What Are Terpenes? How Do They Work With CBD and Wellness?

Written by: Daniel Fayad, Subject Matter Expert and Website President
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

What are terpenes? These naturally occurring compounds impart distinct aromas to plants, and they have become a buzzword in the CBD world for their role in influencing flavor and potential therapeutic effects. This article maps out the function and benefits of terpenes, from the fresh scent in your garden to their interactive role with CBD, leading you through the science without the jargon.

Key Takeaways

• Terpenes are hydrocarbons responsible for the scent and flavor of plants, like cannabis, with diverse applications extending beyond aroma to medicinal, cosmetic, and agricultural industries.

• Research indicates that terpenes may amplify the efficacy of cannabinoids through the ‘entourage effect’ in the human endocannabinoid system, influencing mood, sleep, appetite, and pain—pointing to potential therapeutic benefits in health and wellness.

• Advancements in technology, such as CO2 extraction, gas chromatography, and synthetic biology, have improved terpene analysis and production, ensuring potency and purity, and paving the way for innovative applications.

The Basics of Terpenes

Terpenes are primary constituents of essential oils found in plants and some animals like insects. These secondary plant substances, also known as natural terpenes, are responsible for the unique aroma characteristics of a diverse range of botanical species, including cannabis. Whether it’s the citrusy scent of lemons or the minty freshness of eucalyptus – it’s all thanks to terpenes.

Besides their sensory appeal, terpenes play a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of various plants, contributing to their unique sensory profiles.

The Chemical Nature of Terpenes

In essence, terpenes are hydrocarbons, made up entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. However, what makes them truly unique is their structure. Each terpene is assembled from isoprene units, with each unit consisting of five carbon atoms bonded together in a specific arrangement. This structural uniqueness gives rise to a plethora of terpenes, each with distinct aromas and properties.

From the invigorating pinene with its unmistakable pine aroma to the calming linalool found in lavender, the chemical composition of terpenes, which are a group of chemical compounds, is truly a marvel of nature.

Diverse Types and Their Sources

Terpenes are incredibly diverse, with each type offering a unique sensory experience. For instance, common terpenes found in hemp include:

• Myrcene: earthy scent

• Limonene: citrusy fragrance

• Beta-caryophyllene: spicy aroma

• Pinene: pine-like smell

• Linalool: floral scent

Each of these terpenes has its unique aroma profile, from the earthy scent of myrcene to the citrusy fragrance of limonene.

Not limited to hemp, terpenes are found in a wide array of plants. For example, pinene, known for its distinctive pine fragrance and recognized for its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, is abundant in conifers.

Terpenes Beyond Scent: Their Role in Plant Life and Human Use

While terpenes’ aromatic properties are undoubtedly fascinating, their role extends far beyond simply scent. In nature, terpenes contribute to the plant’s defense mechanism against pathogens and herbivores, and in some cases, they also aid in recovery from damage. These microscopic warriors not only protect the plant but also communicate with the surrounding environment, attracting pollinators or deterring pests.

Moreover, the study of terpenes has led to a plethora of applications in human life. From developing new medicinal treatments and enhancing food flavors to creating alternative biofuel sources, the potential uses of terpenes are vast and varied. Thus, terpenes are not just the aroma providers of nature but also little powerhouses with immense potential.

Terpenes in Nature’s Defense Mechanism

In the plant kingdom, terpenes act as natural bodyguards. These compounds serve as a defense against herbivores and pathogens, deterring plant predators and contributing to plant healing processes. But that’s not all. Plants even use terpenoid-based volatile organic compounds to control pest populations by attracting the natural predators of those pests.

Moreover, terpene homologues like DMNT and TMTT play crucial ecological roles. From attracting pollinators and inducing defense in neighboring plants to contributing to pest avoidance strategies – these terpenes are true multitaskers of the plant world. As we continue to unravel the complexities of terpenes, we gain insights that could potentially revolutionize sustainable pest control approaches in agriculture.

Terpenes in Everyday Products

While terpenes’ role in nature is fascinating, their application in everyday human life is equally intriguing. Humans consume terpenoids in foods that significantly affect the eating experience, as they are major flavor components in many herbs, spices, and alcoholic beverages. The zesty taste in your lemon tart or the spicy kick in your curry – it’s all thanks to terpenes.

Beyond food, terpenes find significant use in the cosmetics and fragrance industry due to their aromatic properties, with around 300 essential oils, including tea tree oil, commercially used in various products. Furthermore, with their antimicrobial properties, terpenes in essential oils have shown potential as an essential oil natural food preservative.

So, the next time you enjoy a fragrant soap or savor a spice-infused dish, remember the tiny terpenes that make it all possible.

The Intersection of Terpenes and Wellness

The benefits of terpenes extend beyond their sensory appeal and ecological roles. Emerging research suggests that terpenes may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially enhancing or inhibiting the activity of receptors involved in:

• mood regulation

• sleep regulation

• appetite regulation

• pain regulation

This could potentially offer therapeutic benefits, making terpenes a subject of great interest in health and wellness circles.

