Farnesene / Alpha Farnesene / Beta Farnesene
Farnesene is a sesquiterpene, as found in citronella, German chamomile, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rose, and yarrow.
Sesquiterpenes are less volatile than monoterpenes, but still prone to oxidation. They have a strong odor. If oxidized (exposed to air) they could cause skin irritation and/or mucous membrane irritation.
Links to Plants Containing Farnesene
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
PESTICIDAL
- Beta farnesene in peppermint confuses aphid phermones. From: Crock, J., Wildung, M., & Croteau, R. (1997). Isolation and bacterial expression of a sesquiterpene synthase cDNA clone from peppermint (Mentha x piperita, L.) that produces the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 94(24), 12833-12838.
ANTI-FUNGAL
- Ocimene, farnesene and camphene showed anti-candida activity in-vitro. From: Thakre, A. D., Mulange, S. V., Kodgire, S. S., Zore, G. B., & Karuppayil, S. M. (2016). Effects of Cinnamaldehyde, Ocimene, Camphene, Curcumin and Farnesene on Candida albicans. Advances in Microbiology, 6(09), 627.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated; 1/7/19
