What are terpenes in CBD oil?
CBD is one of the many active substances in the hemp plant. In addition to CBD, a full spectrum CBD oil also contains other cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBN and CBC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. Each of these substances has its own unique effect on the human body. Terpenes are produced by a plant to protect itself. But research shows that terpenes are also beneficial for humans. In this blog you will read some terpenes in CBD oil exactly and what effects they can have.
Terpenes in plants
You may not have heard of terpenes, but you've certainly smelled the distinctive odours they help create. Terpenes are produced by plants to protect themselves against damage or diseases. Distinctive and strong odours can help repel herbivores, bacteria and insects. But on the other hand, they can also help to attract helpful insects.
Plants and trees with distinctive scents, such as thyme, pine, eucalyptus, mint, basil and the hemp plant, therefore, produce these terpenes in order to survive. In the past and still today, these substances are used by people for health. They are the basis for essential oils and also for perfumes, creams and other cosmetics. Many different terpenes are known. Below we take a look at the terpenes that CBD oil contains.
What terpenes are in CBD oil?
CBD oil is obtained from the hemp plant. When a CBD oil is full spectrum, all active substances, from cannabinoids to terpenes, are still in the oil. The hemp plant contains about 200 different terpenes. Examples include limolene, humulene and myrcene. It differs per plant species which terpenes are produced. And even within a species, such as the hemp plant, the terpene profile can vary slightly. A plant produces other terpenes under the influence of the climate, the soil and the age of the plant.
CBD oil therefore contains terpenes in addition to cannabinoids. Cannabinoids such as CBD work through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The function of this system is to regulate all kinds of processes in the body and to maintain homeostasis (balance). Cannabinoids transmit messages to cells through receptors. Terpenes, however, do not work through the ECS, they have a different molecular structure. However, they can influence the effects of the cannabinoids. This is due to the entourage effect.
This means that a substance, such as CBG, would have a certain effect if it were removed. But if you take these together with other cannabinoids and terpenes, they influence each other and can change each other's properties and efficacy. The entourage effect creates synergy, which means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. So it certainly has advantages to opt for a full spectrum CBD oil.
This oil contains the following terpenes. A few are listed below, but there are of course more.
Pinene
Most people like the smells caused by pinene. Pinene is produced by rosemary, sage and conifers, among others. It is one of the most common terpenes. It works as an insect repellent for plants and trees. Off research done in China shows it can help fight infection. And this terpene is very powerful, the scientists indicate that it is 100% effective against, for example, candida and that it can also be used against MRSA.
Limonene
Limonene is also a well-known terpene. The taste it produces is lime-like, and it occurs in citrus fruits (orange, lemon), but also in plants such as chamomile, rosemary, ginger and of course the hemp plant. The terpene is widely used to give cleaning products a nice scent, but also in deodorant, detergents and sunscreen creams. However, limonene also has a function in medicines. This substance can stimulate the immune system and has antibacterial properties. Research also shows that limonene can enhance the effect of other cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBC (the entourage effect).
Myrcene
The name myrcene may not sound familiar, but it does cause the very pleasant scents of hops, bay leaf, lemongrass and thyme. It is one of the most common terpenes in the hemp plant. Off research shows that myrcene is ahas an analgesic effect, and can also have a calming effect on anxiety and restlessness. Myrcene also appears to have antibiotic properties.
Borneol
Borneol, also called kamfol, causes a minty odor. The terpene is found in nutmeg, sage, coriander and the hemp plant. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is used as a pain reliever and may help with gum disease.
Humulin
Humulin is another terpene commonly found in the hemp plant. Plants that contain a lot of Humulin include hops, sage, cloves and ginseng. The scent is earthy and woody. Humulin, research shows, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. But what is especially striking is its possible efficacy against cancer. Humulin may produce reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidation in cancer cells. This slows and hinders the growth of cancer cells and incites them to cell death (apoptosis). Together with beta-caryophyllene, another terpene, this effect is even stronger. That is a positive effect of the entourage effect.
Besides these five terpenes, there are many others that are in CBD oil. Examples include eucalyptol, terpineol and carene. If you want to take full advantage of all the valuable substances in the hemp plant, a full spectrum CBD oil, such as Hempcare CBD Ruby or CBD Oil Plant Of Life 10%, the best choice!