Certain terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, and pinene have been suggested to have sedative properties, antidepressant qualities, and anti-inflammatory action respectively. These properties could potentially be harnessed for the treatment of conditions like cancer and diabetes. Thus, terpenes are not just about flavors and fragrances but could also play a pivotal role in human health and wellness.

Terpenes and Aromatherapy

One of the most popular applications of terpenes in wellness is in the field of aromatherapy. Terpenes are used in aromatherapy for their potential relaxing and sedative effects. Aromatherapy involves the diffusion of essential oils containing terpenes, providing potential therapeutic benefits.

For instance, terpenes present in essential oils, such as linalool found in lavender, are believed to contribute to sedative and anxiolytic effects when used in aromatherapy. The floral scent of linalool from lavender, when inhaled, is believed to have a calming effect that can improve sleep. So, the next time you enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy session, remember it’s the terpenes working their magic.

Medicinal Properties: From Anti-inflammatory to Antibacterial

Terpenes and terpenoids in plant essential oils are renowned for their biological activities. These go beyond aromatic qualities and include:

• Anticancer effects

• Antimicrobial effects

• Anti-inflammatory effects

• Antioxidant effects

• Antiallergic effects

For instance, terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and pinene have shown therapeutic potential, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties that might benefit medical treatments.

Terpenes can incapacitate bacteria by inhibiting vital biological processes such as protein and DNA synthesis, leading to bacterial cell rupture. Furthermore, monoterpenoids, prevalent in aromatic and medicinal plants, have been shown to hinder the multiplication of disease-causing microbes, impacting their physiological and metabolic functions.

Historically recognized for their preservation capabilities, terpenoids found in herbs and spices, including medicinal plant species, have been utilized for their microbicidal and insecticidal properties, forming the foundation of their medicinal application in both ancient and modern practices. The established anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and pinene underlie their significance in medical cannabis sativa, potentially contributing to therapeutic strategies.

Terpenes in the Cannabis Experience

Terpenes play a crucial role in the cannabis experience. These compounds are primary constituents of essential oils in cannabis that contribute significantly to the plant’s aroma, augmenting the sensory attributes that are central to the cannabis consumption experience. Additionally, terpenes may interact with psychoactive metabolites, further enhancing the overall effects.

Hundreds of terpenes identified in cannabis contribute to the diverse sensory experiences and potential therapeutic benefits, ranging from:

• relaxation

• stress relief

• pain relief

• anti-inflammatory effects

• potential medicinal properties

Different strains of cannabis possess unique terpene profiles, which can influence their effects on health and wellness, altering both the flavor and potential therapeutic outcome. Thus, consumers can tailor their cannabis experience by choosing strains with specific terpene profiles that align with their individual tastes and desired effects.

Terpene Profiles of Popular Cannabis Strains

Cannabis contains a variety of terpenes and cannabis cannabinoid res, including those found in various cannabis species and cannabis plants:

• Limonene

• Myrcene

• α-pinene

• Linalool

• Caryophyllene and its oxide

These terpenes are housed in specialized structures called trichomes, each type offering a distinct terpene profile.

Studies of cannabis strains such as:

• Pink Kush

• Afghani Drifter

• Blue Dream

• Ultra Sour

• Western Frost

• Reeferman’s Rockstar

illustrate the diversity of terpene profiles within these plants. Each strain, with its unique terpene profile, offers a distinct sensory experience, influencing not just the aroma and flavor, but also the potential therapeutic benefits.

The Entourage Effect: Terpenes and Cannabinoids Working Together

In the world of cannabis, terpenes don’t work in isolation. They team up with cannabinoids to enhance the effects of cannabis products – a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This synergistic relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids can potentially enhance the therapeutic benefits of cannabis products.

Understanding cannabis terpene chemistry is crucial for exploring their entourage effect with cannabinoids. It’s this intricate relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids that enables consumers to tailor their cannabis experience, choosing strains with specific terpene profiles that align with their desired effects.

Extraction and Preservation of Terpenes

Extraction and preservation of terpenes are crucial steps in maintaining their authentic aromas and flavors. Preserving the natural terpene profile is crucial for maintaining the authentic aromas and flavors of the plant.

Companies like ALPINOLS use CO2 extraction as their method to extract terpenes for their CBD oils. This method ensures the highest quality CBD product, which includes preserving the natural spectrum of terpenes.

Traditional vs. Modern Extraction Techniques

Traditional extraction methods for terpenes include distillation and solvent-based techniques, with some of the earliest protocols dating back over 300 years and contributing to numerous scientific achievements. However, modern techniques have also been introduced. Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) is a modern technique that utilizes the intrinsic moisture of biological material to recover volatile terpenoids, often resulting in a high concentration of oxygenated compounds.

Modern methods such as Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) often provide higher yields of non-volatile terpenoids compared to traditional methods, especially when using optimized parameters. Whether one opts for traditional or modern techniques, the goal remains the same – to extract terpenes efficiently while preserving their authentic aromas and flavors.

