Guide to isoborneol, a terpene in cannabis

Isoborneol is a terpene, which is a type of compound found in plants, including ginger, nutmeg, lavender, and cannabis.

It’s commonly used to add flavor to food or fragrance to certain products and may also offer some health benefits.

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What is isoborneol?

Isoborneol is found in several types of plants, including:

• Cannabis
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Lavender
• Camphor
• Rosemary
• Mugwort

In nature, isoborneol helps protect plants against diseases. It has a spicy and woodsy aroma and flavor, which makes it a popular ingredient for fragrances and foods. 

Isoborneol is commonly confused with borneol, another terpene found in cannabis and other plants. Isoborneol is an isomer of borneol, which means they share the same chemical composition but their atoms are arranged differently from each other. Because of this, they create different effects in the body.

Isoborneol benefits

Some research suggests that isoborneol may offer certain health benefits. However, most studies on the terpene have been done in animals or cells. More human studies are needed to confirm its effects.  

Protects heart health

According to a cell study, isoborneol may help prevent heart disease by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.

Fights herpes  

Herpes is a type of viral infection that can cause painful blisters around the mouth and genitals. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common form of herpes.

In a cell study, isoborneol was found to help inactivate HSV-1 and prevent it from replicating. 

May help treat Parkinson’s disease

Isoborneol is an antioxidant. This means that it fights molecules known as free radicals that can damage cells.

Isoborneol’s antioxidant properties may help treat Parkinson’s disease, according to a cell study. Researchers found that the terpene helped protect brain cells and may also help treat other neurodegenerative diseases.  

Isoborneol terpene in cannabis

Isoborneol is one of more than 150 terpenes found in cannabis. However, it exists in very trace amounts compared to other cannabis terpenes. 

Because cannabis produces such low amounts of isoborneol, there are no high-isoborneol strains available.

Isoborneol side effects

The amounts of isoborneol found in commercial products and cannabis are likely safe. The terpene has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a flavoring agent in food.

The bottom line: Isoborneol is a cannabis compound that offers potential health benefits

Isoborneol is found in trace amounts in cannabis. That said, it still contributes to the plant’s smell, taste, and health benefits. 

To learn more about the effects of isoborneol and other cannabis terpenes, schedule an appointment with a Leafwell provider who can answer your questions.

Resources

• Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166354299000364
• Isoborneol attenuates low-density lipoprotein accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6970257/
• Protective effect of (+/-) isoborneol against 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17975304/
• RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isoborneol, CAS registry number 124-76-5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691515300338
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — From plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190

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