KNOWLEDGE BASE

PLANT TERPENES are essentially fragrant oils composed of hydrogen and carbon molecules (AKA hydrocarbons). They’re what give plants—their distinctive fragrances and flavours.

Terpenes are the largest family of natural compounds with over 55,000 identified to date and at least half are synthesised by plants. In nature, plants produce terpenes to attract pollinators like bees, ward off predators, and protect themselves from disease-causing microorganisms. In addition, they act as building blocks (called isoprene units) for more complex compounds, such as steroids, hormones, vitamins and even cannabinoids. All living organisms manufacture terpenes for certain essential physiological functions.

SOME ORGANIC TERPENES, like bisabolol (present in the chamomile plant) were used in ancient times as health preventatives and remedies for a variety of maladies. Today, manufacturers use terpenes as additives in foods, cosmetics, insect repellants, household cleaners and essential oils, and they’re increasingly being investigated for their therapeutic properties.

What Are Terpenes Used For?

TERPENES have a wide range of commercial uses—in food, personal care items, and household products. You’ll find terpenes in chewing gum, cleaning products, soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics.Terpenes are also key compounds found in the cannabis plant and have physiologic effects on their own. In addition, they enhance the absorption of cannabinoids. Some of the terpenes found in hemp plants have therapeutic properties that vary depending on a plant’s terpene profile and concentration, according to the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.These benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic (pain reduction)
• Antioxidant
• Neuroprotective (protects the nervous system: brain and spinal cord)
• Anticonvulsant (controls seizures)
• Anticancer (controls cancer)
• Anti-allergic (controls allergies)