Ocimene is the bright, sweet-herbal terpene that gives basil much of its character. It is often the counterpoint to earthy myrcene: where myrcene is heavy and grounding, ocimene is light and lifting. It usually appears as a minor terpene, but in the right profile it defines the whole aroma.

Where you find it in nature

Basil, mint, parsley, orchids, kumquats, and pepper.

Aroma and flavor

Sweet, herbal, and woody, with tropical and citrus hints. It is fresh and uplifting rather than heavy, and it is one of the first notes you catch from a bright, sativa-leaning strain.

What the research says

• Ocimene is one of the less-studied terpenes, and most of the work looks at essential oils that happen to be rich in it. Valente and colleagues in 2013, in Food and Chemical Toxicology, studied an ocimene-containing essential oil and reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activity in the lab.
• Loizzo and colleagues in 2008, in Chemistry & Biodiversity, examined an oil high in beta-ocimene and reported antiviral activity in a laboratory model.

These are in vitro studies of oils, not of the isolated terpene in people, and certainly not of a chew. The most reliable thing to say about ocimene is that it is a beautiful, bright aroma compound that adds lift to a flavor.

Where ocimene shows up in MONDAYS

Ocimene brightens our uplifting, Daytime profiles. Look for it in Go-Go Bananas (Sour Diesel) and Wild Things (Animal Mints).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Valente J, et al. Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata essential oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2013;62:349-354.
2. Loizzo MR, et al. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antiviral activities of the essential oils of seven Lebanon species. Chemistry & Biodiversity. 2008;5(3):461-470.
3. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011;163(7):1344-1364.