What are terpenes?
A frequently asked question we receive at Candor is ‘what are terpenes?’. Terpenes, or terpenoids, are aromatic compounds that are found in many plants. Terpenes are widely used in aromatherapy and other wellness practices for their distinctive scents and properties.
What are terpenes and what do they do?
Terpenes are highly aromatic compounds responsible for the flavours and scents of various herbs and plants, such as lavender and rosemary. They also serve a crucial function in plants by defending against pathogens, predators and competitors within their environment. There is a wide range of terpenes in nature, but only a tiny percentage of them have been investigated.
How do terpenes work?
Some terpenes are bioactive. Meaning they can interact with biological systems, such as antioxidant effect, induction or inhibition of enzymes, inhibition of receptor activities and inhibition and induction of gene expression. Research is ongoing to better understand their properties and effects.
Terpenes are also capable of modulating metabolic processes. The International Journal of Neuroscience suggests that terpenes’ effects can be described in two ways: psychological or pharmacological.
Psychological effect
The psychological impact of terpenes encompasses a person's perceptions and emotions. As fragrant oils, terpenes naturally stimulate our sense of smell, potentially influencing moods and emotions in a cascading manner.
Pharmacological effect
The pharmacological impact of terpenes pertains to their effects on the physical aspects of the human body. For instance, terpenes can interact with the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and with the nervous system as well.
Do terpenes affect people?
Many terpenes are bioactive, meaning they have the potential to affect the body. The impact varies depending on how they are used and their concentration.
Due to their aromatic qualities, terpenes play a significant role in numerous alternative therapies and are fundamental to many essential oils. Some studies suggest certain scents may influence mood or relaxation, though evidence remains limited.
Types of terpenes
The effect and medicinal benefits of terpenes vary depending on the type of terpenes used, concentration and manner of administration.
Some of the most common terpenes found in different types of plants include:
Limonene is a common terpene that is easily recognised by its scent. Limonene is the citrusy smell found in the rinds of oranges and lemons.
Linalool is most rich in the lavender plant and gives the flower its powerful scent.
Humulene is a key component of the hop plant. Other plants, such as ginger and clove, also contain humulene.
Myrcene is commonly found in plants such as mangos, lemongrass, thyme, flowers and hops.
Beta-caryophyllene exists in many vegetables and herbs, such as black pepper and cloves.
The terpenes mentioned above are among the most common terpenes that people are likely to come across. Over 25,000 different types of terpenes have been identified in nature.
Some people enjoy terpene-rich plants and essential oils for their aromas, but more research is needed to understand their possible health relevance. Researchers must continue to study terpenes to fully understand their potential medicinal uses.
References
Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020 Dec 8;25(24):5792. doi: 10.3390/molecules25245792. PMID: 33302574; PMCID: PMC7763918.
Cox-Georgian D, Ramadoss N, Dona C, Basu C. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants. 2019;333-359. Published 2019 Nov 12. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be used as medical advice or a substitute for your own practitioner’s advice, nor is it intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment for any illness/disease.
