Caryophyllene & Myrcene - What are Terpenes?

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are a large and diverse group of organic compounds mainly found in plants and responsible for their scent, taste, and partly for their medicinal effects. They belong to the secondary plant substances and are main components of essential oils. In nature, terpenes serve various purposes, for example as a defense mechanism against predators or as an attractant for pollinators.

Chemically, terpenes consist of isoprene units that connect in different numbers and arrangements. Due to this structural diversity, there are more than 20,000 known terpenes, which are divided into numerous subgroups, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes. Their properties range from calming to stimulating, and they have a wide range of potential health benefits.

Where are terpenes found?

Terpenes occur naturally in a variety of plants and even in some animals. Particularly high concentrations are found in:

• Herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, and cinnamon.

• Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes.

• Coniferous trees such as pines, firs, and cedars, which are rich in pinene.

• Flowers such as lavender and roses, which are known for their relaxing scents.

• Cannabis plants, which contain a variety of terpenes that can interact with cannabinoids.

• Hops, which is used for beer production and contains many terpenes such as myrcene.

• resins and essential oils, which act as protective substances in plants.

Also Cannabis Sativa produces a variety of terpenes. The characteristic effects of various Cannabis Sativa Varieties result not only from the content of cannabinoids but also from the complex of terpenes. There are so many different terpenes in Cannabis Sativa, that an artificial production of Cannabis Sativa aromas, which have the same effectiveness as those of natural origin, has so far only rarely succeeded. This is mainly because testing can usually only be done on the terpenes that are also found in larger quantities in cannabis.

Terpenes are therefore found in almost all plants and determine their characteristic smell and taste.

Are terpenes cannabinoids?

No, terpenes are not cannabinoids, although they are often mentioned in connection with cannabis plants. Cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are a separate class of chemical compounds that primarily act on the body's endocannabinoid system.

Terpenes, on the other hand, have a different chemical structure and belong to the secondary plant compounds mainly responsible for scent and flavor. However, there is evidence that terpenes can influence the effects of cannabinoids – a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. In this, terpenes may enhance the positive properties of cannabinoids or alter their effects. 

Note: Beta-caryophyllene is also a terpene that binds to the cannabinoid receptor 2 and is therefore sometimes also referred to as a cannabinoid!

Natural terpenes are terpenes found in plants, trees, or fruits and are not synthetically produced. They are formed through natural biosynthesis processes in plants and are often extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing.

Some examples of the occurrence of natural terpenes besides the hemp plant:

Natural terpenes are widely used in aromatherapy, naturopathy, and the food industry.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is found alongside Cannabis Sativa mainly in black pepper, oregano, cloves, and cinnamon. Its potential anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects are currently being studied. Beta-caryophyllene binds as an agonist (activates) to the CB2 receptor of the immune system and is therefore sometimes also referred to as a cannabinoid.

Humulene

Humulene is found, among other places, in basil but also in Cannabis SativaIt has a herbaceous and earthy aroma. Antibacterial effects have been observed. Further anti-inflammatory effects are being investigated.

Lemons

Limonene is probably one of the best-known terpenes and stands out due to the characteristic scent of citrus fruits. Limonene is attributed a variety of effects. The anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effect is probably among the most significant.

Linalool

Most people know the refreshing scent of linalool from mint. Its numbing and anti-inflammatory effects are traditionally used.

Myrcene

Myrcene mainly occurs in hops and eucalyptus. The sharp yet earthy aroma seems to have a relaxing and therefore sleep-promoting effect. There are also medical preparations containing myrcene in a complex of various plant extracts.

Ocimene

Ocimene is mainly produced in thyme. The terpene with the fresh woody aroma has decongestant, antiseptic, and antibacterial effects.

Pinene

Pinene is characteristic of the scent of conifers, especially pine, but also rosemary. Its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects are frequently used in traditional medicine.

Terpineol 

Terpineol is not to be confused with terpinolene. It mainly occurs in lilac but also in medicinal plants like mugwort. The antibacterial, calming, and sleep-promoting effects are found in many traditional healing practices.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene, on the other hand, occurs in coriander and is attributed not only antibacterial effects but also digestive-supporting effects.

How do terpenes affect the body?

Terpenes can affect the body in various ways depending on the type and dosage. Their effects depend on how they are absorbed – through inhalation, skin contact, or oral intake. Here are some of the most important 

Calming and stress-reducing: Terpenes like linalool (in lavender) have been shown to have relaxing properties and can alleviate anxiety.

Pain and anti-inflammatory: Caryophyllene (e.g., in black pepper) can have anti-inflammatory effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors.

Concentration and memory enhancing: Pinene (in pine and rosemary) is said to enhance memory performance and help with respiratory problems.

Antibacterial and antiviral: Many terpenes, especially limonene and eucalyptol, have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Appetite stimulating or suppressing: While some terpenes increase appetite (e.g., myrcene), others like limonene can suppress appetite.

Through the entourage effect, terpenes can also enhance the effects of cannabinoids, which is of particular interest in medical cannabis research.

Are terpenes lawful?

Yes, Terpenes are basically legal, as they occur naturally in plants and have no psychoactive effects. They are used worldwide in many industries, including:

• Cosmetics (perfumes, soaps, essential oils)

• Food industry (flavors, taste substances)

• Pharmaceutical industry (natural active ingredients)

• Aromatherapy and wellness products

However, there are some legal restrictions when terpenes are extracted from cannabis. In some countries, there may be limitations if the terpenes are associated with THC-containing products.

Synthetic terpenes produced in the lab can also be regulated, especially when used in dietary supplements or medical products. Purely plant-based terpenes are legal, but products derived from cannabis may be subject to specific regulations depending on the country.

Summary

Terpenes are fascinating natural compounds that play a key role in plants and have versatile effects on the human body. They are found in many herbs, fruits, and essential oils, including in our CANNEXOL oils, and are widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry.

With the CBD products CANNEXOL Gold 15% CBD, CANNEXOL Colombian Gold 30% CBD and CANNEXOL Sport 10% CBD with β-Caryophyllene, we now offer a wide portfolio of CBD oils enriched with terpenes. 

Although terpenes are not cannabinoids, they can interact with them and influence their effects. Their therapeutic properties are promising, especially for stress, inflammation, and concentration problems. Purely plant-based terpenes are legal worldwide and are increasingly being researched to better understand their medical and aromatherapeutic potentials.