Category Archives: Terpenes

Coleus forskohlii

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Coleus forskohlii is a plant that is indigenous to India. The plant is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for a number of ailments including eczema, asthma, psoriasis, cardiovascular disorders and hypertension. The main physiological effects of Coleus … Continue reading →

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Mint Monoterpenoids

Posted on December 8, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Mint is an important source of monoterpenoids. These chemicals are responsible for the “minty” taste and aroma associated with mint plants. A number of varieties of mint contain varying levels of terpenoids including spearmint (Mentha spicata), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), … Continue reading →

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Neuroprotective Effects of Olive Oil Terpenoids

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Olive oil is a rich source of phytochemicals, many of which may confer beneficial health effects to humans. Nutritional studies initially concentrated on the fatty acid content of olive oil to explain its health effects, but more recently it has … Continue reading →

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Terpenes: Their Biological Role in Plants

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Terpenes are phytochemicals that are used by plants in their primary metabolism that include hormonal, antioxidant and energy production systems. In addition to this, terpenes are used by plants for secondary functions that include important aspects of reproduction, such as … Continue reading →

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The Nutritional Content of Brassica Plants

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Robert Barrington

The brassica family of plants are a nutritionally important group of plants that include kale, Brussel sprouts, watercress, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. These plants have been evidence to confer beneficial health effects to humans. The plants contain a range of … Continue reading →

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Ocimum bascilicum (Basil): Variations in Phytochemistry

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Ocimum bascilium (basil) is a commonly consumed culinary herb, with broad leaves and a distinctive taste and aroma. The taste and aroma of basil comes partly from the essential oil that it contains. This oil is rich in phytochemicals particularly … Continue reading →

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Terpenes in Essential Oils: Routes of Entry

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Essential oils are present in plant tissues and comprise either fully formed terpenes or chemicals that are present in the metabolic pathway towards their formation. Essential oils often give the plant its characteristic odour. For example, the recognisable smell and … Continue reading →

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Terpenes and Cannabinoids to Treat Mood Disorders?

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Terpenes and cannabinoids are phytochemicals that are synthesised by plants for their metabolic needs. Both terpenes and cannabinoids are bioavailable in animals and humans and when absorbed they, along with their metabolites, can have effects on the central nervous system. … Continue reading →

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Terpenes and Mental Health

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Terpenes are a group of phytochemicals associated most commonly with plants, where they function as secondary metabolites. However, other organisms produce terpenes. Ganoderma is a basidiomycete fungus that produces terpenes. Ganoderma atrium has been shown to possess a number of … Continue reading →

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Ursolic Acid: Neuroprotective Terpenoid

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid found in plants. The chemical name for ursolic acid is  3β-hydroxy-12-ursen-28-ic acid. Over 20,000 terpenoids have been identified in plants and many of these are present in the edible plants that humans consume. The human … Continue reading →

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