Terpene Profile
Terpenes: These are the NONpsychoactive components in cannabis. They are the fragrant essence of ALL essential oils! They give plants their unique smell and they also hold healing benefits within the plants. Terpenes have been studied extensively and they are at the forefront of interest for pharmaceutical companies, due to the unique and safe profile they can have. Terpenes that are specifically shown to reduce pain, are anti-inflammatory, and reduce anxiety have been incorporated into NeuroDiol™.* These terpenes also have been shown to improve CBD and other cannabinoids utilization and uptake into the brain.*
Myrcene (or β-myrcene) is a terpene that occurs often in highly fragrant plants and herbs such as mangoes, hops, bay laurel leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. Myrcene is produced by numerous cannabis strains, and some rodent-model studies have suggested that it might lend sedative effects. The main effects are Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain relief), Antibiotic, Mood Elevation, and Antimutagenic (anti-cancer).*
Another place you’ll find myrcene is in mangoes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a ripe mango before consuming cannabis may accentuate or extend the effects of cannabinoids; some have suggested that this is due to the fruit’s concentrations of myrcene, which is naturally synergistic with CBD and allows cannabinoids to more easily bridge the blood-brain barrier.
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in many flowers and spices, including lavender and coriander. It gives off a complex yet delicate floral aroma, and while its effects are myriad, it is one of the substances used most widely to reduce stress. Humans have inhaled the scent of certain plants, including many containing linalools, since ancient times to help lower stress levels, fight inflammation, and combat depression.* Linalool has been the subject of many studies, including a recent one in which scientists allowed lab rats to inhale linalool while exposing them to stressful conditions. It was reported that linalool returned elevated stress levels in the immune system to near-normal conditions. Linalool’s Effects and Benefits include anti-anxiety, Antidepressant, Mood Elevation, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-epileptic, and Analgesic.*
Limonene is an aromatic cannabis terpene produced in the flower’s resin glands. In isolation, it’s commonly associated with fruity and citrus aromas. Inhalation of limonene vapor increases serotonin and dopamine levels in key regions of the brain that are associated with anxiety, depression, and OCD. Limonene’s potential therapeutic benefits have shown potential in the following applications: Elevated mood*, Stress relief*, Antifungal properties*, Antibacterial properties*, May help relieve heartburn and gastric reflux*, Improves absorption of other terpenes and chemicals by way of the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tract*
There’s also promising evidence for limonene’s anti-tumor effects. In lab rodents, limonene inhibited the growth of skin and mammary tumors. These studies were followed up with a Phase I human clinical trial which found that limonene was somewhat effective at reducing breast cancer tumor growth for nearly a year.* Later studies found that daily limonene supplementation for 2-6 weeks silenced a protein that promotes breast cancer tumor growth, suggesting that daily limonene consumption may inhibit the growth and spread of breast tumors.* Additional reports have revealed the benefits of limonene in laboratory models of lung cancer and brain cancer by causing tumor cell death.* But like limonene’s benefits in breast cancer, high doses are likely needed beyond what may be present in cannabis alone.
Alpha & Beta Pinene, as you might have guessed, has a strong scent of pine. Commonly found in conifer trees, parsley, dill, basil, and rosemary, alpha-pinene is easy to detect. If a chemical profile of your cannabis strain is unavailable, just follow your nose. Popular strains with high alpha-pinene levels include Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and OG Kush. This powerful aromatic molecule doesn’t just smell great, it also contains many medicinal benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory
A study in 2012 showed that alpha-pinene was a potent anti-inflammatory agent against Acute Pancreatitis, an inflammatory disease with an unknown cause. A study in 2011 showed that alpha-pinene, along with all the different cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis, interact synergistically and amplify anti-inflammatory activity. These results show that alpha-pinene is helpful in inflammation management for diseases such as arthritis, Crohn’s, and multiple sclerosis.
Anti-Microbial
Both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene proved to be effective antimicrobial agents against bacterial and fungal cells. In 2011, alpha-pinene was tested as a potent treatment against a bronchitis virus that was previously hard to treat since antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Although not effective against all bacteria and viruses, alpha-pinene protects against a wide range of these infectious diseases. More studies need to be performed to assess the effectiveness of alpha-pinene on all bacteria.
Bronchodilator
Although one study claims that alpha-pinene exposure can cause upper respiratory irritation, the benefits far outweigh mild negative symptoms. In a 2011 study, alpha-pinene showed promise as a bronchodilator by opening up the upper respiratory tract (at low exposure levels) which can be helpful for people with asthma.
Memory
We’ve all heard of the forgetful stoner stereotype. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plays a part in decreasing short-term memory attention. The alpha-pinene terpene, however, has been shown to counteract these memory-impairing effects. Alpha-pinene plays a strong role in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, which helps you retain memories more efficiently.
Alpha Phellandrene: This terpene smells herbaceous, citrusy, minty, peppery, and a little woodsy. If you are hoping to identify Alpha Phellandrene in a particular strain, search for hints of mint in the flavor. Absorbed easily through the skin, it has become one of the top terpene choices in the perfume industry.
To most, the scent is extremely familiar because it is so present in many of the plants and scents we encounter daily. The next time you smell mint leaves or a lavender candle, appreciate the Alpha Phellandrene terpene smell! Alpha–phellandrene Promotes Immune Responses in Normal Mice Through Enhancing Macrophage Phagocytosis and Natural Killer Cell Activities. α–Phellandrene, a natural compound from natural plants, has been used in the food and perfume industry for:
- Comfort
- Energy Boosting
- Soothing
- Spirit Enhancement