Terpenes and terpenoids are a large class of organic
compounds found mainly in plants. The
only difference between them is that terpenes contain only carbon and hydrogen,
while terpenoids also contain oxygen.
They are in all parts of a plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers,
and pollen. They occur in the essential
oils of plants obtained by steam distilling plants. They are responsible for odors (fragrances)
and colors of many plants. Turpentine is
a terpene, and the distinctive odor of juniper and piñon trees is caused by
terpenes. Terpenes also occur in animals
and are building blocks within nearly every living creature. Steroids are produced from terpenoid
precursors.
People who are chemically sensitive are often sensitive to
terpenes. They may develop symptoms and
problems from fragrances associated with many different products, including
essential oils. Terpenes are encountered in many places and are natural flavor
additives for food; fragrance elements in perfumes; and have traditional and
alternative medicinal uses. They are
additives in many commercial products and may play a large role in pollen
allergy. All plants contain terpenes and
their levels go up about a month before the plant pollinates. People frequently have symptoms to both the
terpenes and the pollen.
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