Nerolidol, also called peruviol and penetrol, is easily absorbed into the skin and even enhances the absorption of other substances.
Because of this, it’s often added to skincare products.
The fragrance or nerolidol makes it a popular addition to perfumes, hair products, and soaps, and it’s considered safe by the FDA as a food flavouring.
And while humans love nerolidol’s scent, pests don’t; it’s used to help fight off lice, spider mites, and even parasites and fungi. In plants, it helps protect them from insects and animals looking to munch on its leaves.
What Does Nerolidol Smell Like?
Nerolidol has a primarily floral fragrance, with hints of apple, citrus, rose, and fresh bark.
The scent of this terpene is truly unique. Every time you take a whiff, it feels like something is different. It’s characteristically citrus, but the floral qualities differentiate it from limonene or valencine (two strong citrus terpenes).
What Are the Effects of Nerolidol?
Nerolidol’s relaxing effects are similar to linalool, potentially making it a good relaxant and sleep aid. Cannabis strains, or other products with this terpene, can be an excellent way to end the day.
The research is still too new to tell for sure, but nerolidol could also play an important role in health.
Plants That Contain Nerolidol
Nerolidol is a dominant terpene in Brassavola nodosa, a Mexican orchid known as “Lady of the Night” because its fragrance is, oddly, only noticeable at night.
Oolong tea is also high in nerolidol and in jasmine, lemongrass, tea tree, lavender, neroli, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and some cannabis strains, all to varying degrees.
Most terpenes are in each strain, even if the amounts are minimal. It’s the unique part of cannabis that makes it so fun.
Some strains are high in limonene, others contain more caryophyllene, and each has different effects.
Nerolidol Research
Until recently, there was very little interest in terpenes. Only a few types of terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool have enough research to warrant any significant claims, and even then, the studies are relatively rare.
Fortunately, the tide has turned, and these intricate compounds are drawing attention because of their seemingly infinite possibilities.
Here’s a look at a few studies that highlight nerolidol’s abilities.
Antiparasitic, Antifungal, & Antibacterial
One study revealed that a high dose of nerolidol reduced the total worm count by 70%.
Though the amount used in this study was incredibly high at 400 mg/kg, nerolidol still proved to be effective in lower doses as well.
Studies show sesquiterpene terpenes like nerolidol can make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics and antimicrobials. This could be a huge benefit, as some bacteria become more resistant to these medications, making treatment more difficult.
Even fungus might not stand a chance against nerolidol; it seems to have antifungal properties, effectively treating certain fungi without hyperkeratosis and inflammation.
Neuroprotective
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is similar to DNA but single-stranded. It plays a role in the aging process and is susceptible to oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can damage RNA, resulting in chronic, neurodegenerative, and age-related diseases.
Studies show nerolidol is an antioxidant that may help protect against oxidative damage, making it of particular interest as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders.
Analgesic
Nerolidol might help reduce pain and inflammation, according to some studies.
One study, in particular, found a clear antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect from a sample of nerolidol.
Enhanced Skin Absorption
Topical medications are often limited by their ability to penetrate the skin. Some terpenes, especially nerolidol, have excellent permeability and get right past the stratum corneum (the top layer of skin), making them the perfect candidate to sneak other agents through.
Nerolidol is thought to increase drug penetration rates by over twenty times
Summary: What Makes Nerolidol Special?
We know very little about most terpenes, and many seem to offer similar benefits. Until we have definitive answers, it’s hard to know for sure what specific role each one has.
However, nerolidol’s unique ability to penetrate the skin and its potential to protect against neurodegenerative disorders and affect cancer cells could make it important in future treatments.
References Used
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Brehm-Stecher, B. F., & Johnson, E. A. (2003). Sensitization of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to antibiotics by the sesquiterpenoids nerolidol, farnesol, bisabolol, and apritone. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 47(10), 3357-3360. [3]
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