Terpenes: interaction between different herbs

[ander]

My interest on terpenes is growing after reading this thread about vaping rosemary. I think that this argument could be very interesting... so I made a new thread instead of posting there. Don't know if the topic fits the Medical Discussion. Move it if I've thought wrong.

So terpenes are the major components of an herb's oil and resin (and so responsible for tastes and effects). I'm not a biologist nor a chemist, and the theme is not simple... and I admit that I'm really confused at the moment... but it seems that terpenes may potentiate, activate each other... so my idea is to find some recipes by mixing mj with other herbs to reach and/or increase specific effects and benefits.

This doesn't pretend and doesn't want to be a guide but a source of information and inspiration to help finding different herbs for vaping purpose. Please share your thoughts, experience and knowledge.

On the next post(s) a list of mj's terpenes, with some general information on effects and related herbs and plants. Source: this nice site "the LEAF online" and wikipedia.

 

[ander]

Limonene
Limonene is most commonly found in highest concentrations in the rinds of citrus fruit. Also Found In: rosemary, juniper, peppermint.

A major reason for limonene’s widespread use is its very low toxicity. While not being toxic to humans, a recent study done in the United Kingdom shows that allergic reactions to limonene and linalool are more common than previously thought. Limonene is a chemical precursor to the terpenoid Carvone, and may be related to α-pinene.
Limonene has numerous medicinal benefits including promoting weight loss, aiding digestion, and preventing gastric distress. Limonene also shows promise as a treatment for anxiety and depression. Most interestingly, limonene has been shown both to stimulate the immune system and be an effective treatment for cancer.

Boiling Point: 176 °C (349 °F)

High Limonene Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk

Antidepressant – Relieves symptoms of depression.
Antifungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces inflammation.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Anxiolytic – Relieves anxiety.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux – Reduces acid reflux.
Immunostimulant – Stimulates the immune system.

 

[ander]

Myrcene
It is found in very high concentrations in sweet basil, hops, mangoes and cannabis. Hops and cannabis are cousins, both members of the family Cannabaceae. Other plants: bay, ylang-ylang, wild thyme, parsley, lemongrass.

Myrcene is crucial in the formation of other terpenes and it synergizes the antibiotic potential of other terpenes. One reason why myrcene could be so commonly found in cannabis is that it has been shown to change the permeability of cell membranes to allow more absorption of cannabinoids by the brain. This effect of myrcene has been known about since the 1970s and long ago spawned a rumor that eating a ripe mango before smoking would get you higher. According to recent information published by Steep Hill Labs, a major cannabis testing laboratory in the Bay Area, for most people eating a fresh mango 45 minutes before inhaling cannabis will increase the effects of that cannabis. Rev. Dr. Kymron de Cesare of Steep Hill is an advocate of what he calls “overlapping synergies” between myrcene and other terpenes with the various cannabinoids, such as how myrcene makes THC more effective.

Boiling Point: 168 °C (334 °F)

High Myrcene Cannabis Strains: Pure Kush, El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1, White Widow
Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions.

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-Diabetic – Helps mitigate the effects of diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Insomnia – Aids with sleep.
Anti-Proliferative/Anti-Mutagenic – Inhibits cell mutation, including cancer cells.
Antipsychotic – Tranquilizing effects relieve symptoms of psychosis.
Antispasmodic – Suppresses muscle spasms.

 

[ander]

Linalool
A common terpene in cannabis although best known for giving lavender its distinct scent and flavor.
Over 200 species of plants produce linalool, mainly from the families Lamiaceae (mints, scented herbs), Lauraceae (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood), and Rutaceae (citrus fruits). Is a major constituent of the essential oils of coriander seed, palmarosa, sweet orange flowers, bay laurel and sweet basil.

Linalool is often used in aromatherapy as a sleep aid, a relaxant and as a treatment for anxiety for thousands of years. Linalool is crucial in the production of Vitamin E in the body, which makes it a very important terpene for healthy functioning.

Boiling Point: 198 °C (388.4°F)

High Linalool Cannabis Strains: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential
Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions.

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antidepressant – Relieves symptoms of depression.
Anti-Epileptic – Reduces seizures and convulsions.
Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces inflammation.
Antipsychotic – Tranquilizing effects relieve symptoms of psychosis.
Anxiolytic – Relieves anxiety [? – More research is needed]
Sedative – Promotes sleep.

 

[ander]

Pinene
Pinene is the main terpene in pine trees which gives them their characteristic scent. It’s a major constituent of turpentine and is also found in high amounts in rosemary and cannabis. Pinene is one of the most common terpenes in the plant world: is a major component of the essential oils of Sideritis (ironwort) and Salvia (sage). Also found in basil, parsley, dill.

