Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Exploring the World of Terpenes and Terpenoids
Terpenes and terpenoids are a class of organic compounds that are found in a variety of plants, including cannabis.
These chemical compounds are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of various plants and are often used in the production of essential oils.
In this article, we will delve into the world of terpenes and terpenoids, exploring their role in the cannabis plant and their potential medicinal properties.
What are Terpenes and Terpenoids?
Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons that are produced by the cannabis plant, as well as many other plants in the plant kingdom.
They are made up of isoprene units, which are units of five carbon atoms linked together. Terpenoids are modified terpenes that have undergone chemical changes, such as the addition of functional groups.
Terpenes and terpenoids are considered primary metabolites, which are chemical compounds that are produced as a result of primary metabolism. This means that they are involved in the plant's primary physiological processes, such as growth and development.
Both terpenes and terpenoids are classified as volatile compounds, which means that they evaporate easily at room temperature.
This is why they are often used to create essential oils, as they can be easily extracted from the plant material using steam distillation.
What is the Role of Terpenes in the Cannabis Plant?
Terpenes are an important part of the cannabis plant, as they play a role in the plant's defense mechanisms.
They help to deter herbivores and insects from eating the plant, as well as protecting the plant from UV radiation and fungal infections.
Terpenes are also believed to have an impact on the effects of the active compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
This is known as the entourage effect, which is the theory that the various compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to produce a range of therapeutic effects.
There are over 200 different terpenes found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique set of properties. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include alpha-pinene, limonene, and myrcene.
What are the Medicinal Properties of Terpenes?
While much of the research on the medicinal properties of terpenes is still in its early stages, there is evidence to suggest that certain terpenes may have a range of therapeutic effects.
For example, some terpenes are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, while others may have antitumor activity.
Cannabis strains that are high in certain terpenes may be used for medicinal purposes. For example, strains high in the terpene myrcene are believed to have a relaxing effect, making them useful for the lowering of stress.
Similarly, strains high in the terpene limonene are believed to have an uplifting effect.
It's important to note that the effects of terpenes are often strain-specific, meaning that different strains may have different effects due to their unique terpene profiles.
For example, indica strains are often high in the terpene myrcene, while sativa strains are often high in the terpene alpha-pinene.
How are Terpenes and Terpenoids Used in Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated, highly fragrant oils that are extracted from plants using steam distillation.
These oils are used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, natural remedies, and perfumery.
One of the most common uses of essential oils is in aromatherapy, where the oils are inhaled or applied topically to the skin in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect.
What are the Biosynthesis of Terpenes and Terpenoids?
Terpenes and terpenoids are synthesized in the plant via the mevalonate pathway, which is a metabolic pathway that produces isoprenoids. This pathway begins with the compound acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and involves a series of chemical reactions that lead to the production of isoprene units.
The isoprene units are then combined to form terpenes and terpenoids through the action of terpene synthases. These enzymes are responsible for the synthesis of the various terpenes and terpenoids found in the plant.
The biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids is an important process in the plant, as it allows the plant to produce a wide range of compounds that are essential for its growth and development.
One of the most common uses of essential oils is in aromatherapy, where the oils are inhaled or applied topically to the skin in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Many essential oils have a range of medicinal properties, making them useful for the working of various ailments.
There are many essential oils that are made from terpenes and terpenoids. For example, eucalyptus oil is high in the terpene cineole.
Similarly, citrus fruits are high in the terpenes limonene and myrcene, which give them their distinctive aroma and flavor. These terpenes are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It's important to note that while essential oils are often used for medicinal purposes, they should be used with caution. Some essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if ingested or applied undiluted to the skin. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for medicinal purposes.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes
Cannabis terpenes are organic compounds that are produced by the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of various cannabis strains and are believed to have an impact on the effects of the active compounds found in the plant, such as cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
There are over 200 different terpenes found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique set of properties. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include alpha-pinene, limonene, and myrcene.
Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene that is found in a variety of plants, including pine trees and basil. It is known for its refreshing, piney aroma and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties.
Limonene is a monoterpene that is found in citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. It is known for its uplifting and energizing effects and is believed to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.
Myrcene is a monoterpene that is found in a variety of plants, including hops and mangoes. It is known for its musky, earthy aroma and is believed to have sedative and muscle relaxant properties.
The specific terpene profile of a cannabis strain can play a role in its effects on the body. For example, strains that are high in the terpene myrcene are believed to have a relaxing effect, while strains that are high in the terpene alpha-pinene are believed to have an energizing effect.
What are the Biosynthesis of Terpenes and Terpenoids?
Terpenes and terpenoids are synthesized in the plant via the mevalonate pathway, which is a metabolic pathway that produces isoprenoids. This pathway begins with the compound acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and involves a series of chemical reactions that lead to the production of isoprene units.
The isoprene units are then combined to form terpenes and terpenoids through the action of terpene synthases. These enzymes are responsible for the synthesis of the various terpenes and terpenoids found in the plant.
The biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids is an important process in the plant, as it allows the plant to produce a wide range of compounds that are essential for its growth and development.
Why The Quality Of The Terpenes & Terpenoids Matters
The quality of the terpenes in a cannabis product can have a significant impact on its overall effectiveness and the user's experience. This is because terpenes play a role in the overall effects of the plant and can contribute to the entourage effect, which is the theory that the various compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to produce a range of therapeutic effects.
High-quality terpenes are essential for maximizing the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Poor-quality terpenes can dilute the effects of the plant and may not provide the desired therapeutic benefits.
One way to ensure the quality of the terpenes in a cannabis product is to look for products that are made from whole plant extracts. These products contain a full spectrum of terpenes and other compounds found in the plant, providing a more complete range of therapeutic benefits.
It's also important to consider the source of the terpenes. Terpenes that are extracted from plants using steam distillation tend to be of higher quality than those that are synthesized in a lab. This is because lab-synthesized terpenes may not have the same chemical structure as those found in nature, which can impact their effectiveness.
In summary, the quality of the terpenes in a cannabis product is important because they play a role in the overall effects of the plant and can contribute to the entourage effect. Ensuring the quality of the terpenes in a cannabis product can help to maximize its potential therapeutic benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, terpenes and terpenoids are a class of organic compounds that are found in a variety of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of these plants and are often used in the production of essential oils.
Terpenes are an important part of the cannabis plant, as they play a role in the plant's defense mechanisms and may have an impact on the effects of the active compounds found in the plant. There are over 200 different terpenes found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique set of properties.
There is evidence to suggest that certain terpenes may have a range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. Cannabis strains that are high in certain terpenes may be used for medicinal purposes.
Terpenes and terpenoids are synthesized in the plant via the mevalonate pathway, which involves a series of chemical reactions that lead to the production of isoprene units. These units are then combined to form terpenes and terpenoids through the action of terpene synthases.
Overall, the study of terpenes and terpenoids is an exciting area of research that has the potential to unlock a range of therapeutic benefits for humans. Further studies are needed to fully understand the medicinal properties of these compounds and how they can be used for the treatment of various ailments.
Clayton McCall
Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.
