What Are the Types of Terpenes?

The growing interest and debate over the health benefits of cannabinoids found in whole plants show that terpenes is more than just a health craze. But while CBD wonders have taken the spotlight, another substance works well with the cannabinoid to produce therapeutic effects and improve one’s health and well-being.

Terpenes are organic, aromatic compounds that give plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs their distinct smell. Have you ever wondered where the scent of citrus, mint, lavender, and rosemary come from? That’s terpenes at work. How about the intense fragrance of a variety of essential oil you’re using at home? That’s also from terpenes.

Terpenes: What Are Their Effects?

More than 100 types of terpenes in plants belong to the family Cannabaceae. It is crucial to preserve the plant's natural terpenes because each strain has its distinct blend that creates specific effects.

Several studies have shown how the non-psychoactive chemical compound and terpenes have effectively alleviated joint pain and treated some forms of schizophrenia, epilepsy, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Anecdotal evidence also shows users saying terpenes reduce stress and anxiety, helping them relax and fall asleep quickly.

More and more stakeholders are looking into the "entourage effect " — the idea that terpenes enhances the effect of the cannabinoid. More than their smell and flavor, terpenes can provide a broad spectrum of health and wellness benefits.

Types and Characteristics of Terpenes

Here are some common types of terpenes and the properties that make them stand out.

Myrcene

Myrcene is among the most common terpenes found in most strains of whole plants. It produces fruity, musky, earthy, or herbal smells in thyme, mango, lemongrass, bay laurel leaves, basil, and hops.

This terpene can be powerfully relaxing, and its effects are usually associated with sedation. It has also been reported to have potent analgesic effects and can help treat pain, muscle tension, insomnia, and inflammation.

Linalool

This terpene is found in more than 200 species of plants and exudes a soothing floral aroma. Herbs and plants rich in linalool include lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander. The compound is commonly used as a scenting agent in fragrances and skin and bath products.

This terpene type is widely known for its calming and relaxing effects. It is believed to have a natural sedative effect and has shown strong anti-anxiety and antidepressant applications. Besides mood enhancement benefits, the compound can also help treat general inflammation and arthritis.

Limonene

Easily distinguished by its strong citrusy or lemon-lime smell and flavor, limonene is also among the most abundant terpenes in hemp. It is commonly found in many everyday fruits and fruit rinds and rosemary, juniper, and peppermint.

Limonene is the one to choose if you need a quick pick-me-up as it is best known for elevating mood, relieving stress, and preventing anxiety attacks. This terpene is also a powerful antidepressant and has been shown to help treat gastrointestinal problems and heartburn and kill bacteria and fungi.

Pinene

This terpene is identified with the traditional, sharp, and pleasant pine aroma that enhances mood. Its two types, alpha and beta-pinene, are the most common in the natural world and are abundant in pine needles, pine cones, oranges, basil, parsley, rosemary, and dill.

The two types of pinene are believed to be potent anti-inflammatory compounds and are often used to treat arthritis. Not only can this type of terpene help you stay alert, but it is also significantly helpful in promoting memory retention. Pinene is also a bronchodilator and has also been used in asthma therapy for dealing with respiratory issues.

Caryophyllene

This type of terpene is commonly present in many leafy vegetables, edible herbs, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil, and oregano. Caryophyllene has a unique sweet yet peppery, spicy flavor and aroma. It is also used in many hemp-based pain-relieving topical creams.

Caryophyllene is the only terpene that can bind directly to a cannabinoid receptor and activate the endocannabinoid system. That’s why it is known for providing potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic benefits. It has also been found to be gastro-protective and suitable for treating certain ulcers.

Parting Shot

More and more studies are looking into the properties and effects of each terpene and to what extent they affect our health and well-being.

Terpenes offer therapeutic benefits in treating pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, cancer, epilepsy, bacterial and fungal infections, and more, encouraging stakeholders to maximize their full potential. The substance shows great promise for improving terpene-infused products' value and providing physical and mental benefits.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Kalki is one of the master flavor chemists at Sauce Terps and Medical Terpenes. He is the director of sales and marketing at Sauce Terps and Medical Terpenes, he is also a major contributor to research and development.