🎉 $25 OFF your evaluation — Use code 25OFF at checkout

sesquiterpene

Nerolidol

Trans-Nerolidol

Pronounced: neh-ROL-ih-dol

Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene terpene with a woody, floral, with notes of citrus, apple, and rose aroma. It's also found naturally in Neroli (orange blossom), Jasmine, Tea tree. Research suggests nerolidol research suggests calming and sedative properties, though more human studies are needed.

Boiling Point

252°F (122°C)

Aroma

Woody

Also Found In

Neroli (orange blossom)JasmineTea treeLemongrassGinger

Aroma Profile:
Woody, floral, with notes of citrus, apple, and rose

What is Nerolidol?

Trans-nerolidol is a secondary sesquiterpene found in many aromatic plants and certain cannabis strains. It's a key component of neroli (orange blossom) oil and contributes woody, floral notes to cannabis profiles. Nerolidol is being studied for its sedative properties, antibiotic-enhancing effects, and ability to improve transdermal drug delivery.

How Nerolidol Works

Nerolidol demonstrates sedative and anxiolytic effects through mechanisms that don't impair motor coordination, suggesting a different pathway than traditional sedatives. It also shows remarkable ability to enhance skin penetration of other compounds, making it valuable in transdermal applications. Its antimicrobial effects appear to work by disrupting bacterial cell membranes.

Researched Effects

Sedative & Anxiolytic

Moderate Evidence

Animal studies show anti-anxiety effects without motor impairment, plus sedative and antioxidant activity.

✓ Compliant Language

Research suggests calming and sedative properties

✗ Avoid Saying

Treats anxiety or is a sleep aid

Antibiotic Synergy

Moderate Evidence

Sensitizes bacteria to antibiotics by disrupting cell membranes, enhancing drug efficacy.

✓ Compliant Language

Shows ability to enhance antibiotic effectiveness in lab studies

✗ Avoid Saying

Treats infections or replaces antibiotics

Skin Penetration Enhancement

Moderate Evidence

Significantly enhances transdermal delivery of drugs through the skin.

✓ Compliant Language

May improve absorption of topical compounds

✗ Avoid Saying

Increases drug absorption

Antimalarial

Emerging Research

Enhanced efficacy of antimalarial drugs in combination studies.

✓ Compliant Language

Being researched for antimalarial applications

✗ Avoid Saying

Treats malaria

Understanding Evidence Levels

Strong EvidenceMultiple peer-reviewed clinical trials support this effect
Moderate EvidenceSupported by preclinical studies and limited clinical data
Emerging ResearchEarly research shows promise but more studies needed
Anecdotal ReportsBased on user reports; limited scientific research

Safety Information

Trans-nerolidol is generally well-tolerated and is used in perfumery and cosmetics. It appears in trace to low amounts in cannabis and is considered safe at typical exposure levels.

Scientific References

Evaluation of anxiolytic and sedative effects of nerolidol

Goel R, et al. • Indian Journal of Pharmacology (2016)

PubMed ID: 27756946

Demonstrated anti-anxiety effects in mice without impairing motor coordination.

Nerolidol sensitizes bacteria to antibiotics

Brehm-Stecher BF, Johnson EA. • Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2003)

PubMed ID: 12936978

Found nerolidol disrupts bacterial membranes, enhancing antibiotic efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli.

Nerolidol enhances antimalarial drug efficacy

Saito AY, et al. • International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2007)

PubMed ID: 17174049

Enhanced efficacy of antimalarial drugs when used in combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nerolidol?

Trans-nerolidol is a sesquiterpene with a woody, floral aroma featuring notes of citrus and rose. It's found in neroli (orange blossom), jasmine, and certain cannabis strains like Island Sweet Skunk and Jack Herer.

What are nerolidol's effects?

Research shows nerolidol has sedative and anti-anxiety properties without motor impairment. It also enhances skin penetration of other compounds and may boost antibiotic effectiveness.

Which cannabis strains contain nerolidol?

Nerolidol is found in strains like Island Sweet Skunk, Jack Herer, and Skywalker OG, though typically in trace to low amounts as a secondary terpene.

Quick Facts

Full Name
Trans-Nerolidol
Category
sesquiterpene
Boiling Point
252°F (122°C)
Aroma
Woody, floral, with notes of citrus, apple, and rose

Looking for strains high in Nerolidol? Our doctors can help you find the right product.

Find a Doctor

Educational Information

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.

Strain Variability

Terpene profiles vary significantly between batches, growers, and growing conditions—even for the same strain name. Always check lab test results.

Indica/Sativa Note

The indica/sativa distinction is largely marketing. Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification.