Compound Monograph
Terpenes
Terpenes are a vast class of plant-derived hydrocarbons built from isoprene units, responsible for much of the aroma of herbs and flowers.
Classification
Terpenes are terpenoid class, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (5)
Terpenes are naturally occurring terpenoid class, found in Calendula, Conifers, citrus and most aromatic plants and 3 other sources. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Terpenes are an enormous family of natural products assembled from five-carbon isoprene units, ranging from the volatile monoterpenes of essential oils to larger diterpenes and triterpenes. They give many plants their characteristic scents and flavours and include compounds with a wide variety of biological activities. As a class term, “terpenes” describes a structural family rather than any single compound or effect; individual terpenes differ greatly.
Toxicity & Safety
Common dietary and aromatic terpenes are generally well tolerated, but safety varies by the specific compound and dose — some essential-oil terpenes can be irritant or, when concentrated, more hazardous. Toxicity should therefore be judged per individual terpene.