Terpenes: The hidden heroes of the plant world

Terpenes are a fascinating group of organic compounds that are often overshadowed by more well-known botanicals such as cannabinoids. But behind their simple name lie the true artists of the plant kingdom, who have a decisive influence on both the aroma and the therapeutic effects of many plants, especially cannabis. In this post we want to delve deep into the world of terpenes to understand what they are, where they occur and how they affect our body and mind.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are an extensive and diverse group of organic compounds that are found in many plants and are responsible for their characteristic aroma. Chemically speaking, terpenes consist of carbon and hydrogen and belong to the larger group of isoprenoids. Their structure varies depending on the number of isoprene units they are composed of, resulting in a huge variety of terpenes - over 20,000 different species are known in nature!

The role of terpenes in nature:
In nature, terpenes perform a variety of functions. One of their most important tasks is protecting the plant. By secreting terpenes, plants can repel pests, attract insects that help with pollination, and defend themselves against disease. Terpenes also regulate the temperature of the plant and help it adapt to extreme environmental conditions.

Where do terpenes occur?

Terpenes are ubiquitous in nature and are found in a wide variety of plants. They are the main components of essential oils found in flowers, fruits, leaves and bark. These oils are responsible for the specific scent and taste of plants. Here are some well-known examples:

• Fruits: Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high concentrations of limonene, a terpene responsible for their fresh, tangy scent.
• Flowers: Lavender is rich in linalool, a terpene known for its calming and relaxing properties.
• Herbs: Rosemary and thyme contain pinenes, terpenes, which provide their spicy, earthy note.
• Cannabis: Cannabis contains a complex mix of terpenes that not only determine the plant's scent, but also modulate its effects.

How do terpenes work?

The effect of terpenes on the human body is as diverse as their chemical structure. They interact with our endocannabinoid system, the network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulates many physiological processes in our body, including pain, mood, sleep and immune system.

Soothing and relaxing terpenes:
Some terpenes, such as linalool, found in lavender, and myrcene, found in mango and cannabis, have calming and relaxing properties. These terpenes can help reduce stress, promote sleep, and relieve anxiety.

Mood-enhancing and invigorating terpenes:
On the other hand, there are terpenes like limonene, found in citrus fruits, and pinene, found in pine and rosemary, which can have invigorating and mood-enhancing effects. They promote concentration, increase energy and have a positive effect on the general mood.

The entourage effect:
One of the most notable properties of terpenes is their ability to interact with other plant compounds, particularly cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This synergy is called the “entourage effect” and means that the combined effect of all the components of a plant is stronger than the sum of their individual effects. Terpenes can improve the absorption of cannabinoids in the body, strengthen their binding to receptors and modulate their therapeutic effects. Myrcene, for example, is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance the effects of THC.

conclusion

Terpenes are much more than just fragrances. They are the true heroes behind the therapeutic effects of many plants, including cannabis. Whether they calm, invigorate, or enhance the effects of cannabinoids, terpenes play a critical role in herbal medicine and deserve to be in the spotlight. Their diversity and effectiveness make them a fascinating field of research and a valuable component of many natural products.

In a world increasingly recognizing the importance of natural remedies, terpenes provide a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern science. They open the door to new possibilities in herbal medicine and offer potential for innovative applications in medicine and wellness. It's worth getting to know these hidden heroes better and taking advantage of their advantages.