Therapeutic uses of cannabis terpenes

Terpenes are the chemical compounds responsible for the aromatic characteristics of herbaceous plants such as Cannabis sativa and they are the main ingredient of some essential oils. These are located in the trichomes of the Cannabis plant along with the cannabinoids.

For the plant, terpenes act as a defense interacting with herbivores and pests, however, scientific research has managed to define certain properties that can benefit medicinal users of cannabis and improve certain medical conditions.

In addition, according to their chemical structure, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes can be found in trichomes.

Among the monoterpenes we find the following:

α-pinene: It is the most abundant terpene in nature. It can help improve memory and reduce the psychoactive effect induced by THC. It has proven to exert antitumor effects and anti-metastatic activity. Additionally, it provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and through inhalation, α-pinene has anxiolytic effects and can help improve sleep quality.

β-pinene: This terpene can exert sedative and antidepressant effects through its interaction with the monoaminergic system (in the nervous tissue). It is a partial agonist of opioid receptors and can induce antinociceptive effects to decrease pain. Moreover, it has antiviral activity and is a candidate for the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis.

β-myrcene: It is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. It can have a protective effect on the brain, skin, and heart, as it decreases inflammation and oxidative stress damage, it also has an analgesic property.

Limonene: This is another of the predominant terpenes in Cannabis. Due to its powerful aroma, it is widely used in the cosmetic and cleaning products industry as a fragrance and natural solvent. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, promotes wound healing, and improves stress, and depression.

Linalool: Research suggests it is used in the treatment of neurological disorders because it is neuroprotective and anticonvulsant. It has anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. What is more, it has shown antitumor activity in glioma cells (brain tumor), breast, colorectal and liver cancer. Likewise, it can reduce nociceptive transmission, and participates in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

On the other hand, the plant has several sesquiterpenes, among them are:

β-caryophyllene: Unlike any other terpene, this one has an affinity for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, behaving like the only phytocannabinoid that can be found outside the cannabis plant. It works as an anti-inflammatory, protective (on the heart, liver, gastrointestinal system) and immunomodulator.

α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has been widely used in the cosmetic industry because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as aiding healing. It can act as an anxiolytic, analgesic, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial.

Therefore, the medical uses of cannabis are not restricted to cannabinoids, but there is a wide range of compounds within the plant such as terpenes that can act directly to generate improvement in certain diseases.

References:

● European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus. [doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076]