Beta-Pinene

Beta-Pinene is an organic monoterpene compound found in multiple plants, it is one of the most abundant compounds released by forest trees. It lends a woody-green pine-like aroma to whatever it is a part of. It is used as a natural preservative in food and cooking. Botanical families that posses this monoterpene compound are Humulus lupulus, Clausena anisata, Cuminum cyminum, Pinus pinaster, cannabis sativa, and cannabis indica. Essential oils containing beta-pinene have show anti-depressant-like activity, especially when also containing linalool, both of which are two of the most volatile monoterpenes. This is a common compound found in aromatic plants used in folk medicine throughout the world, often being used to relieve anxiety and depression. Beta-pinene has shown to posses antibacterial activities as well. Studies on Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and three of its main components a-pinene (19.43%), 1,8-cineole (27.23%), and Beta-pinene (6.71%) were performed to understand the in vitro antibacterial behavior and toxicology characteristics.