In a previous article available here [An Introduction to the Main Terpenes in Cannabis (Part 1)], we introduced you to the main terpenes found in the cannabis plant and explained their respective properties. In this new article, we delve deeper into the subject, this time focusing on secondary and tertiary terpenes, their roles, and their benefits.
Secondary terpenes or sesquiterpenes
They are composed of 15 carbon atoms. The sesquiterpenes most commonly found in cannabis are carene (delta-3-carene), caryophyllene oxide, fenchone, humulene, linalool, eucalyptol, bisabolol, nerolidol (or peruviole), alpha-phellandrene (α-phellandrene), camphene, α-β-Y-terpinene, farnesene, and terpineol.
Delta-3-carene
Delta-3-carene is one of the main components of pine essential oils. It is known for its properties as a phytoncide (the name given to a group of antimicrobial volatile organic compounds released into the air by trees and herbaceous plants), and it also exhibits anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that carene plays a role in improving sleep and that oral administration of delta-3-carene increases sleep duration and reduces sleep latency. It potentiates synaptic responses that are mediated by GABAA receptors, by prolonging the decay time constant of inhibitory synaptic responses.
Caryophyllene oxide
Caryophyllene oxide is a sesquiterpene epoxide—that is, a hydrocarbon that serves both a defensive function and as an aromatic component, with a scent that can be described as fresh, sweet, dry, woody, and spicy. It is, in fact, a compound used by drug-sniffing dogs to identify cannabis. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It is commonly found in field wormwood, salt heliotrope, cinnamon, sticky sage, and basil.
Fenchol
Fenchol has a strong, fresh aromatic profile dominated by camphor. This terpene exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and may play a role in pain relief by inhibiting the TRPA1 receptor, a key protein in the body’s pain signaling system.
"Caryophyllene oxide is used by drug-sniffing dogs"
Humulene
Humulene is also known as α-caryophyllene (alpha-caryophyllene); it is a terpene found in hop cones. Humulene contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. It is also considered an active mechanism in the fight against tumors, as evidenced by its ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Linalool
Linalool is a monoterpene alcohol widely found as a major component of plant essential oils, particularly in lavender and cilantro. Linalool is not toxic in and of itself; in fact, it has been shown to possess a wide range of synergistic bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, linalool exerts anxiolytic and antidepressant effects via the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor.
Eucalyptol
As its name suggests, eucalyptol has a strong, fresh, distinctive, and slightly pungent eucalyptus scent. This terpene is commonly found in eucalyptus as well as in certain varieties of orchids. Scientific studies have shown that eucalyptol possesses clear anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol has a fairly mild scent, reminiscent of citrus fruits and chamomile. It is found in chamomile and other natural herbs. It is a terpene widely used in the fragrance industry. Some scientific studies have shown that bisabolol has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Nerolidol
Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene alcohol that is a major component of the essential oils of neroli, Myrocarpus fastigiatus, and Brassavola nodosa. It is also present in smaller amounts in ginger, lavender, and lemongrass. This terpene is commonly used in perfumery due to its distinctive, intense, fresh, and fruity-floral aroma. It is also used in the production of eau de cologne. Nerolidol appears to possess antiseptic, energizing, and antifungal properties.
Alpha-phellandrene
Alpha-phellandrene has a pleasant minty and citrusy scent. It is the main component of essential oils derived from certain varieties of eucalyptus. Scientific studies show that alpha-phellandrene may have a variety of beneficial properties, such as boosting the immune system, as well as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Camphor
Camphene is a terpene with a pungent, herbaceous odor. It is a major component of mastic gum oil. It is also found in smaller quantities in the essential oils of turpentine, cypress, camphor, lemongrass, neroli, ginger, and valerian. Camphene has cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering effects, which help improve the body’s internal regulation of cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.
α-, β-, and Y-terpinene
Alpha, beta, and Y-terpinene are found in allspice, eucalyptus, citrus fruits, juniper, tea tree, cardamom, and marjoram. The α (alpha) isomer is also being studied as an anticancer compound.
