TERPENES AND FLAVONOIDS

Terpenes

Awareness of terpenes is low, even though they are literally everywhere around us. Terpenes are volatile molecules that we encounter in our daily lives at every step.

They are found in a wide range of plants – flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Hemp is an herb particularly rich in terpenes. They can be described as a “package” of cannabinoids. It is worth remembering, however, that terpenes in CBD products do not always appear after the first extraction.

Manufacturers sometimes add additional terpenes in varying proportions to enhance the benefits of their CBD products.

Terpenes can be simply defined as volatile compounds found in plants that are responsible for their aromas. We inhale terpenes every time we smell a flower or fresh fruit. They surround us.

There are hundreds of different terpenes in the world, and over 200 have been discovered in cannabis plants. However, only a few are highly concentrated enough in cannabis to be considered significant.

Scientists have been studying terpenes for a long time and have concluded that specific terpenes may have several therapeutic applications.

They are also particularly popular in aromatherapy due to their holistic and natural effects.

There is much evidence to suggest that terpenes are beneficial when using CBD, both because of their specific effects on the body and because they contribute to the greater effectiveness of CBD products.

The most common terpenes found in CBD extract are:

Limonene – This terpene is usually found in the peel of citrus fruits. Its scent reminds us of lime, orange and lemon, but that is not its only advantage. It has strong antifungal properties, can improve mood, inhibit anxiety and reduce inflammation.

Myrcene – Myrcene is a terpene that is responsible for the sharp, earthy, and herbal aroma that is noticeable in hemp flowers. Considering its structure, it is the smallest terpene, but its size does not diminish its effects at all – it has strong relaxing reactions throughout the body, even leading to a feeling of drowsiness. As for its health benefits, they include antibacterial and analgesic properties.

· Pinene – found primarily in pine needles and several citrus fruits. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and bronchodilator.

Linalool – This terpene can also be found in lavender and chamomile, and is characterized by a delicate, floral aroma. Due to its properties, it can be helpful in falling asleep and has anti-anxiety effects. This terpene is also currently being studied as a cure for leukemia, cervical cancer, and other cancers.

Caryophyllene – one of the most promising terpenes, which is also found in cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. It gives some cannabis varieties their spicy, woody aroma. Its most unique feature is that it has the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, just like cannabinoids. It works mainly as analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Humulene – its action is focused on appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory properties. Other plants rich in humulene include hops (responsible for the aroma of hops), coriander, cloves and basil.

Terpinolene – responsible for the smoky and woody aroma found in cannabis, but also found in smaller amounts in sage and rosemary. It is known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and mildly sedative properties. Scientists have found that it helps reduce stress on the human central nervous system, meaning it helps reduce anxiety and can cause drowsiness.

It is worth noting that terpenes are not the same as terpenoids, because they differ in molecular structure. Terpenes are the live (fresh) version of terpenoids. The smell of live cannabis is caused by terpenes secreted by resin glands located in the lower part of the plant. Terpenoids are created during the drying and curing of cannabis flowers and are commonly used (apart from the use in the cannabis industry) as an ingredient in perfumes, spices and essential oils.

Recent findings suggest that terpenes can alter the duration and intensity of cannabis’ effects, as well as alter the smell and taste of the buds. In other words, without terpenes, the effects of various high-CBD cannabis strains would be bland and lacking in additional health benefits.

In summary, why are terpenes added to products? Because they enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids. For example, adding linalool and myrcene will give the product more relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. On the other hand, adding limonene and caryophyllene can provide increased concentration and energy.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are the third major component of hemp, alongside phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Flavonoids are compounds in plants that give them pigmentation (color), filter UV rays, attract pollinators, and prevent plant diseases. There are about 20 of them in hemp.

They are a very important and significant substance because they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer and antiallergic effects. The three main flavonoids found in hemp are:

· Quercetin – besides hemp, it is also found in green tea, red wine and berries. It acts as an antioxidant, antiviral and anticancer agent.

· apigenin – a component of herbs such as parsley, celery and chamomile. It has anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.

· cannaflavin A – a unique component of hemp with strong anti-inflammatory properties