Terpenes Flashcards
MYRCENE
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis Myrcene has shown to make up as much as 65% of the total terpene profile in some strains. Myrcene smell has earthy, musky notes. Resembles cloves and also has a fruity, red grape-like aroma. Strains that contain 0.5% of this terpene are most likely to induce sedative effects classically attributed to indicas with its sedative effects. It has also been reported that myrcene is useful in easing inflammation and chronic pain. An area of health where myrcene displays especially therapeutic potential is in cancer treatment. Anything under .5% myrcene produces sativa-like effects.
LIMONENE
Limonen is the second most abundant terpene in all cannabis strains. Limonene gives strains a citrusy smell that resembles lemons. Limonene is used in cosmetics and also in cleaning products. Limonen is more commonly found in sativa strains but significant amount have been found in some indices strains as well. High levels of Limonene are responsible for the citrusy, lemony taste and smell. These types of strains can be especially effective for boosting energy and reducing stress, along with the many other health benefits of cannabis in general. Limonene has been shown to; reduce stomach acid, Eliminate the symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), Lessen anxiety, suppress inflammation, Improve respiratory function, fight fungal infections. It’s a natural insecticide. Limonene is easily absorbed through the skin and body tissue, like mucous membranes and the digestive tract.
Linalool
This terpene is the most responsible for the recognizable cannabis smell of floral and spicy notes. Linalool is also found in lavender, mint cinnamon and coriander. It has a strong sedative and relaxing properties. Patients suffering from arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia and even cancer, have all found aid in this terpene.
Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-Pinene is a terpene found in a number of odiferous trees, as well as in rosemary. Some natural sources of alpha-pinene include pine trees, other coniferous trees, eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, frankincense, and ironwork. Alpha-pinene has a woody and earthy aroma, with clear cedar wood and pine tones. This terpene is used in a number of different applications, including in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and as food additives in small quantities. Some of the key health benefits that alpha-pinene has been shown to provide; Protects organ systems, acts as an antibacterial, boost memory, Improves respiratory function, repels insects…
[MONQ Terpene Profile : Alpha-Pinene, Last updated June 4, 2019]
BETA- CARYOPHYLLENE
Beta- Caryophyllene is a beta-Caryophyllene in showcase the Stereometrie adjacent tithe exocyclic double bond has S configuration while the remaining stereocentre has R configuration. It is the most commonly occurring form of beta-Caryophyllene, occurring in many essential oils, particularly oil of cloves. It has a role as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a fragrance and a metabolite.
Beta-Caryophyllene is a pale yellow oily liquid with an odor midway between cloves and turpentine. (NTP, 1992)
Beta- Caryophyllene, also known as caryophyllene or (-)-s-caryophyllene, is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a constituent of many essential oils including that of Syzygium aromatic and (cloves), Cannabis sativa, rosemary, and hops. It is usually found as a mixture with isocaryophyllene ( the cis double bond isomer), and a-humulene (obsolete name : a- caryophyllene) a ring-opened isomer. Beta-caryophyllene is notable for having both a cyclobutane ring and a trans- double bond in a nine-members ring, both rarities in nature. Beta- caryophyllene is a sweet and dry tasting compound that can be found in a number of food items such as allspice, fig, pot marjoram, and Roman camomile, which makes beta-caryophyllene a potential Biomasse for the consumption of these food products. Beta-caryophyllene can be found in feces and saliva
{From Human Metabolome Databse (HMDB)
PINENE
CannaInsider
Pinene comes in geworden types: Alpha, which smells like pine needles and I’d the most commonly found terpene in nature, and Beta which smells like rosemary, basil, dill, or parsley. Pinene is also found in conifer trees, citrus peels, and turpentine. Pinene is a powerful bronchodilator, which helps improve airflow to the lungs, making it a good option for those struggling with asthma. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and local antiseptic and has been used by cultures around the world for healing properties for thousands of years. Pinene easily crosses the blood-brain barrier improving memory and alertness. It’s even said that pinene counters memory loss associated with THC.
TERPENES
Terpenes are volatile compounds formed by the union of hydrocarbon of 5 carbon atoms, known as isoprene. The smallest and most volatile compounds are biosynthesised by the union of two isoprene molecules. The biggest and least volatile are biosynthesised by the union of three or more isoprene molecules. Terpenes are secondary metabolites, which provide the plant with its organoleptic characteristics (aroma and flavor) and that constitutes most of the essential oil produced by aromatic plants.
Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Terpenes and Cannabinoids share their biosynthetic pathways and, in fact cannabinoids are terpene-fenolic compounds. In the Cannabis plant, terpenes also share the biosynthesis and accumulation spaces. Thus, both types of compounds are biosynthesised in synthesising terpenes. It has been shown that the ratio between monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in leaves and flowers is rather different. This is due to the dominance of sessile trichomes in leaves, which are more specialized in synthesising terpenes, while capitate trichomes are more abundant in flowers and are specialized in the synthesis of monoterpenes and Cannabinoids. The proportion of terpenes in the plant is normally less than 1%, potentially achieving up to 20% of the resin composition.
Terpenes more then just smell.
Terpenes are not just responsible for the aroma, but they also have an important biological and therapeutic activity. It has been scientifically shown that the essential oils of plants have therapeutic properties and are the pharmacological base of aromatherapy. These oils and pure terpenes can also be used as flavorings in the food industry, as they are non-toxic compounds. The therapeutic properties will specifically depend on the terpene in question.
PINENE
Pinene is the common name of two isomer bicycling monoterpenoids, a-pinene, B-pinene, which are main compounds of the pine resin and of other conifers, which gives it the name, although it is also the terpene most widely distributed in nature. In fact, it is not only found in the plant kingdom, as the two compounds are part of the chemical communication system of insects and also act as insect repellent.
These components have significant antibiotic effects, even against antibiotic resistant pathogens. Another therapeutic activities attributed to them is that of anti-inflammatory Ed, blocking the inflammatory signal of prostaglandin in a similar way to myrcene. They also act as bronchodilator in humans when they are inhaled in low concentrations. This effect could produce a larger absorption of cannabinoids when smoking or when vaporizing Cannabis with a product rich in alpha and beta pinene, and subsequently, the cannabinoids effects.
A- Pinene is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that may be beneficial for memory and may reduce the negative THC effects on it, although this is no more than a mere assumption at this point. A- Pinene has also served as biosynthetic base for the ligands of the cannabinoid receptor CB2. Pinene seems to be quite balanced within the different Cannabis varieties representing around the 10% of the terpenes group and not exceeding 15-20%.