Farnesene
Farnesene has a strong, green, apple-like scent. It is found in small amounts in basil, apples, mint, and ginger. Some insects use it for communication. It is also present in certain plants, which use it as a repellent against pests. Farnesene is a component used in the manufacture of tires in the automotive sector, as well as in the creation of numerous fragrances in the perfume industry. It appears to possess interesting antibacterial properties.
Terpineol
Terpineol is a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol found primarily in pine essential oil, as well as in other trees and certain plants (lavender, juniper, lovage, and marjoram). It is identified by its scent, which is similar to that of lily of the valley, lilac, and hyacinth. Terpineol is used in the manufacture of soaps and for other cosmetic applications. A scientific study shows that it may have beneficial effects in combating depression.
"Camphor is an excellent antifungal and antiparasitic agent."
Tertiary terpenes
These are the compounds found in small quantities in the cannabis plant: borneol, guaiol, cedrene, camphor, phytol, geranyl acetate, pulegone, cymene, and isopulegol (menthyl acetate).
Borneol
Borneol is a monoterpene, identifiable by its menthol-like, herbaceous, and even woody scent. It is found in ginger, mugwort, artemisia, rosemary, sage, oregano, and certain types of cinnamon. It is used by industrial manufacturers to produce various insect repellents. It appears to play an important role in the “entourage effect,” complementing the action of other terpenes. From a therapeutic standpoint, recent scientific studies have reportedly shown that it is quite effective in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells—in other words, it triggers their natural death. Other studies indicate that it also possesses antiviral properties, as it is a powerful inhibitor of the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Guaiol
Guaiol is a sesquiterpene alcohol with an aromatic profile similar to that of pine, and it can therefore easily be confused with pinene. It is found in certain trees, such as guaiacum, pine, and cypress. Medically, it is of interest because it has strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Cedrene
Cedrene is a sesquiterpene found in cedar essential oil, which is extracted from the tree of the same name. This terpene possesses powerful natural antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Camphor
Camphor is a bicyclic terpene derived from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). It can easily be confused with borneol, as their scents are quite similar. It is an excellent antifungal and antiparasitic agent, as it is highly effective at actively combating pathogenic fungi and repelling harmful insects. Camphor has been found to possess beneficial antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Phytol
Phytol is one of the main acyclic diterpene alcohols and a precursor to vitamins E and K. It is a very common terpene found in many chlorophyll-containing plants, such as green tea, as well as in milk, eggs, and petroleum sediments. It has a strong, fresh, floral, balsamic scent, which explains its use in the cosmetics industry. Several scientific studies have shown that it has soothing, digestive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties, and that it also strengthens the immune system.
Other tertiary terpenes
Geranyl acetate
Geranyl acetate is a monoterpene with a distinctive floral and fruity scent reminiscent of roses. It occurs naturally in lemongrass, rose, palmarosa, and coriander oils. Geranyl acetate is widely used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient in the manufacture of soaps and creams. This terpene has soothing, antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pulegon
Pulegone is a monocyclic monoterpene that gives off a strong odor reminiscent of peppermint, pennyroyal, and camphor. This terpene is used in both aromatherapy and perfumery. It can be a powerful natural insecticide against pests, but caution is advised due to its toxicity at high concentrations. Fortunately, pulegone is present in only trace amounts in the cannabis plant.
Cymene
Cymene is a monoterpene with an intensely herbaceous and spicy aroma. It is commonly found in cumin and thyme essential oils. Numerous international scientific studies have shown that cymene is a powerful natural pain reliever and that it also possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and expectorant properties.
Isopulegol
Isopulegol, or menthyl acetate, is simply a precursor to menthol; it is a monoterpene alcohol with an intensely minty aroma. It is found in pennyroyal and lemon eucalyptus. From a therapeutic perspective, scientific studies have shown that isopulegol has analgesic, anxiolytic, relaxing, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.
