MOLECULE

alpha-Thujene

(-)-3-Thujene, also known as alpha-Thujene, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as bicyclic monoterpenoids. These are monoterpenoids containing exactly 2 rings, which are fused to each other. (-)-3-Thujene is possibly neutral. It has a green, herb, and woody taste and contributes pungency to the flavor of some herbs such as summer savory. (-)-3-Thujene is found in highest concentrations in cardamoms, sweet bay, and common sages and in lower concentrations in allspices, dills, and cumins. (-)-3-Thujene has also been detected in caraway, corianders, cornmints, spearmints, and pepper (c. annuum). This could make (-)-3-thujene a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. (-)-3-Thujene was isolated from Indian olibanum tree (Boswellia serrata), Eucalyptus species, juniper, and cannabis plants (PMID:6991645).