Today, we'll be unpacking the terpene Linalool.
More than 20,000 varieties of terpenes have been discovered in nature. The fascinating aspect of the evolution of these wellness molecules is that they are shared by many different plant species. Linalool, for example, is found in cannabis as well as more than 200 other plants, including lavender, lilacs and a range of herbs and mints.
Generally, the three primary benefits of terpenes are their capacity to reduce pain, reduce systemic inflammation and their incredible capability to stop anxiety dead in its tracks. Depending on the cited terpene, a plethora of other primary and secondary benefits are present, ranging from anti-fungal and anti-bacterial to sedative or energising.
Unpacking Linalool
Linalool is known as one of the 10 "minor" terpenes found in the cannabis plant, meaning that it is found in smaller quantities than its more abundant terpene counterparts such as myrcene, limonene or pinene.
Linalool is found to possess significant medicinal properties, making it one of the top researched terpenes and of particular interest for those seeking to achieve health and wellness in a completely organic format.
Linalool's anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties have made it particularly popular within athletic populations seeking a competitive edge with performance enhancement and quicker recovery times.
Medicinal Use
Linalool's core medicinal properties are focused around relaxation, anti-anxiety and sedation.
In sufficient doses, linalool's sedative effects are profound enough for it to serve as a tranquilliser, effective enough to assist patients suffering from ailments as severe as psychosis. Furthermore, linalool has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimers, the neurodegenerative disease that causes severe memory and cognitive impairments.
Finally, linalool has shown its effectiveness as an analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory agent, making it especially useful for the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, clinical depression, Dravet Syndrome, dystonia, epilepsy and fibromyalgia.
The Evidence
From Alzheimers to tobacco caused lung damage and the reduction of opioid cravings, modern clinical research has identified linalool as a medicinal powerhouse.
A study published in the journal Neuropharmacology in 2016 entitled "Linalool Reverses Neuropathological and Behavioural Impairments in Old Triple Transgenic Alzheimers Mice" identified the strong link between linalool and a reversal of emotional and mental decline that is associated with severe diseases of the brain. The researchers in this study concluded that "Together, our findings suggest that linalool reverses histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimers and restores cognitive and emotional functions via an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, linalool may be an Alzheimers prevention candidate for preclinical studies".
A 2015 study in the journal International Immunopharmacology entitled "Linalool Inhibits Cigarette Smoke-induced Lung Inflammation" found that linalool's anti-inflammatory effects are beneficial in the repairing of lung tissue damaged by tobacco smoke. This study also highlighted linalool's potentiality for containing anti-cancer properties, stating "linalool inhibits cigarette smoke induced Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and pathological changes".
A 2007 study published in the journal Obesity Therapy titled "Treatment with Lavender/Linalool Aromatherapy Reduces Opioid Requirements of Morbidly Obese Patients" deduced that "Our results suggest that linalool therapy can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in the immediate postoperative period." Further studies are required to determine clinically significant dosages for this form of therapy.
A 2002 study entitled "Linalool Produces Antinociception in Two Experimental Models of Pain", published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found linalool to be effective in the treatment of pain stemming from its anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers involved in this study concluded that "The results show that this compound induced a significant reduction of the acid-induced pain at doses ranging from 25 to 75mg/kg".
