limonene oxide

Limonene oxide is a terpene found in cannabis and citrus fruits that is being investigated for its potential as a bronchodilator in the treatment of chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma. Mechanistically, it induces airway smooth muscle (ASM) relaxation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 (pMLC20), a critical regulatory step in muscle contraction. Research presented at ATS 2025 indicates that while limonene oxide can relax pre-contracted tracheal tissues independently, it also shows potential for cooperative effects when combined with beta-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) agonists like isoproterenol. The compound is currently in early-stage research led by institutions such as Thomas Jefferson University and Rutgers University.

Other names

1,2-limonene oxide1,2-epoxylimonenelimonene 1,2-epoxide