The Botanist
The Botanist
Myrcene
Specifically b-myrcene is a monoterpene and the most common terpene produced by cannabis (some varieties contain up to 60% of the essential oil). It's aroma has been described as musky, earthy, and herbal. Myrcene is found in oils of hops, citrus fruits, bay leaves, eucalyptus, wild thyme, lemon grass and many other plants. Myrcene has some very special medicinal properties including lowering the resistance across the blood to brain barrier, allowing itself and many other chemicals to cross the barrier easier and more quickly. In the case of cannabinoids (like THC), myrcene allows the effects more quickly and more uniquely. Still, Myrcene has been shown to increase the maximum saturation level of the CB1 receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect. Myrcene is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antimutagenic. It blocks the action of ctyochrome , aflaxtoxin B, and other pro- mutagenic carcinogens. The Bonamin et al study focused on the role of B-myrcene in preventing peptic ulcer disease. The study revealed that B-myrcenc act as an inhibitor of gastric and duodenal ulcers, suggesting it may be helpful in preventing peptic ulcer disease. It's sedative and relaxing effects also make it ideal for insomnia and pain. Since myrcene is normally found in essential oil from citrus fruit, many claiming eating fresh mango 45 minuets before consuming cannabis will result in a faster onset of psycho activity and greater intensity. Be sure to choose a mango that is ripe otherwise, the myrcene level will be too low to make a difference.
Pinene
Pinene is a bicyclic monoterpenoid. Pinene has distinctive aromas of pine and fir. There are two structural isomers of pinene found in nature: a-pinene and b-pinene both forms are important components of pine resin. a-pinene is the most widely encountered terpene in nature. Pinene is found in many conifers, as well as in non-coniferous plants. It is found in mostly balsamic resin, pine woods, and some citrus fruits. The two isomers of pinene constitute the main component of wood turpentine. Pinene is one of the principal monoterpes that is important physiologically in both plants and animals. It tends to react with other chemical , forming a variety of other compounds. Pinene is used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator and local antiseptic. a-pinene is used in natural compounds isolated from pine needles oil which has shown anti-cancer activity and has been used as an anti-cancer agent in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. It is also believed that the effects of THC may be lessened mixed with pinene.
Limonene
Limonene is a monoterpenoid and one of two major compounds formed to from pinene. As the name suggests, varieties high in limonene have strong citrusy smells like oranges, lemons and limes. Strains high in limonene promote a general uplift mood and attitude this citrusy terpene is the major constituent in citrus fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint as well as in several pine needle oils. Limonene is highly absorbed by inhalation and quickly appears in the bloodstream. It assists in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and other terpenes through the skin and other body tissue. It is well documented that limonene suppresses the growth of many species of fungi and bacteria, making it an ideal anti-fungal agent for alignments such as toenail fungus. Limonene may be beneficial in protecting against various cancers and orally administered limonene is currently undergoing clinical trials in the treatment of breast cancer. Limonene has been found to help promote weight loss. Plants use limonene as a natural insecticide to ward off predators. Limonene was primarily used in food and perfumes until a couple decades ago, when it became better known as the main active ingredient in citrus cleaner . It has very low toxicity rate and adverse effects are rarely associated with it.
Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in many plants such as Thai, basil, cloves, cinnamon leaves, and black pepper and in minor quantities in lavender. Its aroma has been described as peppery, woody, and/or spicy. Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB2). Studies show b-caryophyllene was identifies as functional non-psychoactive CB2 receptor ligand in food stuff and as a macrocyclic anti-inflammatory cannabinoid in cannabis. The fine/ Rosenfeld Study demonstrates that other phytocannabinoids in combination especially with cannabodiol (CBD) and B-caryophyllene, delivered by the oral route appear to be promising candidates for the treatment of chronic pain due to their high safety and low adverse effect profiles. The Horvath et al study suggests B-caryophyllene through a CB2 receptor dependent pathway, may be an excellent therapeutic agent to prevent nephrotoxicity (poisonous effect on the kidneys) caused by anti-cancer chemo-therapy drugs such as Cisplain. The Jeena et al study investigated the chemical composition of essential oil isolated from black pepper oil was found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. This suggest that high- caryophyllene strains may be useful in healing a number of medical issues such as arthritis and nephropathy pain. Beta-caryophyllene is used especially in chewing gum when combined with other spicy mixtures of citrus flavorings
Linalool
Linalool is a non-cyclic monoterpenoid and has been described as having floral and lavender undertones. Varieties high in linalool promote calming and relaxing effects. Linalool has been used for centuries as a sleep aid. Linalool lessens the anxious emotions provoked by THC, thus making it helpful in the treatment of both psychosis and anxiety. Studies also suggest that linalool boost the immune system; can significantly reduce lung inflammation; and can restore cognitive and emotional function (making it useful for Alzheimer's disease) . As shown by the MaU,,Xu et al study, linalool may reduce lung inflammation caused by cigarette smoke by blocking the carcinogenesis induced by benz[a]anthroocene a component of the tar generated by the combustion of tobacco. The finding indicates limonene may be helpful in reducing the harm caused by inhaling cannabis smoke. Linalool boosts the immune system as it directly activates immune cells through specific receptors and/or pathways. The Sabogal-Guaqueta et al study suggests linalool may reverse the histopathological (the microscopic examination of biological tissues to observe the appearance of diseased cells and tissues in very fine fine detail) hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease and could restore cognitive and emotional functions via an anti-inflammatory effect. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved its use in pesticide, flavor, agent and scent. It is used in a wide variety of bath and body products and is commonly listed under ingredients fir these products as beta-linalool, linaloyl oxide, p-linalool and allocimenol. It vapors have been shown to be an effective insecticide against fruit flies and cockroaches. Linalool has been isolated in several hundred plants. The lamiacae plant/herb family, includes mints, other scented herbs are common sources. lauraceae plant family includes laurels, cinnamon, and rosewood. Ruteaceae family contains citrus plants. Linalool is critical precursor in the formation of Vitamin E.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a common component of sage and rosemary and is found in the oil derived from monterey cypress. Its largest use in the United States is in soaps and perfumes. Its also a great insect repellent. Terpinolene is known best to have a piney aroma with slight herbal and floral nuances. It tends to have a sweet flavor reminiscent of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Terpinolene has been found to be a central nervous system depressant used to induce drowsiness, sleep, or to reduce psychological excitement or anxiety. Further, terpinolene was found to markedly reduce the protein expression of AKTI in K562 cells and inhibit cell proliferation involved in a variety of human cancers.
Camphene
Camphene, a plant derivived monoterpene emits pungent odors of damp woodlands and fir needles. Camphene may play a critical role in cardiovascular disease. The Vallinou et al study found camphene reduces plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperglycemia rats. Given the importance that the control of hyperglycemia plays in heart disease, the result of this study provides insight into how camphene might be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical lipid lowering agents which are proven to cause intestinal problems, liver damage, and muscle inflammation. This finding alone warrants further investigation. Camphene is a minor component of many essiental oils such as turpentine, camphor oil, citronella oil, and ginger oil. It is used as a food additive for flavoring and also used in the preperation of fragrances. It is produced industrually by catalytic isomerization of the more common a-pinene.
Terpineol
A-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol and 4-terpineol are three closely related monoterpenoids. The aroma of terpineol has been compared to lilacs and flower blossoms. Terpineol is often found in cannabis varieties that have high terpene profiles, which unfortunately masks the fragrance aromas of terpineol. Terpineol, specifically known as a-terpineol, is known to have calming, relaxing effects, it also exhibits antibiotic, ACHe inhibitor and antioxidant antimalarial properties.
