Terpenes are a group of flavor compounds that plants use to protect themselves from pests, normally found in essential oils extracted from spices and herbs such as thyme, sage, citrus fruits, lemongrass, cloves, cinnamon, and cannabis. Moreover, terpenes in hemp also have synergist and supportive effects on the activities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. Terpenes can also use as hemp species identification methods because each species has unique types and amounts of terpenes. 
 

Common terpenes in hemp

• Caryophyllene

β-Caryophyllene is a terpene in hemp plants or hemp extract. The smell of β-Caryophyllene is spicy smelly like black pepper, rosemary, cloves, hops and also has anti-inflammatory properties. β-Caryophyllene is a terpene in hemp plant or hemp extract. The flavor of β-Caryophyllene is spicy and smelly, as black pepper, rosemary, cloves, or hops also have anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, β-Caryophyllene is a primary hemp active compound, has anti-depressant properties, and relives neuropathic pain, especially in vitro studies which may be beneficial for the long-term treatment of chronic pain in the future. [1]

• Pinene

Pinene is naturally found in pine, rosemary, and basil, which gives a fresh, forest, and greenery scent. Pinene can divide into 2 structures: α-pinene and β-pinene. Moreover, Pinene has antiseptic, antidepressant properties [2] and inhibits the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the human brain that helps reduce cognition and memory abnormality function caused by THC side effects [3]. 

• Myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene regularly found in hops, lemongrass, thyme, and hemp flower. Myrcene gives an intense musky scent (hop smell). The β-myrcene is the main component that has an analgesic effect in hemp by stimulating endogenous opioid release like morphine [4]. On the other hand, if the level of myrcene is over 0.5% may result in sedation or feeling don't want to do anything or being sleepy all the time, known as couch lock action. Myrcene also has antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties [5].

• Humulene

Humulene is the essential terpene in hops, cloves, ginger, and ginseng. Humulene is outstanding for preventing allergic reactions, especially asthma, and can reduce respiratory allergic inflammation in an animal model [6]. 

• Limonene

This terpene can increase serotonin and dopamine levels by stimulating anxiolytic effects, anti-stress, and sedatives of CBD. Limonene smells fresh and fruity like lemon, which is found in the citrus fruit family, especially in juice and essential oils from citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and grapefruits [4].

• Linalool

Linalool is a terpene found in lavender that gives a floral fragrance, the major scent used in aromatherapy. Linalool has anti-depressant properties that make you feel calm, relax, and reduce anxiety [7].

Furthermore, terpenes have a unique smell and many health benefits can be used in massage oil mixture for relieving pain, develop into a body scrub product, or be used as essential oils to make you feel calm and relaxed. Terpene can be further developed into products to reach the needs of each business. Therefore, high-quality terpenes are necessary for exclusive product development. The Salus bioceutical factory produces premium-grade hemp flower extract with the most advanced production technology in Thailand. Nowadays, there are only three machines in the world which is at Salus bioceutical (Thailand) is the first and only in the Southeast Asia region. 

References

[1] Russo E.B. Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br. J. Pharmacol. 2011; 163: 1344–1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.

[2] Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, et al. The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020; 18(2): 87-96. doi:10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923

[3] Miyazawa M., Yamafuji C. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity by bicyclic monoterpenoids. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005; 53: 1765–1768. doi: 10.1021/jf040019b.

[4] Maayah Z.H., Takahara S., Ferdaoussi M., Dyck J.R. The molecular mechanisms that underpin the biological benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract in the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammation. Biochim. Biophys. Acta (BBA) Mol. Basis Dis. 2020; 1866: 165771. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165771.

[5] Cox-Georgian D, Ramadoss N, Dona C, Basu C. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants. 2019: 333–59. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15.

[6] Tan JW, Israf DA, Tham CL. Major Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils Extracted from the Rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith: A Mini-Review on the Anti-allergic and Immunomodulatory Properties. Front Pharmacol. 2018; 9:652. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00652.

[7] Guzmán-Gutiérrez SL, Bonilla-Jaime H, Gómez-Cansino R, Reyes-Chilpa R. Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway. Life Sci. 2015; 128: 24-29. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.021.