What are Terpenes, Chlorophyll and Flavonoïds?

In addition to more than 100 different cannabinoids, other essential substances are also naturally present in the beneficial hemp plant. Substances that contribute to the positive therapeutic effect include terpenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids. These substances work together or amplify cannabinoids such as CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBGa, CBN, CBC, and other cannabinoids.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are fragrances and flavors. There are more than 50,000 different species in nature. Think of the smell of freshly cut grass or the scent released when you peel an orange.

Cannabis Terpenes - Terpinoid profile of CBD oil

Each plant species has its distinctive smell and taste, including hemp. The hemp plant contains 140 to 200 different terpenes. The trichomes produce terpenes on the hemp plant. Trichomes are tiny resin droplets on the tops of a hemp plant. To the naked eye, they look like white crystals or powder snow—the more trichomes, the more terpenes, and of course cannabinoids. The quality of terpenes is determined by factors such as sun, water, and soil quality. And each cannabis strain has its own “terpene profile.” A terpene profile is the amount and number of different types of terpenes. Terpenes naturally deter pest insects; they attract beneficial insects and protect the hemp plant against environmental stressors, for example, against too much heat from the sun.

Terpenes are the volatile aromatic compounds you smell and taste in a CBD oil or extract. They have a positive influence on cannabinoids. Terpenes work together or enhance the effect of cannabinoids.

Are terpenes also beneficial for humans?

Yes, of course! Terpenes themselves have beneficial properties. But they also have a significant influence on cannabinoids. This is known as the “Entourage effect”. Terpenes play a major role in enhancing the effects of CBD, CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids. Heating is used in some extraction processes or when decarboxylating hemp extract. Terpenes can be lost in this process, which is unfortunate because these natural fragrances and flavors each benefit. Terpenes have a specific influence on our receptors and neurotransmitters. These are small signaling devices located throughout our body called the “endocannabinoid system".

Which terpenes can be found in the hemp plant?

These are the most common terpenes present in the hemp plant.

Bèta-caryophyllene

The spicy smell, which makes your nose tickle when you grind pepper, is due to the terpene caryophyllene. Bèta-caryophyllene is the most common terpene in cannabis extracts. That is why a CBD oil, made from a full spectrum extract, often tastes a bit sharp and spicy. Bèta-caryophyllene is a substance that adapts and transforms into a perfectly fitting key on specific receptors in the body to affect the endocannabinoid system. Research (in mice) has shown that bèta-caryophyllene could be a good remedy for anxiety and depression. For example, this terpene can help bring the mind back into balance and play a role in regulating our emotions. It could also reduce the feelings of anxiety caused by a (too) high level of THC in the body. That is why it is often recommended to drop some CBD oil if you experience unpleasant side effects from the psychoactive substance THC. Furthermore, it is said to have an analgesic effect, and beta-caryophyllene acts as an anti-inflammatory.

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Bèta-caryophyllene is a spicy fragrance with a sharp taste. This terpene positively affects the endocannabinoid system and can help regulate our emotions. Bèta-caryophyllene could reduce anxiety.

Fragrance: spicy, sweet, woody, nutty.

Also found in black pepper, cloves, oregano, turmeric, basil, St. John's wort, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, thyme.

Assumed properties:

Anti-fungal
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Soothing
Antispasmodic
Nerve protective
Reduces anxiety
Antidepressant

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is a terpene derived from eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a plant species known for its fresh, minty camphor aroma. The essential oil of the eucalyptus plant contains 70 to 90% terpene eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is also present in aromatic herbs such as thyme, mint, rosemary, and bay leaf. This well-known substance is widely used in throat lozenges and cough syrups because it relieves a sore throat. It has a cooling taste and is famous for its expectorant properties. Eucalyptol has cough suppressant properties and is effective in asthma and bronchitis. Eucalyptol is said to have an analgesic and fever-reducing effect. Another beneficial property of eucalyptol is its antibacterial effect. Therefore, it is widely used as an ingredient in toothpaste against tooth decay (caries).

Eucalyptol has a fresh, minty aroma reminiscent of a pine forest. It has expectorant properties and is a cough suppressant. It is also used against tooth decay.

Fragrance: fresh, minty, camphor-like.

Also found in eucalyptus, thyme, mint, rosemary, sage, camphor, basil, tea tree, bay leaf.

Assumed properties:

Expectorant
Suppresses cough
Analgesic
Fever Reducing
Anti-inflammatory
Disinfectant
Antibacterial

Limonene

Citrus fruits have a wonderfully fresh, invigorating scent. Do you know the happy feeling you get when you peel an orange or cut a lemon or grapefruit? That is the terpene “Limonene.” Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits owe their fresh scent and taste mainly to the limonene terpene. Limonene has a very refreshing and invigorating effect. But that's not all; Limonene is a valuable terpene with many beneficial properties. For example, it strengthens your immune system, can help detoxify the liver and aid your digestion. It also has a calming and protective effect on the stomach. Limonene acts as an antioxidant that stimulates cell growth and slows the formation of wrinkles. It's a rejuvenating agent. It is often added as an ingredient in skincare and cosmetics. Research has shown that limonene has a calming effect. It acts as an antidepressant that suppresses anxiety and agitation. The smell of limonene can increase concentration and increase overall well-being. Furthermore, limonene appears to be very effective in combating athlete's foot due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

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Limonene gives citrus fruits their fresh, invigorating scent. It strengthens the immune system and has a calming effect. It would suppress fear and anxiety. The aroma increases the overall feeling of well-being.

