Deep, woody-floral aroma with sedating, antiparasitic, and skin-penetrating properties.
Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene alcohol found in many fragrant plants including neroli, ginger, and jasmine. It produces a complex woody-floral aroma and has demonstrated significant sedating, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. It is also a potent skin penetration enhancer, making it valuable in transdermal drug delivery.
Aroma Profile
Primary Effects
Also Found In
Neroli, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender
Produces sedation via mechanisms involving GABA-A potentiation and serotonin modulation, contributing to sleep-promoting effects.
Disrupts parasite mitochondrial function and membrane integrity, demonstrating activity against multiple protozoan parasites.
Like bisabolol, nerolidol enhances transdermal drug delivery by disrupting the stratum corneum lipid structure.
Nerolidol contributes to the sedating profile of indica-dominant strains and enhances the skin penetration of cannabinoids in topical formulations. It is often found alongside myrcene and linalool in high-sedation strains.
Insomnia
Moderate EvidenceSedating effects well-documented in preclinical models. Reduces sleep latency and increases sleep duration.
Condition guideParasitic Infections
Moderate EvidenceDemonstrated antiparasitic activity against Leishmania, malaria parasites, and Chagas disease in preclinical models.
Condition guideFungal Infections
Moderate EvidenceAntifungal activity against Candida species and dermatophytes, relevant for topical applications.
Condition guideNerolidol as a sedative agent
Nerolidol reduced sleep latency by 38% and increased total sleep time by 25% in rodent models, with effects comparable to low-dose diazepam.
Antiparasitic activity of nerolidol against Leishmania
Nerolidol demonstrated potent leishmanicidal activity with IC50 of 8.2 μg/mL, superior to standard treatment miltefosine in vitro.
Skywalker OG
Indica
Island Sweet Skunk
Sativa
Chemdawg
Hybrid
GRAS status. Skin penetration enhancer — may increase absorption of other compounds in topical formulations. Safe at cannabis concentrations.
All terpene information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis therapeutically.