{"id":3288,"date":"2021-10-12T18:17:02","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T15:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pell.bio\/?p=3288"},"modified":"2022-11-01T15:19:57","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T12:19:57","slug":"terpene-introduction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pell.bio\/en\/terpene-introduction\/","title":{"rendered":"Terpene Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Vjat\u015belsav \u015auvalov, PELL-s Head Chemist<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to chemotaxonomy, Cannabis sativa (C. sativa)<\/em> exists in different variants, showing chemical differences, known as chemotypes\/chemovars. Cannabinoid and terpene analysis are used to determine the chemotype\/chemovar of the plant. There are three main types of the plant that are identified by CBD\/THC ratio: Type I (drug)<\/strong> \u2013 low CBD\/THC ratio (high THC content), Type II (intermediate) <\/strong>\u2013 CBD\/THC ratio around 0.5 to 3.0, Ttype III (fibre) \u2013 <\/strong>high CBD\/THC ratio (low THC content, <0,3%). Two additional types include: Type IV \u2013<\/strong> high CBG content (also contains CBD) and Type V \u2013<\/strong> undetectable amount of all cannabinoids. <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terpenes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terpenes are produced in the trichomes of the unfertilized female flowering tops (inflorescence of C. sativa<\/em>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, up to 3-5% of the dry mass of the female inflorescence is comprised of terpenes. The terpenes show very low acute toxicity: typically, acute LD50<\/sub> values are around 5000 mg\/kg or higher. Because of the very low toxicity, these terpenes are already widely used as food additives and in cosmetic products. Thus, they have been proven safe<\/strong> and well-tolerated.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minor botanical chemical compounds, including terpenes, allegedly, contribute to the effect of the main cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The resulting effect is called herbal synergy<\/strong> or \u201cthe entourage effect<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some of the effects of the cannabinoids have been scientifically explained, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the effects of cannabis terpenes in humans beyond fragrance perception. With the possible exception of the sesquiterpene \u03b2-caryophyllene<\/strong>, no molecular mechanism has been demonstrated to explain the potential synergy of terpenes with cannabinoids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One potential explanation for the effects connected to terpenes can be found in a recent review, pointing out that the effect is similar to placebo and is partially mediated through the endocannabinoid system, which may explain some of the perceived effects of cannabis products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myrcene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most prevalent terpene in modern Cannabis chemotypes (Type II and III). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Present in most cannabis strains and often – a dominant terpene. It is well established as a flavour ingredient in the food industry and as a fragrance in soap and detergent products. It is also found in lemon grass, bay leaves, ylang-ylang, wild thyme, parsley, cardamom, and basil. Multiple studies demonstrate that it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controversial evidence says that it is responsible for narcotic-like sedative\/immobilizing action when combined with THC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limonene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often \u2013 a dominant terpene in Type I chemotype also found in lemon and other citruses. Studies show that 10mg\/kg\/day of limonene can help in the treatment of neuropathic pain and it was also a sedative at the amount of 5 mg\/kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monoterpene limonene demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity both in vitro<\/em> and in vivo<\/em>. Studies show that this terpene is readily absorbed from the digestive tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u03b2-Caryophyllene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Present in most cannabis strains and often – a dominant terpene. In vivo<\/em> study showed caryophyllene has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can bind to cannabinoid receptors and modulate their cell signalling mechanisms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u03b1-pinene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Found in many C. Sativa<\/em> chemotypes and in other plants. Can be a dominant terpene in some chemotypes. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of \u03b1-pinene have been reported in several studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has effects connected to mechanisms related to learning and memory. It is also suggested to reduce the effects of THC overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u03b1-humulene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Present in most cannabis chemotypes and often is a dominant terpene. It is also found in many other plants like hops, sage and ginseng. Traditionally, \u03b1-humulene-containing plants have been used for the treatment of insomnia, depression, nervousness, delirium, anxiety and digestive disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linalool <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Found in small amounts in Type I chemotype and Lavender. Has a very distinctive smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies indicate anti-ischemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the monoterpene linalool. Linalool has also shown a protective effect against liver injury as well as neuroprotective ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bisabolol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Present in many cannabis strains and in chamomile. Widely used in the perfume industry. A variety of studies have shown that it has anti-cancer and anti-tumour activities as well as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terpinolene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often is the main terpene in Type I chemotype. It has been found in a variety of plant sources such as sage, apple, cumin, lilac, tea tree and lemon, but it is primarily isolated from pine and fir trees. Studies show that it has anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which product to choose? \ud83d\udc49 Get in touch with us<\/span><\/a> and we can choose the right product for you together. #pellcare<\/p>\n\n\n\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n