Nerolidol, also known as peruviol and penetrol, is a sesquiterpene naturally occurring found in the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers.¹ As a sesquiterpene,² it is more aromatic and less volatile than monoterpenes and other evaporative substances. Nerolidol contains two isomers, cis and trans, which differ in the geometry of the central double bond.

Nerolidol is found in neroli, ginger, jasmine, lavender, tea tree, lemongrass, and cannabis. Nerolidol has a mild, delicate odor that has floral, apple, rose, green, and citrus-like nuances. Nerolidol’s flavor has been described as green, floral and woody with citrus and melon notes. Due to its complex aroma, nerolidol is commonly used as a flavoring agent and in perfumery. 

As one of the rare substances produced by plants in response to insect attacks, nerolidol has been studied for its antiparasitic,³ antifungal, antibacterial, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties. Nerolidol synergistically helps to destroy more bacterial pathogens⁴ than the antibiotic drugs alone, improving the efficacy of antibiotics. Nerolidol is currently under testing as a skin penetration enhancer⁵ for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic drugs. It is also known to produce a sedative effect,⁶ making nerolidol a promising anti-anxiety compound.⁷ 

Nerolidol is a minor component in the terpene profiles of many cannabis strains, including Royal Jack Automatic, Royal Cookies, Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Black Lime, Chemdawg, and Skywalker OG.