Chemical compounds in cannabis responsible for its aroma and flavor, providing a range of effects depending on their structure.
In the vibrant world of botanicals, terpenes are natural compounds that have long been recognised for their protective roles in plants. However, recent research has unveiled a myriad of potential health benefits for humans, thanks to their diverse biological activities.
One of the most intriguing aspects of terpenes is their antioxidant effects. These compounds can neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially slowing the ageing process and reducing risks of degenerative diseases.
Terpenes also demonstrate mood and nervous system modulating properties. Their aromatic properties influence the nervous system, affecting mood, concentration, relaxation, and psychological well-being by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
Moreover, terpenes exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral properties, hinting at a role in infection control. Some terpenes, like beta-caryophyllene and humulene, may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting conditions marked by chronic inflammation.
Specific terpenes, such as pulegone and myrcene, exhibit pain-relieving and anxiolytic effects, supporting their use in managing anxiety and pain. Additionally, terpenes like limonene and linalool may help regulate blood sugar levels, offering potential in diabetes and metabolic disorder treatment.
Early research even suggests terpene involvement in anti-cancer therapies, although more investigation is needed to fully confirm and harness their health potential.
While the field of terpene research is still evolving, the findings highlight these compounds as promising natural resources with multifaceted therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic benefits.
Some terpenes, such as limonene, are well-known and easily recognisable by their scent, while others, like pinene, provide the fresh, bright scent of many plants, including pine needles, rosemary, and basil.
It's essential to note that terpenes are not the same as cannabinoids. Terpenes are the natural form of these compounds in live plants, while terpenoids are the oxidised form that forms during the drying and curing process of plants, such as cannabis.
The body absorbs and uses terpenes in different ways compared to cannabinoids, which means they could offer unique health benefits. For instance, myrcene may have an anti-inflammatory effect and may prevent the breakdown of some cartilage cells, potentially making it useful against osteoarthritis.
In conclusion, terpenes offer a range of potential health benefits, including antioxidant protection, mood modulation, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, pain and anxiety relief, metabolic regulation, and possibly anticancer actions. As research continues to evolve, we can expect to uncover even more ways these natural compounds could improve human health.
- Bipolar disorder patients might find relief with terpenes, as they demonstrate mood and nervous system modulating properties.
- While undergoing HIV treatment, patients could consider incorporating terpenes for potential antimicrobial and antiviral support.
- Individuals suffering from marijuanause may find solace in terpenes, as they possess antiemetic properties.
- Terpenes show promising potential for slowing dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriatic dermatitis due to their moisturizing and soothing effects.
- People with breast cancer might benefit from terpenes, as they display anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects on certain cancer types.
- Terpenes could help manage Type 2 diabetes since some, like limonene and linalool, have been found to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Atopic dermatitis and other atopic conditions could potentially find relief with terpenes, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Terpenes exhibit significant potential in alzheimers treatment, as they are thought to display neuroprotective effects on brain cells.
- Multiple sclerosis patients could find symptomatic relief with terpenes, as their anti-inflammatory effects could help manage the disease's progression.
- Terpenes may play a role in macular degeneration treatment, due to their antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Beyond cannabis, terpenes are found in various plants and have a unique absorption and utilization process compared to cannabinoids, offering various health benefits like those related to asthma and arthritis.
- The science of terpenes in health-and-wellness is progressing rapidly, and we can anticipate many more discoveries about therapies-and-treatments for diseases like cancer, depression, and dementia.
