If you’ve been having trouble sleeping, experience intermittent headaches, pains, dizziness, and shaking, it means you are likely exhibiting symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Many people suffer from these debilitating physical, emotional, and behavioral problems, which affect their overall health. Healthcare practitioners have recommended exercise, the use of supplements, etc. however, not all seem not to work.

One of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety is via personalized functional food. In comes myAir, a data-driven smart food organization that makes that offer as it specializes in stress management.

This post provides an insight into Trans-Ocimene, one of the 10 adaptogens used in the formulation of the nutrition bars produced by myAir Company. You will learn everything you need to know about this adaptogen or terpene so that you can make an informed decision when ordering your stress management nutrition bar.

What is Trans-Ocimene?

Trans-Ocimene, also called ocimene or beta-ocimine, is an organic compound that belongs to the monoterpenoids class. It is derived from a Greek word called "Ocimum" translated to mean basil. Likewise, it is a volatile compound that appears to be a clear and transparent liquid that is insoluble in water and air.

Trans-Ocimene is an adaptogen (terpene) and very popular for its aroma, characterized by a sweet, green, and floral flavor and woody and herbaceous taste. Hence, it is used as food additives and in perfumes because of this distinct aroma. It is also known to contain many characteristics, including therapeutic: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal.

It is found in some plants, and it takes part in plant-plant signaling as well as defending the plants against pests. It contains many therapeutic uses as well as medicinal uses. Ocimene has an aroma that seems to be woody and can be said to be fruity or citrusy in flavor. Trans-Ocimene can be found in mint, lavender, hops, parsley, tarragon, mango, basil, kumquats, bergamot, guava, black currants, orchid flowers, and more.

Trans-Ocimene can serve as part of the constituent elements used in producing products, namely shampoos, perfumes, antiperspirants, soap, fabric softeners, hard-surface cleaners, and more. It can also be used to make insecticides as the scent produced by trans-Ocimene is repellent to insects. 

Origin of Trans-Ocimene

As said earlier, Trans-Ocimine can be found naturally in some plants such as mint, lavender, hops, parsley, tarragon, mango, basil, kumquats, bergamot, guava, black currants, orchid flowers, and more.

Trans-Ocimene is also a constituent of the pheromones of some insects such as Labidus species (CCD), Euploea tulliolus, koxinga, and Anastrepha suspensa. 

Uses of Trans-Ocimene

1. Trans-Ocimene can serve as food additives such as colorings, extracts, etc. which can be added to food consumed by man.

2. It can be used as Food Additive Flavor. Also, it can serve as a flavoring agent, ingredients, and seasonings that can be used to prepare food.

3. It can be used in the manufacture of personal care, laundry, and industrial products. Trans-Ocimene can be used as fragrance and scent in-home products such as cosmetics, laundry products such as air fresheners, industrial products such as cleaners, etc.

The Health Benefits of Trans-Ocimene

Trans-Ocimene is famous for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidative effects, and they are explained below.

1.  It has Antiviral Effects.

According to research carried out, Trans-Ocimene happens to be one of the seven essential oils analyzed in the report obtained. The study checked the effects of oils against SARS-CoV, a Coronavirus that leads to severe acute respiratory syndrome and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). However, it was noted that the oils that contained ocimene displayed an antiviral effect against the virus that causes the infections.

Trans-Ocimene has antiviral effects when used, making it capable of fighting against many forms of the virus in the body.

2. It has Antifungal Effects

In a research carried out in 2015, a study was published in the Journal of Natural Medicines, which was based on antifungal effect of the essential oils. The study aided in evaluating the impact of these oils against moulds and yeasts. The outcome of the study confirmed that Trans-Ocimene has antifungal effects against dermatophytosis (ringworm) and cryptococcosis. 

According to the outcome of the research, trans-ocimene has been confirmed to contain antifungal effects that allow the skin to be protected from fungal infections such as ringworm.

3. It has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

In 2013, a study in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology was published. The purpose of the study was to check the antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the essential oils used, of which the trans-Ocimene is one. Through study, the researchers found out that the oil which contained trans-ocimene showed a solid anti-inflammatory characteristic against dermatophytes.

The study reveals that trans-ocimene has a strong anti-inflammatory effect which helps to also fight against other skin-related diseases.

4. It has Anti-Oxidative Properties

Again in 2013, another study was carried out to check the anti-oxidative properties of essential oil obtained from black pepper. From the study, the researchers discovered that Trans-Ocimene is one of the primary terpenes present in the essential oil of the black pepper. Hence, they concluded that the oil has anti-oxidatible, which can prevent or manage type-2 diabetes and hypertension.

Trans-Ocimene has been discovered to possess anti-oxidatibe properties, which can help to prevent or manage diabetes and hypertension.

5. It acts as a decongestant

Trans-Ocimene can be used as a decongestant in aromatherapy as it can work as a mucous membrane tonic. Their presence in the aromatherapy gives ease to the nasal and all other mucous membranes of every discomfort they might encounter.

Trans-Ocimene helps to remove any form of discomfort experienced by the nasal or all other mucous membranes in the body.

Conclusion

Trans-Ocimene produces a sweet aroma and possesses several therapeutic and medicinal properties that are of great importance to man's body. However, research is still on to be able to determine the full significance of this organic compound.

Supporting research about Trans-Ocimene and Footnotes:

1. IA, O. (2013). Anti-oxidative properties and inhibition of key enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes and hypertension by essential oils from black pepper. This was gotten from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24348547/

2. Cavaleiro C; Salgueiro L; Gonçalves MJ; Hrimpeng K; Pinto J; Pinto E;. (n.d.). Anti-fungal activity of the essential oil of Angelica major against Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. This was gotten from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25576097/S. Casano, G. Grassi, V. Martini and M.

3. Trans-Ocimene- Terpene profile. This is gotten from https://www.eybna.com/terpene/trans-ocimene-terpene-profile/

4. Valente J;Zuzarte M;Gonçalves MJ;Lopes MC;Cavaleiro C;Salgueiro L;Cruz MT;. (n.d.). Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24012643/