Cannabinoids are not the only useful ingredients in the hemp plant and therefore in products such as CBD flowers . A good terpene profile is also crucial for the quality and effect. That's why today we're taking a closer look at the aromatic compounds that not only ensure a good smell and taste.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are chemical compounds that are characterized by their strong aroma . They are found in numerous plants and foods and are responsible for their specific smells (e.g. lavender, lemongrass, mint). Terpenes are probably best known as an ingredient inessential oils .
The compounds are all derived from the same hydrocarbon – isoprene. However, small changes in the structure ensure the wide range of different flavors. There are a total of over 8,000 different terpenes , over 100 of which are in the hemp plant . There they are produced in the same glands as the cannabinoids, namely the trichromes . These two groups are also fundamentally similar in some respects. For example, both terpenes and cannabinoids are fat-soluble, but not water-soluble. This explains why terpenes are mostly sold as essential oils.
Their original purpose in plants was protection against predators, bacteria and fungi. This is why some call it a natural insecticide . Terpenes also have the important task of using their smell to attract insects that pollinate the plant.
How many and which terpenes are found in hemp and other plants depends not only on genetics but also on external influences. These include, for example, the climate, the nature of the soil and the use of fertilizer. The age of the plant itself also plays a role in the development of terpenes.
How do terpenes work?
In addition to their extraordinary smell , terpenes are also said to have various health-promoting effects . Unfortunately, not all of these have been fully researched yet , which is also due to the large number of different compounds. However, in recent years it has been recognized that terpenes play a larger role than previously thought. That's why there are now more and more studies on aromatic compounds and particularly common terpenes such as myrcene and pinene have now been analyzed relatively well in terms of their effects and properties.
Basically it can be said that terpenes have some medically valuable effects on the human body . However, these vary greatly from terpene to terpene, making it difficult to generalize. There are some terpenes that improve mood , for example, while other compounds relieve stress . Some terpenes are also said to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. If you have already looked into cannabinoids, you may now be pricking up your ears - because many people also know these properties from CBD. The spectrum of effects of terpenes is really very diverse and has undeniable medical benefits.
However, it is also important not to just look at the terpenes in isolation. They are interested not only because of their individual properties, but also because of the synergies they create with other compounds in the hemp plant. Such interactions occur particularly with cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG and CBN. This means that terpenes and cannabinoids enhance their respective beneficial properties when they occur together. This is called the entourage effect . For this reason, when it comes to products like CBD flowers, you should not only pay attention to the content of individual compounds, but also attach importance to a strong cannabinoid and terpene profile.
What terpenes are in the hemp plant?
Myrcene
One of the most common terpenes is myrcene. It is also used as the main ingredient in manyessential oils . In nature it can be found in bay leaves, lemongrass, hops, thyme, mango and verbena, among other things.
The aroma of myrcene can be described as earthy, herbaceous and resinous. Many people may be familiar with the taste of beers, where hops are added to certain varieties after fermentation in order to achieve the typical hop taste.
The terpene has a relaxing and calming effect. As some studies show, it also has an antiseptic and antimicrobial effect. That's why myrcene is also recommended for treating pain and inflammation. In Brazil, the terpene is also known to combat diabetes, high blood pressure and diarrhea . There, a certain shrub that is very rich in myrcene has long been used successfully to combat these complaints.
Limonene
The second most common terpene in hemp is limonene. As the name suggests, it is mainly found in citrus fruits. There it is contained in the fruit itself and in its peel. Limonene is also found in peppermint, juniper and rosemary. It provides the typical citrus smell . In isolation, the aroma is reminiscent of fresh oranges.
Limonene has several interesting properties of medical use. Among other things, the terpene is said to improve mood and can be used in the treatment of depression . Of course, the pleasant smell also contributes to the desired effect. The terpene is also said to have an anti-anxiety and antibacterial effect .
As a recent study from 2018 shows, limonene also has potential in cancer therapy. The terpene has been known there for a long time due to its possible anti-carcinogenic effects. New research now shows that limonene can support chemotherapy and even have a preventive effect against the formation of cancer cells.
Pinene
The name of this terpene also reveals a lot: pinene gives us the pine smell we know and is found in various trees such as pine and eucalyptus, but also in sage, rosemary, olives and bergamot. In nature, the terpene occurs in two different forms , which is why a distinction is made between alpha-pinene and beta-pinene .
Both types are said to have anti-inflammatory effects. Pinene is also said to be able to dilate the bronchi. This was also shown by a study in which the terpene was examined in its use against bronchitis viruses. Further studies to combat specific bacterial strains also produced promising results.
Linalool
This terpene can be found in lavender, citrus fruits, rosewood, laurel, cinnamon, birch and many other plants. It is characterized by a sweet, floral smell that is somewhat reminiscent of lemons. Because of this pleasant blend, linalool plays an important role in aromatherapy.
With regard to its health-promoting properties, the calming and anti-anxiety effects of the terpene can first be mentioned. In fact, linalool has long been used as a component of anti-anxiety medications. It is also said to improve sleep and also have a positive influence on mood. Anyone who often struggles with stress can also benefit from the effects of the terpene.
Beta-caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, often just B-caryophyllene, is another useful terpene. It can be found in black pepper, basil, cloves, cinnamon and oregano. The terpene is characterized by its strong, spicy smell.
The compound has an anti-pain, anti-inflammatory effect and has a relieving effect on stress and depression. What is particularly interesting is the fact that beta-caryophyllene activates the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This was a surprising finding in studies since no other terpenes have an effect on the receptors.
Conclusion
In addition to these selected terpenes, there are numerous other such compounds with interesting properties. They clearly show that when it comes to CBD products, attention should not only be paid to the CBD content, but also to other ingredients. A good cannabinoid and terpene profile is therefore a quality feature , which we also attach great importance to at Bonorum.
