Pines

Pinenes are monoterpene hydrocarbons, colourless liquids insoluble in water, readily soluble in ethanol, with the molecular formula C10H16. Alpha pinene is a main component (about 60%) of turpentine oil. Furthermore, pinenes, mostly alpha pinene (and beta pinene), are a component of numerous essential oils which were originally extracted from the balsam of the pine tree (pinus).

Alpha-pinene oxidizes easily in air, forming peroxides which quickly decompose into oxides. One oxidation product is ascaridol, a substance with high sensitizing potential.
A balsam is obtained from pine needles (lat. pinus), from which turpentine oil is distilled, which contains a high percentage of various substances. Pinene is distilled from turpentine oil. Furthermore the alpha - and beta-pinenes are found in myrtle, spruce needles, dill, fennel, coriander and caraway.
Alpha-pinene is used as a flavouring agent in the food industry. Pinenes are also found in technical products such as paints and oils.

Effect: Alpha-pinene may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Alpha-pinene in higher doses, is classified as harmful due to its irritant effect on eyes, respiratory tract and skin, potential neuro- and nephrotoxic effects.

1. Chen W et al (2015) Anti-tumor effect of α-pinene on human hepatoma cell lines through inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. J Pharmacol Sci 127:332-338.
2. Kim DS et al (2015) Alpha-Pinene Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity Through the Suppression of MAPKs and the NF-κB Pathway in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages. At J Chin Med 43:731-742.
3. Nam SY et al (2014) The therapeutic efficacy of α-pinene in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Int Immunopharmacol 23:273-282.
4. Pinheiro Mde A et al (2015) Gastroprotective effect of alpha-pinene and its correlation with antiulcerogenic activity of essential oils obtained from Hyptis species. Pharmacogn Mag 11:123-130.
5. Sharifzadeh A et al. (2016) Antifungal activity of essential oils from Iranian plant against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans. Avicenna J Phytomed 6:215-222.
6. Sumitomo K et al (2015) Conifer-Derived Monoterpenes and Forest Walking. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 4:A0042.