Spring has sprung, and you know what that means. It’s time for a Terpene of the Month! As May flowers come into bloom and lawns start to be mowed, what better terpene to discuss than Phytol?
Naturally found in plants like green tea, Phytol is also naturally occurring in cannabis. Phytol has a grassy aroma, which makes it a terpene that attracts pollinators, rather than deterring. Phytol is seen in lesser amounts than more popular terpenes like Pinene, Linalool, and others.
There have been studies that suggest that Phytol could be used to treat a number of health issues. A 2013 study found that Phytol helped reduce inflammatory symptoms and helped block inflammation receptors.
Phytol might also help with reducing anxiety. A study from 2014 found that Phytol played a role in reducing stress and inducing relaxation. As with any study, we do not fully know if there are any health benefits associated with certain terpenes, and we do not make claims about their potential benefits.
In cannabis, Phytol can be found primarily in sativa strains like Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Cheese. Look for strains with a strong grass scent, and that might lead you to Phytol.
Outside the cannabis world, Phytol is used in flavorings, spices, vitamins, and fragrances. Phytol is also used in the creation of synthetic vitamin E, as found in this 2022 study.
Phytol is a wonderful terpene to mark the beginning of spring. As lawns are mowed, you can even smell Phytol in the air. Want to learn about other terpenes? Check out our blog here
How Do You Pronounce Phytol? (Phonetic Spelling)
Phytol is pronounced like fi-tall.
Common Misspellings of Phytol:
- Phytall
- Phytal
- Phitol
- Fitol
What Are The Effects of Phytol?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
What Benefits Might Phytol Have In Cannabis?
Studies have shown that Phytol may play a role in reducing anxiety, stress, and inflammation.
What Is Phytol Used For?
With reported effects of decreased anxiety, Phytol is used for keeping a clear head and a pain-free day.
What Strains Can Phytol Be Found In?
- Jack Herer
- Sour Diesel
- Cheese
Where Else is Phytol Found in Nature?
Phytol is found in green tea.
A Fun Fact About Phytol:
Its grassy scent makes it a great pollinator attractor.
Want to look for strains with Phytol? Click here to access our menu.
Sources:
Costa, J. P., de Oliveira, G. A., de Almeida, A. A., Islam, M. T., de Sousa, D. P., & de Freitas, R. M. (2014). Anxiolytic-like effects of phytol: possible involvement of GABAergic transmission. Brain research, 1547, 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2013.12.003
Hemraj, Dipak. “What Is Phytol? Benefits, Uses, and Risks.” Leafwell, Leafwell, 28 May 2022, https://leafwell.com/blog/phytol/.
Silva, R. O., Sousa, F. B., Damasceno, S. R., Carvalho, N. S., Silva, V. G., Oliveira, F. R., Sousa, D. P., Aragão, K. S., Barbosa, A. L., Freitas, R. M., & Medeiros, J. V. (2014). Phytol, a diterpene alcohol, inhibits the inflammatory response by reducing cytokine production and oxidative stress. Fundamental & clinical pharmacology, 28(4), 455–464. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcp.12049