Ensuring Purity and Potency in Terpene Extraction

Ensuring purity and potency in terpene extraction involves considering the following factors:

• Environmental factors such as temperature and light exposure, which influence terpene production in plants

• Drying methods that preserve the quality of the terpenes

• Utilizing optimized extraction techniques to maximize purity and potency during the extraction process.

The drying method used prior to extraction is crucial for preserving volatile terpenes and thus affects the quality and profile of the final extracted terpenoids. Protecting the integrity of plant storage structures like plastids or vesicles during drying is essential for effective terpenoid recovery. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction offers a modern method for extracting non-volatile terpenoids at reduced extraction times while achieving results comparable to the traditional Soxhlet extraction.

Moreover, extraction methods can be specifically optimized for different types of terpenes, taking into account whether they are nonpolar or more polar compounds. Utilizing an internal standard in the extraction solvent that closely resembles the target terpene’s chemical composition can support more accurate quantification and enhance recovery. Thus, every step in the extraction process is meticulously planned and executed to ensure the highest purity and potency of terpenes.

Technological Advances in Terpene Research

The world of terpenes is witnessing significant technological advances. Synthetic biology facilitates the sustainable and efficient production of terpenoids in bioengineered microorganisms such as E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetic tools in metabolic engineering enable the production of non-native terpenes through genome editing.

Strategies in microbial biosynthesis have been developed to enhance terpenoid production, including optimizing pathway efficiencies and constructing gene circuits. However, microbial terpenoid production encounters challenges like the inadequate characterization of biological parts, along with issues in post-modification and toxic intermediate accumulation. Nevertheless, these challenges are being addressed, paving the way for more efficient terpene production.

Gas Chromatography and Terpene Analysis

Technological improvements have enabled precise testing and profiling of cannabis terpenes. Gas chromatography, often coupled with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), is a common method for terpene testing due to its capability to analyze volatile terpene compounds accurately. The process of gas chromatography for terpene analysis involves solvent-based extraction, separation of compounds in a gas chromatograph, and detection by burning compounds in a Flame Ionization Detector.

Special techniques like solid-phase microextraction or molecular trapping are used to capture volatile terpenes from plant emissions before they are analyzed by gas chromatography. The use of gas chromatography for terpene testing enables precise terpene profiling which is critical for accurate product labeling and informing consumers about the content and expected experience of cannabis products.

Innovations in Synthetic Terpenes

Synthetic biology techniques are creating microbial cell factories that produce plant-derived natural products, like terpenes, more efficiently than traditional methods. Engineered microbial strains like Saccharomyces cerevisiae are used in plant sci and synthetic biology to produce terpenes such as geraniol and limonene.

Specific techniques like mitochondrial compartmentalization and metabolic pathway optimization in engineered yeasts have led to increased yields of terpenes. Furthermore, co-culture engineering involving multiple microbial species has been developed to optimize different steps of the terpenoid synthesis pathway, enhancing production levels.

Thus, scientific innovation is paving the way for the efficient production of terpenes, opening up new possibilities in their application.

Summary

In essence, terpenes are the unsung heroes of the plant world and beyond. From providing distinctive aromas and flavors to serving as a defense mechanism in plants, these tiny molecules play a significant role in our everyday lives. Their potential therapeutic benefits, their role in the cannabis experience, and their diverse applications in food, cosmetics, and biofuels make them a subject of great interest and ongoing research.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of terpenes, we are bound to discover new applications and benefits. The field of terpene research is dynamic, with constant technological advances and innovations. The future of terpenes looks promising, with endless possibilities awaiting exploration. Remember, the next time you savor a fragrant meal or relax with a soothing aromatherapy session, it’s the terpenes working their magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are terpenes, and where are they found?

Terpenes are primary constituents of essential oils found in plants and some animals like insects, responsible for the unique aroma characteristics of various botanical species, including cannabis. They are found in the essential oils of plants and some animals like insects.

What role do terpenes play in plants?

Terpenes play a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of plants and contribute to their defense mechanism against pathogens and herbivores, while also aiding in recovery from damage. This makes them essential for the survival and well-being of plants.

How do terpenes contribute to human health and wellness?

Terpenes may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially offering therapeutic benefits by affecting mood, sleep, appetite, and pain regulation. This suggests that they can contribute to human health and wellness.

What is the role of terpenes in the cannabis experience?

Terpenes in cannabis play a vital role in enhancing the sensory attributes and aroma of the plant, and they work together with cannabinoids to create the entourage effect, boosting the overall cannabis experience significantly.

How are terpenes extracted, and how is their purity and potency ensured?

Terpenes are extracted using traditional and modern techniques like distillation, solvent-based methods, and Microwave-Assisted Extraction. Their purity and potency are ensured through environmental considerations, drying methods, and optimized extraction techniques.

Written by Daniel Fayad - Subject Matter Expert and Website President

Dan Fayad is a results-driven healthcare administration expert and content writer. With a Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California, he’s carved a niche for himself in the dynamic world of healthcare and business development. Dan uses his experience to educate and empower people on their wellness journeys.