Terpene Tuesday: Geraniol

Geraniol, though not as prominent as some of the more popular cannabis terpenes like limonene and myrcene, is still well-known due to its subtle and unusual floral profile. It offers its signature sweet flavor in strains like Agent Orange and Black Cherry Soda.

This terpene can be found in geraniums, lemon peels, roses, blueberries, carrots and many other plants. Geraniol has an array of potential medicinal uses due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Geraniol in everyday life

Geranoil can be found in rose oil, lemongrass, lemons, peaches, grapefruits, oranges, carrots, coriander, blueberries and blackberries.

The subtlety of geraniol’s rose and floral notes, which are accentuated by slight citrus tones, make this terpene a major player in the fragrance industry.

Like many other terpenes, Geraniol is often used as an all-natural ingredient in common foods such as candy and ice cream. It’s also often used in the cosmetics industry for perfumes and lotions, as well as household products like soaps and detergents.

Interestingly, geraniol is also a compound produced by bees. The terpene serves as their mark on nectar-bearing flowers and a guide for the bees to find the entrance to their hives. It’s also territorial mechanism to thwart off potentially dangerous colonies from taking over a pollination site, or creating a hive.

Strains rich in geraniol

Dozens of cannabis strains contain the geraniol terpene, but with only small quantities. Here are a few of the strains that feature a higher concentration of geraniol:

• Harlequin
• Lemon G
• Strawberry Diesel
• Tahoe OG
• Purple Punch
• FPOG
• Agent Orange
• Black Cherry Soda
• Dutch Hawaiian
• Kimbo Kush

Therapeutic properties

In animal studies, as seen in a 2016 study published by NCBI, geraniol has been found to reduce inflammation in traumatic spinal cord injury. Simultaneously, the terpene promoted cell survival and offered antioxidant benefits, thereby suggesting that geraniol has significant promise in treating injuries.

Another animal study found in the European Journal of Pharmacology reported similar results and demonstrated that geraniol has anti-inflammatory effects against atherogenesis – the formation of plaques in the arteries, which can cause the arteries to harden, as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

A study issued in the Journal of Neuroscience Research reported that geraniol acts as a neuroprotectant, which means it may help preserve the function and structure of nerve cells. The study suggests the terpene may be especially useful in the treatment of neuropathy in those with diabetes.

Neuropathy is a medical condition in which damage to the nerves can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the limbs. The study sums up that geraniol may be a promising therapeutic compound in the management of diabetic neuropathy in humans.

A 1997 study published in the journal Microbios combined antifungal and antibacterial tests utilizing five aromatic components of essential oils; geraniol, linalool, menthol, cineole, and citral. Geraniol was discovered to be the second-most effective component in fighting bacteria (linalool was number one).

In combating fungus, geraniol tied with citral as the most effective component. The study found that in total, geraniol could inhibit 16 types of bacteria and the entire 12 fungi that were used in the experiment.

Cannabis Terpene Geraniol

Geraniol terpene profile:

Aroma: Sweet rose scent with notes of citrus

Found in:Rose oil, Lemongrass, Lemons, Peaches, Grapefruits, Oranges, Carrots, Coriander, Blueberries, Blackberries

Vaporizes: 446º F

Strains: Harlequin, Lemon G, Strawberry Diesel, Tahoe OG, Purple Punch, FPOG, Agent Orange, Black Cherry Soda, Dutch Hawaiian, Kimbo Kush

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotectant, Antibacterial and Antifungal agent

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