List of Terpenes and What They Do

Terpenes are compounds of the cannabis plant and are divided I different aspects. For instance, they differ by taste, smell, the percentage in compound composition, and the functions each one performs. This article discusses the different types of terpenes and their benefits based on their composition.

Apart from words like cannabinoid, a person might encounter one of the uncommonly used words: terpenes. These are additional extracts contained in the cannabis plant. They are inherently occurring extracts that are chemical and a source of pleasant smell, colors, and taste in different types of natural herbs and vegetables. These extracts can undergo industrial processes to produce other products, which are very beneficial. There are various terpenes in almost all plants, vegetables, and natural herbs, the commonly encountered terpenes are discussed below and what they do.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the largest compound in the cannabis plant. Gonçalves et al. (2012) indicated that the myrcene compound takes up 65% of the entire terpene crystal in some plants. Its smell reflects earthly and clove's resemblance. It also has a fruity-like smell. Some profiles containing 0.5% have seducing effects. Myrcene-containing profiles are a skunk. If you wish to have a greater experience with cannabis, pick yourself a mango and take it a few minutes before smoking. Mango fruit has a reasonable quantity of myrcene; hence, taking cannabis before smoking will increase its effects and its rate of absorption. Some users claim that myrcene help in decreasing inflammation and pain. It is mostly preferred to treat cancer.

Limonene

Limonene takes the second largest part in cannabis, although not all profiles contain it. It provides a citrus aroma that seems like that of lemons, making it something common because almost all citrus have this extract in large quantities. Profiles that contain “lemon” are composed of limonene. Large quantities of limonene may be found in sour diesel. Limonene can be used as a beauty and a cleaning reagent. In therapy, it helps to minimize stress by improving mood. Studies have also shown that it may protect against fungi and bacteria. It can also reduce the size of the swelling.

Linalool

Linalool is a spicy and elegant terpene. For this reason, the presence of cannabis can be known. This terpene is contained in Lavender. It has attractive and calming qualities, as in the case of aromatic plants and natural herbs. Prusinowska & Smigielski (2014) noted that linalool helps cancer treatment and relieves depression. One of the most known linalool extracts is Lavender.

Caryophyllene

Its spicy and pepper-like properties make it popular. It is contained in pepper and species such as basil; this allows it to be used as an ingredient in thick body oils and lotions. It is the only type of terpene that strongly attaches to CBD receptors. Apart from aesthetic and anti-anxiety qualities, Al Mansouri et al. (2014) found that terpene has very reliable qualities in alcoholism rehab. A few scientists studied rats and realized that Caryophyllene controls voluntary consumption of alcohol. It is even preferred for handling symptoms from alcohol consumption.

Alpha- Bisabolol

It is also referred to as levomenol. It has a sweet smell and can be obtained from the Chamomile plant. This terpene is used in cosmetic products, but it has recently gained popularity because of its medical importance in cannabis. This terpene can treat bacteria and wounded skin parts with aesthetic and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can also be obtained from Headband.

Eucalyptol

It is also called cineole, the basic terpene in the eucalyptus plant. It is minty and can easily be identified because of its pleasant smell, but it is not found in most cannabis profiles. It constitutes 0.06% of the terpene profile. This terpene extract is still under research though it has indicated some promising results. Eucalyptol can also be obtained from Headband. Eucalyptol has found its use in cosmetics and medicine. Paw et al. (2020) argued that it minimizes pain and decreases bacteria and fungi development.

Humulene

It is first extracted from hops. It has a pleasant smell, like earthy and spiced vegetables. Other than cannabis, it is obtained from the clove. It has several medicinal qualities. Earlier studies found that this terpene had anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat cancer cells. It has also shown its good performance in decreasing the desire for food and weight loss. Just like other terpenes, humulene reduces pain and fights against bacteria. You can as well obtain humulene in profiles of Headband and Kush.

Camphene

It has wet woodland and a pleasant earthy smell. Its smell can be confused with myrcene, a trade identity for cannabis. Medically, terpene has great ability. Combining it with vitamins, its strength increases. It is also used to prevent skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. One of its remarkable potentials is how it can reduce cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, it reduces the chances of acquiring heart diseases. Camphene can be obtained from strawberries and purple. Learn more about is it safe to take terpenes?

Borneol

It has a pleasant herbal smell. It is commonly found in natural herbs like rosemary and camphor. Because its aroma attracts insects and is good for controlling diseases such as the Nile virus spread by ticks and mosquitoes, it is largely used in archaic Chinese medicines, specifically acupuncture. Amnesia is one of the profiles that contain high levels of Borneol. Learn more about how will i feel after taking terpenes?

Terpineol

It has a flower-like and blossoming apple-like smell. It has a minty taste with an attractive smell similar to that of lilac, a common agent in the manufacture of perfumes. It brings relaxation and couches and fights against biotics. Terpineol can also be obtained from Kush profiles.

Conclusion

The list of terpenes in one cannabis plant is endless. Some of the commonly known have been listed in this article with the roles they play. Most of them are legally found in cannabis products in your locality. The smell of these various terpenes can make the user feel happy and relaxed. At the same time, others can make you uncomfortable. However, the common effect of their smell seems to be intoxicating, which allows them to be medically beneficial. These compounds are responsible for the taste and appearance of the cannabis plant. Research more on terpenes before going for a CBD product.

References

Al Mansouri, S., Ojha, S., Al Maamari, E., Al Ameri, M., Nurulain, S. M., & Bahi, A. (2014). The Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist, Β-Caryophyllene, Reduced Voluntary Alcohol Intake And Attenuated Ethanol-Induced Place Preference And Sensitivity In Mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry And Behavior, 124, 260-268.

Gonçalves, J., Figueira, J., Rodrigues, F., & Câmara, J. S. (2012). Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction Combined With Mass Spectrometry As A Powerful Analytical Tool For Profiling The Terpenoid Metabolomic Pattern Of Hop‐Essential Oil Derived From Saaz Variety. Journal Of Separation Science, 35(17), 2282-2296.

Paw, M., Gogoi, R., Sarma, N., Pandey, S. K., Borah, A., Begum, T., & Lal, M. (2020). Study Of Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Genotoxicity, And Antimicrobial Activities And Analysis Of Different Constituents Found In Rhizome Essential Oil Of Curcuma caesia Roxb., Collected From North East India. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 21(5), 403-413.

Prusinowska, R., & Smigielski, K. B. (2014). Composition, Biological Properties, And Therapeutic Effects Of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia L.). A Review. Herba Polonica, 60(2).