Terpenes are organic compounds produced by and found in all plants, including pine trees, citrus, lavender, herbs and foods we eat every day. Terpenes are responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors of plants and provide protection against herbivores and pathogens, as well as to attracting pollinators and deterring predators.

As we study these important plant molecules, we find that they play important roles in the human body, interacting with the human immune, neurological, sensory and other systems.