Evidence shows that pinene can be a bronchodilator, increasing airflow to the lungs and helping with conditions such as asthma. Like many terpenes and cannabinoids, pinene is both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, making it useful for a sufferer of chronic pain. Pinene helps fight cancer by encouraging apoptosis and being an anti-proliferative. Pinene is an antioxidant and even appears to aid in memory retention. Pinene is also crucial to our bodies because it forms the biosynthetic base for CB2 ligands in the endocannabinoid system.

Boiling Point: 155 °C (311 °F)

High Pinene Cannabis Strains: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Super Silver Haze
Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions.

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant – Prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body.

 

[ander]

Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is the primary terpene that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and also a major terpene in cloves, hops, rosemary, and cannabis.

It is unique for being both a terpene and a “dietary cannabinoid,” a food-stuff which acts as a cannabinoid and binds to CB2 receptors. As stated in my first terpene profile, cannabinoids are a terpenophenolic compound, sub-set of terpenes. Since cannabinoids and terpenes are related it is no surprise that terpenes would trigger the body’s endo-cannabinoid receptors. The same 2008 study, which first identified caryophyllene as a cannabinoid, also found it had numerous medicinal benefits, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and local anesthetic effects.

Boiling Point: 160 °C (320 °F)

High Caryophyllene Cannabis Strains: Hash Plant
Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions.

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Antidepressant – Relieves symptoms of depression.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant – Prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body.
Anxiolitic – Helps relieve anxiety.
Neuroprotective – Slows damage to the nervous system and brain.

 

[ander]

So... I think I'll try something like this soon:

MJ + Hops (Myrcene+Caryophyllene) + Rosemary (Pinene + Caryophyllene)

Caryophyllene: trigger the body’s endo-cannabinoid receptors
Myrcene: makes THC more effective
Pinene: forms the biosynthetic base for CB2 ligands

Well... not exactly for medical purpose...

@Limonene lovers: @Winegums @Maitri
Do you think we could vape some dried lemon grated rinds..?

Edit-> added some informations from Leafly - Terpenes: The Flavors of Cannabis Aromatherapy

 

[ander]

Borneol
Borneol is described as having a minty, spicy, cooling, or herbal scent and it is found in high concentrations in camphor, rosemary, and mint plants. Can be found in several species of Artemisia, Dipterocarpaceae, Blumea balsamifera and Kaempferia galanga.

In addition to numerous medicinal properties, research released on January 8th shows that borneol can be an effective disease vector control method to combat West Nile and other mosquito borne pathogens.

Boiling Point: 213 °C (451 °F)

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-Fibrosis – Balances the body’s fibrosis response to injury.
Anti-Fungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Antioxidant – Prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body.

 

[ander]

Terpinolene
Terpinolene has a smokey or woody odor and is found in apple, cumin, lilac and tea tree.

Terpinolene is neither an analgesic or an anti-inflammatory, which is surprising as most cannabinoids and terpenoids are one of the two, if not both. It does help fight cancer like most other cannabinoids, and it is anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial. Terpinolene is a sedative which may also be helpful in cancer treatment if patients have difficulty sleeping, possibly in conjunction with other terpenes or cannabinoids like linalool and cannabinol.

Boiling Point: 183-220 °C (361-428 °F)

Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-Fungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anti-Insomnia – Aids with sleep.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant – Prevents oxidation damage to other molecules in the body.

 

[ander]

Humulene
Humulene is one of the predominant terpenes in Humulus Lupulus, common hops, from which it gets its name; it’s also found in cannabis, sage, and ginseng.

Humulene is like most other cannabinoids and terpenes in that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. It also displays anti-cancer properties. Humulene is unique because, like THCv, it acts as an appetite suppressant, making it promising for weight loss treatments.

Boiling Point: 198 °C (388 °F)

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Anorectic – Appetite suppressant, promotes weight loss.

 

[ander]

Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol, also commonly called cineole, is the primary terpene found in eucalyptus, which is how this terpene got its name. Eucalyptol can comprise over 80% of the total in the essential oils from eucalyptus trees. It is also found in camphor laurel, bay leaves, tea tree, mugwort, sweet basil, wormwood, rosemary, common sage, cannabis sativa, and other aromatic plant foliage.

Cineole can be taken orally by being inhaled, drank as a tincture, or eaten. When taken orally or applied topically it is important to dilute the strength of the essential oil. In high enough doses, like with all chemicals, eucalyptol is toxic and can cause death; unlike the other terpenes and cannabinoids I have covered, at least two people have died from cineole overdose.

Boiling Point: 176°C / 348.8° Fahrenheit

Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antibacterial – Slows bacterial growth.
Anti-Fungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant – Prevents the damage of oxidation to other molecules in the body.

 

[ander]

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[snamuh]

Hey man, thanks for consolidating this info!