Terpenes & Cannabinoids
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. Classes of cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, etc – and most famously THC. Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, mainly CB1 and CB2.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a class of organic plant compounds that give a plant its unique smell. They add therapeutic value to cannabis-based on their unique medicinal properties and offer incredible dimension to how cannabinoids function in the body.
For example, terpenes give orange its citrus smell and pine trees their unique aroma. Cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant work together to promote healing.
Just as different cannabinoids have different effects, so too do terpenes. These distinctive attributes contribute to the overall composition of a strain.
Here are the top 4 terpenes found in Total Body Canna Co Hemp Extract Oil:
1. Pinene
Health benefits
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
- Analgesic (pain relief)
- May help combat short term memory impairment
- Anti-inflammatory
- Bronchodilator (helps open airways)
Pinene is also found in
- Orange peel
- Pine needles
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Basil
A 2019 study published in Biomolecules found that a wide range of pharmacological activities has been reported. The most prominent effects being their cytogenetic, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, cytoprotective, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties. Other effects reported were antibiotic resistance modulation, anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Leishmania, and analgesic effects.
2. Myrcene
Health benefits
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
- Analgesic (pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Sleep aid
- Gastro protective
Myrcene is also found in
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
- Mangoes
It has been reported that Myrcene may block the cancer-causing effects of aflatoxins that are produced by fungi but find their way to our food as well as protecting against DNA damage from certain toxins suggesting antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-mutagen effects. Furthermore, an article published in Elsevier reported that Myrcene has been shown to play a role in the production of protective mucous which lines the Gastrointestinal tract. This protects the surface cells of the stomach and gut and when this is compromised, it can lead to indigestion, acid reflux, infections, ulcers, and leaky gut syndrome.
3. Bisabolol
Health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-irritant
- Antioxidant
- Anti-microbial
Also found in:
Chamomile flower
Frequently used as an additive to skincare products due to its wound-healing and skin permeation enhancing effects.
A 2018 study states that bisabolol activities include anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, gastroprotective, and anti-cancer effects.
4. Caryophyllene
Health Benefits
- Analgesic (pain relief)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
Also found in
- Hops
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system.
It is the only non-cannabinoid that acts as a cannabinoid due to its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits.
A very interesting study found that caryophyllene improved chronic stress-related behavioural and biochemical changes and that these results suggest that caryophyllene may be effective in treating depression and stress-related mental illnesses