What is Borneol?

Borneol is one of the numerous terpenes found in plants, in fact it is one of the oldest. Terpenes are chemical substances that are found, as mentioned above, in plants. These are the components responsible for protecting the plant by giving it its flavour and aroma, i.e., its organoleptic qualities.

This terpene is increasingly being investigated for use in the conventional therapeutic field, following its use as an element of traditional medicine in China and other Asian countries. Other uses of borneol are in the cosmetics industry, natural insect repellents, improved circulation and essential oils.

Borneol’s structure

Borneol is a monoterpene, which is composed of more than 10 carbon atoms. This is due to the conjugation of isoprene that we have explained in the previous posts on terpenes. Feel free to go through them to learn more.

Borneol’s boiling point is 213ºC and has the appearance of thin, opaque, colourless to white, opaque crystals. In cannabis plants, this terpene is located in their trichomes and its pleasant smell (for us) serves to repel pests and predators of the plant.

Flavor and aroma of Borneol

Organoleptic qualities of borneol are notable for its menthol, herbaceous and even woody aroma. Camphor, clove and spicy flavors can also be detected.

The taste is reminiscent of camphor because it is precisely from the oxidation of borneol that this substance can be obtained. Borneol is a terpene you can find in various plants, as mentioned above:

• Mugwort
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Oregano
• Some types of cinnamon
• Cannabis Sativa L.

Borneol is not a terpene that is abundantly present in cannabis strains. Without a doubt, although its presence is reduced, borneol plays an important role in the entourage effect. This is because, thanks to the conjugation with other terpenes and plant components, their effects and properties are boosted in your organisms.

Effects and benefits of Borneol

As we have already mentioned, borneol is the oldest terpene in use, known above all for its usefulness in traditional Chinese medicine. Here it was, and still is, used as moxa or moxibustion. Those who use it burn the plant from which they extract the borneol, usually mugwort, or process it into cigar-shaped flakes. Then they use on the patient with acupuncture needles or burning it close to the skin. From this, we can already deduce that borneol has incredible therapeutic and medicinal properties, which we will detail later.

Borneol is an ingredient in numerous essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood or thyme, used for a variety of purposes, especially aromatherapy. Through this practice, borneol is very effective as a sedative and in combating fatigue and stress.

Its peculiar aroma also makes it the perfect ingredient included in the list of determined cosmetics, with the objective to provide a good aroma to them.

What are the main medicinal properties of Borneol?

We have already detailed at the beginning of this post that nowadays, scientific community is fascinated by this terpene and its possible medicinal properties. As it has been used for so long in traditional Asian medicine (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia and Tibet), it is very likely that this terpene has incredible properties (medicine borneol).

Thus, the first references to borneol being useful for therapeutic properties in Western medicine dates back to 1888, by Ralph Stockman. This professor was responsible for conducting the first experiments with this terpene for the University of Edinburgh.

Since then, numerous studies have been carried out on the possible applications of this terpene in the medicinal field. It has several beneficial properties. Here is a list with the most important ones:

Borneol is notable for its contribution to apoptosis

1. It could be a useful terpene to fight against cancer. Borneol contributes to apoptosis, which is a process in which a cell which autodestructs when they are under more stress than normal. This stress, for example, could be related to cancer. However, when a tumour is present, it blocks the defence system and prevents the malignant cells from destroying themselves. This is where borneol comes in, as it helps the molecules to reach the malignant cells, so that they destroy themselves.
2. Borneol is also a terpene that is very effective against fibrosis. Fibrosis is a disease which causes excess tissue in organs and can lead to tumour formation. Borneol can thus control the growth and proliferation of these tissues.
3. Other studies confirm that borneol is a perfect anaesthetic, even more powerful than lidocaine. It is thus the most powerful natural method of combating local pain.
4. From previous uses in Asia, scientists have suggested that borneol could be helpful in the treatment of heart disease, mitigating the effects of heart failure. Its strong anticoagulant power makes this a viable option, as it helps to better digest and process many drugs.
5. Other sources confirm that it aids digestion by stimulating the production of gastric juices.

It is important to note that most of these studies have been conducted on rats or cell lines. This situation calls for more research from the scientific field before clinical trials on humans can start. However, as expected, the pharmaceutical industry is not very favourable to these more traditional and natural remedies or methods.

Cannabis strains rich in Borneol

Here a some of the marijuana seeds in out catalog that offers just whet you need.

The Church

This dominant indica is the result of the cross between Super Skunk x Erdbeer x Northern Lights. Its elevated levels in borneol and THC, which can reach 20%, induce a very relaxing effect, typical of a very strong indica. Over time, the effect becomes more uplifting and sociable, which, therapeutically, can work as a good antidepressant. Its aroma and flavour do not escape its heritage, so that it has organoleptic qualities reminiscent of a sweet, skunky, strawberry taste.

Green O-Matic

Green o-matic is an auto flowering strain, indica dominant and fruit of the crossing of White Dwarf x Moroccon x Lowryder. Its effects start off being narcotic and drowsy, where you can appreciate the presence of borneol. Later on, though, the high becomes more cerebral and uplifting, perfect for meditation and stimulating creativity. The taste is earthy and reminiscent of hashish, diesel, citrus notes, but also bubble-gum and fruity undertones. The aroma is also citric, although the hashish can also be appreciated with light caramel touches.

Original GB

This 75% indica-dominant hybrid is the result of crossing an Afghani x Kalijah. Its organoleptic qualities are very peculiar and stand out for their strong and intense flavors of red fruits and strawberries. As for its effects, this is where borneol is more appreciated, as it has a clear relaxing indica effect. Even so, as it contains significant levels of CBD, this effect is somewhat not so devastating. Thus, this is a strain that offers important medicinal properties.

Black Harlequin

This strain stands out for being rich in CBD, making it a potent medical marijuana strain. It is a cross between Black Domina x Harlequin and is predominantly indica. Its relaxing effects both physically and mentally but with a low intensity make it perfect for beginners in medical cannabis. It has a THC to CBD ratio of 1:1, so the effects of these two cannabinoids feel quite balanced. The aroma is reminiscent of forest, earth and flowers, qualities that can also be appreciated in the flavor with an added hint of exotic wood.

Sweet Purple

Sweet Purple is a hybrid with mixed effects that start out more cerebral and euphoric, transitioning into a physically calming state that invites you to stay on the couch. It has Thai and Dutch heritage, a combination that will leave you with pleasant body effects and mentally calm. These are quite lucid effects, which will help you to stay focused. In its sweet, minty taste and herbal aroma, the presence of borneol is noticeable. Both its effects and taste make it a perfect strain for meditation.

It may not be one of the most common, but it is a terpene that can be very important in the medicinal field. Do you want to keep learning about terpenes? Keep reading!