What are Terpenes?

What are Terpenes?

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Chapters -

0:00 - Intro
0:09 - What are terpenes?
0:45 - Terpene Roles
1:05 - Common Terpenes
5:32 - Outro

Terpenes are organic compounds that provide aroma and flavour in cannabis and a variety of other organisms, including plants, and even some insects.

They are referred to as terpenoids when denatured by oxidation.

Both terpenes and terpenoids are lipids (fats) and make up a large fraction of the essential oils of many plants.

They are found in a large range of plants - basically any plant that has a distinctive smell. They are also found in some insects.

Terpenes have two very important roles in every plant's life: to protect the flowers from predators and to produce resin.

In addition, there are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes.

Including:

Climate
Weather
Age
Maturation
Fertilizers
Soil type
Even the time of day

Here are just a few of the most common terpenes.

Myrcene

Myrcene liquid appears as a yellow oily liquid with a pleasant odour. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Myrcene is an alkene natural hydrocarbon. But it is more precisely described as a monoterpene.

Found in:

Thyme
Mango
Lemongrass
Hops
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Bay Leaves

Medicinal effects: antiseptic, analgesic, hepatoprotective (prevents damage to the liver), antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, may be gastro-protectant (against stomach ulcers)

Humulene

The terpene Humulene has a herbal aroma. Humulene is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene. In addition, Humulene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Found in:

Hops
Wood
Coriander

Medicinal effects: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, pain relief

Limonene

Giving off a citrus aroma & taste it is a colourless liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon classified as a cyclic monoterpene. It is also a natural cyclic monoterpene and a major component of the oil extracted from the citrus rind with chemo-preventive and antitumor activities. This terpene may provide some relief from anxiety & stress.

Found in:

Lemon rind
Orange rind
Juniper

Medicinal effects: antidepressant, anti-anxiety, relief of gastric reflux, antifungal

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a pale yellow oily liquid with an odour midway between the odour of cloves and turpentine. Above all, this is the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid. Most importantly, it can activate the endocannabinoid system.

Found in:

Black Pepper
Cloves
Cinnamon
Hops
Basil
Oregano

Medicinal effects: anti-inflammatory, analgesic. antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tumour, kidney protectant.

Linalool

Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers & spice plants. Subsequently, the terpene Linalool has a floral aroma. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a volatile oil component, an antimicrobial agent and a fragrance. It is believed that it may promote relaxation & have some calming effects.

Found in:

Lavender
Birch bark
Citrus
Rosewood

Medicinal effect: Local anaesthetic properties (good for topicals as pain salve), sleep aid, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, immune-regulating properties, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-acne.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene appears as a water-white to light amber-coloured liquid. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Used to make plastics and resins. It is also believed that it may have uplifting effects.

Found in:

Lilac
Nutmeg
Cumin

Medicinal effect: Sedative, Antibiotic, AChE inhibitor, Antioxidant, Antimalarial

Pinene

The most common terpene in nature is Pinene. Pinene appears as a clear colourless liquid with a turpentine odour. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapours are heavier than air. Used as a solvent. However, it is believed that it could have some properties that are useful for pain, inflammation or anxiety.

Found in:

Pine needles
Conifer trees
Sage

Medicinal effects: anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-tumour, buffers THC short-term memory effects, asthma, (bronchodilator)

Ocimene

Ocimene is an isomeric hydrocarbon found in a wide variety of fruits and plants. It is recognized for its sweet, fragrant, herbaceous, and woodsy aromas, which feature prominently in several perfumes, and which help plants defend themselves in their natural environment.

Found in:

Mint
Parsley
Orchids
Mango
Basil

Medicinal effects: antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestant

In summary, it’s important to remember that Terpenes are more than just smell and flavour.

They’re very important and prominent in nature.

And when mixed together with Cannabinoids, Terpenes are responsible for the entourage effect.

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