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Cannabis Terpenoids: The Flavors and Fragrances of Health

Summer
Solstice has arrived and the plants are blooming. Smells of summer fill the air,
and with them come a lift in mood and a boost of energy. The particles that make up those scent
molecules are

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Summer
Solstice has arrived and the plants are blooming. Smells of summer fill the air,
and with them come a lift in mood and a boost of energy. The particles that make up those scent
molecules are called terpenoids and they make up the flavors and fragrances of
our lives.

Terpenoid
compounds or terpenes are essential oil components found in nature, and form
the largest group of chemical constituents found in plants. Terpenoid compounds
have evolved over time as the Earth’s creatures have evolved into ever more
complex structures and organisms. Plants produce terpenoids for a variety of
reasons mainly centering on the principles of attraction and repulsion. 

Terpenoids
have a huge effect on the mammalian brain. The Olfactory center or area of the
brain are associated with mood, memory, stress, and the ability to concentrate.
These areas also control the release of hormones which effect functions such as
appetite, sexual attraction, fertility cycles, and body temperature. This is
why scents and fragrances can have such profound effects on our thoughts and
actions. The sense of smell is also closely linked with the sense of taste. 

Researchers suggest that approximately 80 percent of what we taste is actually
due to our sense of smell, as without it we would only be able to taste the
five flavors that are distinguishable by the taste buds (nerve receptors) on
our tongue. The Cannabis plant expresses over 200 different types of
terpenoids. Each variety of cannabis has a terpenoid content that is genetically
determined, making the terpenoid profile or composition one way to identify
specific varieties. While the cannabinoid content provides information
regarding the strength, potency, and type of variety, the terpenoid content
shows how that variety is meant to be used medicinally.

The
main terpenoids found in cannabis used for medicinal purposes include
d-limonene, ß-myrcene, linalool, a-pinene, ß-caryophyllene, caryophyllene
oxide, pugelone, a- terpineol, and 1,8 cineole to name a few. Each variety of
cannabis contains a multiple number of terpenoids whose healing properties can
overlap and complement each other in very important ways.

D-Limonene
is found in lemon peels, lemongrass, and other citrus fruits, providing the
lemon scent. It is the second most widely distributed terpenoid found in
nature. It is used for the treatment of anxiety and depression, as an
anti-fungal due to its ability to increase the permeability of cellular
membranes, and as a treatment for gastric reflux and other digestive system
conditions. Research has shown it plays an important part in tumor apoptosis or
cell death.

ß-myrcene
is a potent antioxidant. Found in mangoes, hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus, lemon
grass and others, it easily crosses the blood brain barrier also increasing the
ability of the THC to bind to the CB1 receptor by inducing its attachment to
the receptor. It serves as an anti-inflammatory, liver protectant against
aflatoxin, muscle relaxant and sedative.

Linalool
is found in hundreds of plants including lavender, laurel, coriander, citrus
and rosewood. It has a mild sedative action and is used to reduce anxiety.
Research is being done now to determine if it has anti-epileptic properties.
The scent of linalool can be detected by the olfactory sense at only 1 ppm.

A-pinene
is the most predominant terpenoid found in nature.  A component of many other more complex terpenes, it has
anti-inflammatory properties and works as bronchodilator. A-pinene has also
demonstrated action as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor along with the
terpenoid pugelone.

ß-caryophyllene
is found in oregano, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, thyme and black pepper. Recent
research has shown it has anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fibrotic,
and anxiety reducing effects. Terpenoids are delicate, volatile molecules that
are easily destroyed by heat and affected by light and humidity. Storing
cannabis in a dark glass jar, once dried, will help to preserve the terpenoid
content. Terpenoid content can also be increased just prior to harvest by
exposing the plants to a relative lack of nitrogen, so flush well. Enjoy the
flavors and fragrances of summer and the additive healing properties they
bring.

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