Terpenes! What Are They? And Why Do They Matter?
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals which are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors.
In cannabis, terpenes are found in the trichomes (the small resin glands) on the surface of buds.
Trichomes can produce hundreds of different compounds to protect themselves from pests, including the blend of terpenes and cannabinoids our endocannabinoid systems interact with.
Terpenes help to enhance the plant’s attractiveness to some creatures (like us!), while deterring other pests and invaders that can cause harm.
But how do they affect us as humans?
It’s not just THC that is the beneficial compound in cannabis. Terpenes boast several unique combinations of therapeutic properties.
A Pubmed study from 2020 suggests that some terpenes are potentially beneficial for certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Terpenes are a part of the “entourage effect” , where all the plant compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to provide benefit within the body.
How many are there?
Did you know that there are over 150 different terpenes in the cannabis plant? Many are produced in small amounts, but there are multiple terpenes that are much more prominent than others.
The Top 3 terpenes found within cannabis are Myrcene, Caryophyllene and Limonene.
Myrcene, which is also found in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes may effectively reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as found in a 2015 study in cultured cells.
Research into the therapeutic actions of Caryophyllene shows that it actually binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors and “shows beneficial effects on obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) liver diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pain and other nervous system disorders.”
Limonene, with its strong citrus aroma, appears to alter the way certain immune cells behave in the body, which may protect the body from a range of disorders. In one study, limonene helped to increase the production of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow, which are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
Knowing this, we can thank the terpenes in our cannabis for contributing to the entourage effect and providing relief for many possible ailments we have. The cannabis plant is filled with incredible compounds that create beneficial effects in our bodies, and terpenes are some of the most important.
Be sure to check the terpene content of your favorite products and discover which ones resonate with you the most! Is it myrcene, or maybe limonene? Let us know in the comments below!
By the way, Curio Wellness just released Maryland’s brand new Terpene Infused Chewables! Check them out in our Online Ordering section.
