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Cannabis is an amazing plant with a complex biochemical profile. It contains various compounds, some of which have remarkable properties or even significant therapeutic value. While you may be familiar with the cannabinoids found in industrial hemp, such as cannabidiol (CBD), there are other types of compounds in cannabis that should not be overlooked. Some of the valuable compounds you’ll definitely want your CBD oil to contain, in addition to cannabinoids, are terpenes:
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give plants their unique scent. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, cannabis. In various combinations, these compounds can create hundreds of different scents in plants and flowers. In fact, many essential oils used for their fragrance owe their scent to terpenes. And when you think of the term “aromatherapy,” it’s easy to realize that giving off a pleasant scent isn’t the only benefit of terpenes…
Terpenes in CBD Oil
Terpenes can have an amazing effect on your health and well-being, even just by smelling them. This is evident in the relaxing effect you experience when you smell lavender, for example. Or the feeling of energy you get when you catch a whiff of pine trees in a forest. This is caused by linalool (lavender) and pinene (pine), respectively. Two terpenes that are also very common in most cannabis strains! Other common terpenes in cannabis—and in Dutch Natural Healing’s cannabis extracts and cannabis oil—are:
Myrcene
One of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and its extracts is myrcene. It is a compound also found in mango, eucalyptus, thyme, lemongrass, and hops. From preliminary research, we know that myrcene may have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that myrcene may have soothing and antibacterial properties. Obviously, this makes it a welcome terpene in DNH’s CBD oil.
Limonene
Another very common terpene in cannabis oil is limonene. This compound is also found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, as you might have guessed from the name (lime). However, lemons and limes aren’t the only products you may have encountered that contain limonene. In fact, this terpene is often used in cleaning products, insect repellents, and anything with a lemon scent.
In addition, scientists believe that limonene may stimulate the healing of damaged mucosal cells in the digestive tract. Perhaps that is why it is believed to help reduce reflux and ulcers. Finally, Limonene also has the unique ability to help increase the absorption of other terpenes by the body. Making it also a valuable addition to our CBD products.
Pinene
Pinene is undoubtedly the most common terpene in nature. It exists in two forms: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Although alpha-pinene is the one we know best, as it is what gives pine trees their characteristic aroma. As mentioned above, the aroma of pinene has a stimulating effect on brain function and enhances concentration. This is due to the substance’s inhibitory effects on an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for mental clarity and memory function.
However, the effects of Pinene are not just felt in the brain. Considering its bronchodilator action it could potentially help breathing and help treat conditions associated with bronchitis. Besides, there is also evidence that Pineneum can effectively treat “untreatable” MSRA-bacteria. This is supported by findings on the antimicrobial properties of Pinene. This means that the terpene in CBD oil could potentially be effective in treating various bacteria and viruses, among many other potential medicinal uses.
Linalool
Another terpene you’re probably familiar with is linalool. This compound is what gives lavender its unique, soothing aroma. Consequently, stress relief is one of the therapeutic effects of this terpene in CBD oil. Although research also suggests that linalool may potentially relieve pain, reduce feelings of depression, combat cramps, treat tumors, and possess antibacterial properties.
Humulene
We have previously mentioned hops, the plant related to cannabis that contains the terpene myrcene. However, this is not the only terpene it contains; it also contains large amounts of humulene. A pungent, aromatic compound with a forest-like scent, it is believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic effects.
What is most interesting, however, is the fact that scientists have discovered that humulene is capable of generating reactive oxygen species, which could cause oxidative damage to cancer cells. In other words, this would mean that the terpene could effectively slow the growth of cancer cells and induce their natural cell death (apoptosis). However, we do not believe that the relatively low amount of humulene in CBD oils will have the same effect. These findings warrant further research on the subject for the future development of cannabis- or terpenoid-based cancer drugs.
β-Caryophyllene
Furthermore, researchers believe that the anticancer properties of Humulene work best in combination with another terpene: β-Caryophyllene. β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is also known as Caryophyllene, L-caryophyllene, and trans-caryophyllene, and is found in other plants as well. Just like the terpenes mentioned earlier.
It is the main reason black pepper is spicy and can also be found in rosemary, hops, basil, and cloves.
However, BCP consists of a larger molecule than other terpenes. Considering this is the so-called sesquiterpene – with 3 isoprene units. While those listed above are monoterpenes – with 2 isoprene units. As a result, it also binds to the same CB2-receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as CBD, giving the molecule some amazing properties in return. For example, it is believed that beta-caryophyllene may enhance the effects of certain anti-cancer drugs. Besides, there is still a patent pending for this substance as an apoptosis stimulant for cancer cells.
Other studies have found evidence suggesting that this specific terpene may: treat inflammatory conditions such as cystitis and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and topical analgesic effects. Furthermore, some studies support the idea that BCP could help treat neuropathic and inflammatory pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), and HIV-associated dementia. Finally, there is evidence suggesting that this plant compound could effectively help treat anxiety and depression.
Synergistic Action – Entourage Effect
Considering all these terpenes—and many others—that occur in various combinations within the cannabis plant, the so-called “terpene profile” ultimately determines the type of effect you get from a specific cannabis product, such as CBD oil. In addition, the presence of terpenes in CBD oil will support and prolong the effects of the cannabinoid. This is what we call the Entourage Effect. And in our experience, the more complex the terpene profile, the stronger the Synergistic Effect. It’s clear that this is the main reason why DNH’s high-quality CBD products are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. This ensures the best possible interaction with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) for maximum effects of the CBD oil on the body.
Keep in mind, however, that cats cannot handle terpenes the way humans do. This is mainly due to the fact that cats are naturally carnivorous. This means that their bodies are not equipped to process certain plant substances. Thus, cats lack the enzyme “glucuronyltransferase”, which is responsible for the breakdown of terpenes. Hence the fact that our CBD for cats is completely terpene-free, unlike CBD for dogs or terpene-rich CBD oil for humans.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
