What is Valencene?
Valencene is a sesquiterpene that produces aromatic sweet, citrus, herb, and woody notes. Like Limonene, it is found in citrus-scented strains and fruits like grapefruit, tangerine, orange, nectarines, mangoes; and, its namesake… Valencia oranges. Another source of Valencene is Chinese Bayberry, a valued edible fruit and a medicinal herb. Strains high in Valencene produce euphoria, mood elevation, aids with alertness, and promotes cognitive functions.
Emerging research suggests that Valencene has therapeutic benefits as an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and skin protectant. Another essential property of this terpene is that it is an adjuvant, which means it is an immunological agent that can improve the immune response. Adjuvants are commonly added to vaccines to promote the production of more antibodies and longer-lasting immunity.
Valencene has anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study published in 2011, which is a common characteristic in most terpenes. This terpene packs a powerful punch when boosting the immune system and may aid in long-term health. The rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (CRE) show anti-allergic activity displaying high inhibitory effects. In a 2011 study, Valencene administrated orally exerted anti-allergic activity in mice.
References
Yang, I., Lee, D., & Shin, H. (2016). Inhibitory Effect of Valencene on the Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice. from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5007308/
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. (2018, December 26). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308289/
HP;, J. (2011, February). Anti-allergic activity of sesquiterpenes from the rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21380805/
Ambrož M;Matoušková P;Skarka A;Zajdlová M;Žáková K;Skálová L;. (2017). The Effects of Selected Sesquiterpenes from Myrica rubra Essential Oil on the Efficacy of Doxorubicin in Sensitive and Resistant Cancer Cell Lines. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28632185/
Asakawa, Y., & Y. N. (2010). Valencene. from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/valencene
Author Bio:
Dr. Wright Penniman M.D. is a board certified family physician with 15 years of clinical experience and 4 years of experience as a medical director with a major health insurance company.