Phellandrene
Phelleandrene is described as a pepperminty, with slight scent of citrus. Phellandrene is believed to have special medicinal values. It has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the digestive disorders it is one of the main compounds in turmeric leaf oil, which is used to prevent and treat systemic fungal infections. Phellandrene is perhaps the easiest terpene to identify in the lab. When a solution of phellandrene in a solvent (or an oil containing phellandrene) is treated with a concentrated solution of sodium nitrate and then with a few drops of glacial acetic acid, very large crystals of phellandrene nitrate speedily form. Phellandrene was first discovered in eucalyptus oil. It wasn't until the early 1900s that it was actually constituted and shown that phellandrene from eucalyptus oil contained two isomeric phellandrene ( usually referred to as a-phellandrene and b-phellandrene) and on oxidation with potassium permanganate gave distinct acids, concluding that the acids had been derived from two different isomeric phellandrene. Before that, phellandrene was mistaken for pinene or limonene. Today we are aware of many essential oils where phellandrene is present it is however a uncertain terpene as it can only be detected in oils of some species, especially in eucalyptus, at particular times of the year. Phellandrene can be found in a number of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, garlic, dill, ginger and parsley. A number of plants produce b-phellandrene as a constitute of their essential oils, including lavender and grand fir. The recognizable odors of some essential oils depend most entirely upon the presence of phellandrene. Oil of pepper and dill oil are composed entirely of phenandrene. The principal consultant of ginger oil. Its absorbed through the skin making perfumes easy and flavoring for products
Carene
Delta-3-carene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a sweet pungent odor. It is found naturally in many healthy, beneficial essential oils, including cypress oil, juniper berry oil and fir needle essential oils. In higher concentrations, delta-3-carene can be a central nervous system depressant. It is often used to fry out excess body fluids, such as tears, mucus, and sweat. It is nontoxic but may cause irritation when inhaled. Perhaps high concentrations such as delta-3-carene in some strains may be partially responsible for the symptoms of coughing, itchy throat and eye afflictions when smoking cannabis. Delta-3-carene is also naturally present in pine extract, bell peppers, basil oil grapefruit and orange juices, citrus peel oils from fruits like lemons, limes, mandarins, tangerines, oranges and kumquats. Carene is a major component of turpentine and is used as flavoring in many products.
Humulene
Humulene is a sesequiterpene also known as a-humulene and b-caryophyllene ; an isomer of b-carphyllene. Humulene is found in hops, cannabis sativa strains and Vietnamese coriander, among other naturally occurring substances. Humulene is what gives beer its distinct "hoppy" aroma. Humulene is considered to be anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anorectic (suppress's appetite) it has commonly been blended with b-carphyllene and used as a major remedy for inflammation. Humlene has been used for generations in Chinese medicine. It aids in weight loss by acting as an appetite depressant.
Pulegone
a monocyclic monoterpenoid, is a minor component of cannabis. Higher concentrates of pulegone are found in rosemary. Rosemary breaks down acetylcholine in the brain, allowing nerve cells to communicate more effectively with one another. An ethnopharmacology study indicates pulegone may have significant sedative and fever reducing property. It may also alleviate the side effects of short-term memory loss sometimes associated with higher THC! Pulegone has a pleasant peppermint aroma and is considered to be a strong insecticide.
Sabinene
A bicyclic monoterpene who's aromas are reminiscent of the holidays (pines, oranges, and spices) Resulting in the ongoing study by Valente et al suggest that sabinene should be explored further as a natural source of new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs for the development of food supplements, nutraceuticals or plant based medicine. Sabinene occurs in many plants, including Norway spruce, black pepper, basil, and Myristica fragrans (an evergreen indigenous to the Moluccas) the spice island of Indonesia. The seeds of the Myristica fragrans are the worlds main source of nutmeg. Sabinene exist as (+)- and (-) enantiomers.
Geraniol
Geraniol produces a sweet delightful smell similar to roses. This makes it a popular choice for many bath and body products. Also known to be an effective mosquito repellant. Medically, geraniol shows promise in the treatment of nueropathy.