set low safe levels for terpinolene as an animal-feed flavouring and said it should be treated as an irritant and a skin sensitiser.

Animal. Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster): mortality with an EC50 of 34.6 microlitres/L within 12 hours, with damage to movement increasing with concentration. EFSA calculated safe use levels for terpinolene in animal feed of 1.5 mg/kg complete feed for cattle, salmonids and non-food-producing animals and 1 mg/kg for pigs and poultry. No mammal oral toxicity study (such as LD50 or a long-term study) was read.

Human doses studied. No human dosing study of pure terpinolene was found. Human cells were exposed in a dish to up to 200 mg/L. Whole-oil inhalation trials in volunteers lasted one session of 5 to 15 minutes and did not isolate terpinolene.

High dose or long term signals. In cultured human blood cells, cell viability fell above 100 mg/L. In rat nerve cells proliferation fell from 100 mg/L, and in neuroblastoma cells from 50 mg/L; oxidative stress rose above 50 mg/L. Long-term effects are unknown.

Overdose response. Not described in the sources read. Pure terpinolene is notified as an aspiration hazard if swallowed.

Genotoxicity. Not genotoxic in cultured human lymphocytes (micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange and 8-OH-dG tests) or in rat neurons and N2a cells (comet assay) at the concentrations tested. These are cell tests only.

Terpene content differs a lot between cannabis plants, between batches and between products with the same name. Terpinolene in aged oils can also oxidise on the shelf, and heating changes it. Our sources do not say whether terpinolene is often added to products, or how accurate the amounts on labels are.

Plant-to-plant variation. Ten plants of each of two strains grown together under controlled conditions varied by about 20% in terpenes above 20 micrograms per gram. In plants grown from 32 seed sources, the authors found large variation within and between sets labelled as the same cultivar, and note that cultivar labelling is sometimes incorrect. ^{15 8}

Strain labels. A 2025 analysis of 140 medicinal flowers on the German market found no statistical correlation between terpene profiles and sativa, indica or hybrid labels. A review says there is concern about inconsistent terpene and cannabinoid composition between cannabis strains. ^{18 7}

Oxidation on the shelf. When tea tree oil oxidised, terpinolene fell to about half its former concentration and strong sensitisers formed. Terpinolene was among the components that were unstable under accelerated ageing. ^{17 5}

Added flavour compounds. A terpene-testing method with a detection limit of 5 ppm can also reveal artificial adulteration, for example added hexyl butyrate ester. No source read measured how often terpinolene itself is added to products. ¹¹

Body	Action	Date
US Food and Drug Administration (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, section 172.515) (United States)	Lists "Terpinolene; p-menth-1,4(8)-diene" among synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food under stated conditions, including use in the minimum quantity required to produce the intended effect. source	2026-10-25
European Food Safety Authority (FEEDAP Panel), scientific opinion on chemical group 31 flavourings for animal feed (2015) (European Union)	Calculated safe use levels for terpinolene in animal feed (1.5 mg/kg complete feed for cattle, salmonids and non-food-producing animals; 1 mg/kg for pigs and poultry), found no consumer safety concern up to the highest safe feed levels, and said all compounds in the group should be considered irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract and as skin sensitisers. It notes that 17 compounds of the group are authorised as food flavours. source	2026-10-25
European Chemicals Agency C&L Inventory (company notifications, as aggregated by PubChem) (European Union (notifications by companies))	Companies notified terpinolene most often as: may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (H304), flammable liquid and vapour (H226), may cause an allergic skin reaction (H317), causes skin irritation (H315) and toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411). source	2026-10-25

When to get medical help

A child or adult swallowed pure terpinolene, terpene oil or a product containing it and is coughing, choking, wheezing or has trouble breathing (get emergency help and call a poison centre; in the United States, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222).
A rash that spreads quickly, blisters, or swells the face or lips after skin contact with an oil or product containing terpinolene.
Trouble breathing, chest tightness or wheezing after breathing vapour or smoke, especially in someone with asthma.
A person who cannot be woken or whose breathing is slow after combining sedating products with alcohol or sleep medicines.
Severe anxiety, confusion or loss of touch with reality after using cannabis products (see the THC page).

Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is terpinolene?

Terpinolene is a small, scented plant molecule (a monoterpene, formula C10H16) made by cannabis and many other plants. A cannabis enzyme paper describes its aroma as woody and citrus-like. It is also used as a food flavouring.

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Which plants contain terpinolene?

Studies report it in cannabis, tea tree oil (2.75% to 4.19% in seven oils), nutmeg seed oil, lilac flowers, cumin oil, and the oils of sage, rosemary and some pines. We found no source that says apples contain it, so we do not say so.

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Does every cannabis strain contain a lot of terpinolene?

No. In a Nevada dataset, 53 of 62 strain medians were below 0.2% and a few were above 0.5%. The same strain name also varies between samples and datasets, so a strain name does not tell you the amount.

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Is terpinolene uplifting, energizing or sedating?

Not shown in people. In mice, inhaled terpinolene lowered movement and lengthened barbiturate sleep. No human study tested it, and one observational study that included terpinolene reported no terpinolene result in its abstract. Words like "uplifting" are marketing labels.

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Does terpinolene reduce anxiety?

Not shown in people. In zebrafish it changed behaviour in a way read as less anxious, and a CB2 blocker removed the effect. A survey found that patients using cannabis only for anxiety were less likely to prefer terpinolene, which is a preference and not an effect.

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Does terpinolene relieve pain?

Only in mice with chemotherapy nerve damage, plus one computer-model prediction. No human study exists. It is not a treatment for pain.

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Is terpinolene a cancer treatment?

No. It slowed growth of several tumour cell lines in dishes, at high concentrations, and also reduced growth of normal rat neurons in one study. No animal tumour study or human study was found.

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Can terpinolene cause a skin allergy?

Yes, in the form found in oxidised tea tree oil. People allergic to tea tree oil reacted to terpinolene on patch testing, and a review names it among the major sensitisers. Fresh oil is a weak sensitiser.

^{17 42}

Is terpinolene safe?

Nobody has tested it in people alone, so safety is largely unknown. In dishes it lowered human blood-cell viability above 100 mg/L without damaging DNA. The pure oil is flammable, an irritant and dangerous if swallowed. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take medicines.

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What happens when terpinolene is heated or vaped?

In laboratory tests at vaping-type temperatures, only 11% to 28% of terpinolene stayed unchanged, and 29 reaction products formed. The toxicity of inhaling them is not known.

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Is terpinolene safe in pregnancy, for children or for older adults?

No data were found for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or older adults. Ask your doctor before using cannabis or concentrated terpene products. Keep pure terpene oils away from children.

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Is terpinolene approved or regulated?

In the US it is on the FDA list of synthetic flavouring substances permitted in food under conditions. EFSA set low safe levels for it as an animal-feed flavouring. Those are flavouring statuses and say nothing about vaping, heating or cannabis products. Cannabis law was not reviewed.

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 40 sources, read the FDA flavouring lists through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, read PubChem for identity and hazard classifications, and ran the PubChem identity check. Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. LiverTox, LactMed, JECFA, EU cosmetics rules and the full EFSA opinion were not read. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for terpinolene. This page is information, not a recommendation to use it.

Sources 42

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

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Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.