3. Road map
• Introduction of
terpenes
• Structure of terpenes
• Classification of
terpenes
• Sources of terpenes
• Functions of terpenes
• Examples
3
4. Introduction
• Terpenes are organic compounds
found in plants and other organisms
• Non- saponifiable
• Potential therapeutic applications,
from pain relief to reducing anxiety
(Admin, 2022)
4
5. Structure
• Made up of isoprene units, which are
five-carbon molecules with a branched
structure (Vedantu, n.d.)
• Most common terpenes are
a. Monoterpenes (2 isoprene units)
b. Sesquiterpenes (3 isoprene units)
• Based on the formula C5H8, a cyclic
molecule.
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6. Classification
of terpenes
6
Class No. of isoprene units No. of carbon atoms
Monoterpene 2 C10
Sesquiterpenes 3 C15
Diterpenes 4 C20
Sesterterpenes 5 C25
Triterpenes 6 C30
7. Sources
Found in many
• Plants- coffee ; cafestol
• Fruits- lemon, orange ; limonene
• Vegetables- carrots ; vitamin A
• Herbs- cannabis ; myrcene
• Spices- black pepper ; α-bis abolene
• Animals- fish ; α-pinene , limonene
(Silvestre & Gandini, 2008)
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8. Functions
• Defense mechanisms of plants-toxic
to herbivores and insects
• Attract pollinators and seed
dispersers with their distinct aromas
and flavors
• Potential therapeutic applications;
a. Reducing inflammation
b. Relieving pain
c. Reducing anxiety
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9. Conti….
Provide distinct aromas and flavors:
• Limonene is added to tangy and sweet dishes
• Myrcene is added to savory dishes
9
10. Examples
Limonene:
• They have molecular formula
C10H16
• A monoterpene having 2 isoprene
units
• Found in citrus fruits, have a
citrusy aroma
• Potential anti-cancer and anti-
inflammatory properties (Fan et
al., 2023)
10
11. Examples
Pinene:
• They have molecular formula
C10H16
• A monoterpene having 2 isoprene
units
• Found in pine needles, with a
piney aroma and
• Potential anti-inflammatory and
bronchodilator properties
11
12. Examples
Myrcene:
• They have molecular formula
C10H16
• A monoterpene having 2 isoprene
units
• Found in mangoes, with a
musky aroma
• Potential sedative and analgesic
properties
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13. References
Admin. (2022). Terpenes - Terpene Definition and
Meaning - Classification, Properties and Structure of
Terpene. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/chemistry/terpenes/
Fan, M., Yuan, S., Li, L., Zheng, J., Zhao, D., Wang, C.,
Wang, H., Liu, X., & Liu, J. (2023). Application of
Terpenoid Compounds in Food and Pharmaceutical
Products. In Fermentation (Vol. 9, Issue 2).
https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020119
Silvestre, A. J. D., & Gandini, A. (2008). Terpenes:
Major Sources, Properties and Applications. In Elsevier
eBooks (pp. 17–38). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-
045316-3.00002-8
Vedantu. (n.d.). Terpenes. VEDANTU.
https://www.vedantu.com/chemistry/terpenes
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