Trans-Nerolidol

Trans-Nerolidol – PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Terpenes Guide Trans-Nerolidol Peruviol, Penetrol pronounced: tranz neh-ROL-ih-dol A soft, woody-floral terpene. Found in jasmine and tea tree. Sesquiterpene Boiling point: 122°C Terpene type Sesquiterpene Boiling point 122°C Primary aroma Woody Key effect Sleep support Aroma profile How it Smells The aroma of trans-nerolidol is described as: WoodyRose-floralEarthy barkJasmineWaxy Found naturally in: Jasmine, tea tree, neroli, lemongrass, ginger Effects Linked Effects Sleep supportRelaxingCalmAntimicrobial These effects are based on early-stage research in animals and cells. They are not proven in humans. Do not change your treatment based on this information. About What is Trans-Nerolidol? Trans-nerolidol has a complex, multi-layered scent that combines the woody warmth of bark with a soft, rose-like floral quality and a hint of jasmine. It is less common in cannabis than myrcene or linalool, but strains that contain it often have a particularly smooth, rounded aroma. It is found in jasmine, neroli (bitter orange blossom), and tea tree, and is used in the fragrance industry as a fixative: a compound that helps other scents last longer. In cannabis, it appears most often alongside myrcene and linalool in strains with a heavy, sedating character (Booth and Bohlmann, 2019). Effects in detail What the Research Says Nerolidol is most associated with sedative and sleep-supporting effects. It commonly appears in cannabis strains alongside myrcene and linalool, forming what some researchers describe as a sedating terpene triad. Nuutinen (2018) reviewed preclinical evidence for its sleep-promoting and anxiolytic properties. It also has notable antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties in laboratory studies. Research has found it effective against certain fungi and even against the malaria parasite in cell studies, though these are very early-stage findings with no clinical application at this time. LaVigne et al. (2021) confirmed cannabinoid receptor modulation. Everyday sources Where You Find it in Daily Life Jasmine tea and jasmine-scented products are the easiest way to encounter nerolidol in everyday life. The deep, slightly waxy floral quality of jasmine is partly due to this terpene. Ginger root also contains nerolidol alongside other aromatic compounds. Tea tree oil contains nerolidol as a minor but important component. Its presence in tea tree alongside other terpenes like terpinene contributes to the oil’s broad antimicrobial activity. Neroli essential oil, derived from bitter orange blossom, is named in part because nerolidol was first isolated from it. Research Key Studies Nuutinen (2018) reviewed nerolidol’s pharmacological profile, highlighting evidence for sedative, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antioxidant effects across multiple preclinical studies. The review noted that nerolidol’s skin penetration-enhancing properties make it relevant for topical cannabis formulations. LaVigne et al. (2021) found that nerolidol, alongside other sesquiterpenes, can selectively enhance cannabinoid activity, suggesting it plays a more active pharmacological role than simply contributing to aroma. Previous Alpha-Bisabolol Next Guaiol Back to full Terpenes Guide Important: The information on this page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Terpene research is still in its early stages. Many studies have been done in animals, not yet in people. Always speak to your doctor before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Booth, J.K. and Bohlmann, J. (2019) ‘Terpenes in Cannabis sativa: from plant genome to humans’, Plant Science, 284, pp. 67-72. doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.03.022. LaVigne, J.E. et al. (2021) ‘Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity’, Scientific Reports, 11(1), 8232. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87740-8. Nuutinen, T. (2018) ‘Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus’, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 157, pp. 198-228. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076.