Fragrance: citrus fruit, orange, lemon, lime.

Found in citrus fruits, rosemary, mint, cloves, ginger, turmeric, chamomile.

Assumed properties:

Anti-reflux
Antispasmodic
Expectorant
Calming
Suppresses fear and anxiety
Sleep inducing
Helps detoxify the liver and keep the gallbladder in optimal condition
Stimulates digestion
Cholesterol-lowering
Blood pressure-lowering
Strengthens the immune system
Cell rejuvenating (stimulates healthy cell growth and delays wrinkle formation)

Linalool

Lavender owes its scent to the terpene linalool. Lavender is an herb/plant that has been used in many cultures for centuries for its calming and sleep-inducing effect. Linalool can also be found in basil, coriander, and some citrus fruits. Linalool is a well-known terpene that has many positive properties. It is a very popular fragrance that is often used in skincare and cosmetics, candles, incense, and household products such as detergents and fabric softeners. Linalool gives us a calming feeling. It acts as a mood stabilizer. Linalool stimulates concentration and reduces feelings of anxiety. It promotes a good night's sleep. CBD oil can support healthy sleep. Research has shown that the terpene linalool has an anticonvulsant effect. (it reduces seizures). Linalool is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It is also known that linalool can suppress allergic reactions, we call this an antihistamine.

Linalool gives lavender its unique scent. This terpene has been used for centuries for its calming and sleep-inducing effect. It promotes a good night's sleep. Research shows that linalool can reduce seizures.

Fragrance: floral, sweet,

Also found in: lavender, mint, rosewood, birch, thyme, rosemary, ginger, St. John's wort, coriander, wild chamomile, and about two hundred other medicinal plants and herbs.

Assumed properties:

Calming
Anxiolytic
Anti-psychotic
Narcotic
Expectorant
Analgesic
Anticonvulsant
Reduces spasms
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Suppresses allergic reactions

Myrcene

The scent of terpene myrcene can be described as the typical smell of beer. Beer gets this scent because of the main ingredient, “Hop.” Hops are a plant from the cannabis family (Cannabaceae), which occurs in the Netherlands and Belgium. Therefore, it is not surprising that from this same family, the Cannabis Sativa plant is also very rich in myrcene. (We use to produce CBD oil or extract) Myrcene has many favorable properties. For example, it enhances the effects of CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids. (The entourage effect) It is an antioxidant that protects the cells in your body against free radicals. Free radicals are aggressive substances that can cause damage to your body and often form the basis of diseases and disorders. When free radicals cause damage in cells or tissues, we call this oxidative stress. Myrcene has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. It is said to be a powerful pain reliever with a sleep-inducing effect. The research results (on mice) have shown that myrcene has a positive influence on the kidneys. These results suggest that myrcene could be further developed as a therapeutic drug to treat kidney inflammation and injury.

Myrcene gives beer its unique aroma through the ingredient hops, rich in myrcene and related to the cannabis plant. Myrcene enhances the effect of cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBN. It is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals. It also has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect and powerful pain reliever.

Fragrance: spicy, earth, musk

Also found in mango, hops, lemongrass, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and chamomile.

Assumed properties:

Narcotic
Analgesic
Sleep inducing
Muscle relaxing
Antibacterial
Antioxidant
Antiseptic
Reduces Seizures

Pinene

The aromatic terpene pinene often reminds people of a walk in the woods. It is the familiar smell of pine trees. Pinene is derived from the English word “Pine.” Pinene is in the sticky resin on the needles of these trees. Pinene is an important terpene in plant, animal, and human physiology. (physiology is the study of the activities in the body of living organisms). This unique terpene is also common in the hemp plant. It is divided into two components, namely Alpha (α) pinene and Beta (β) pinene. The intense aroma of α-pinene smells more like pine and spruce-fir or rosemary. At the same time, β-pinene has more of the scent of basil, dill, or hops (from the cannabis family). Pinene has many beneficial properties. Pinene has a dilating effect on our airways, making it easier and significantly deeper to breathe. This could benefit people with mild asthmatic complaints and respiratory diseases. It has a beneficial effect on cerebral blood circulation (the supply and discharge of blood to and from the brain) and stimulates concentration and memory. In this way, it promotes your alertness and focus. Pinene also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Research shows that pinene has a positive effect on the pancreas.

Pinene gives the aromatic scent to pine. It has a dilating effect on our airways, allowing you to breathe deeper and easier. It stimulates the blood supply and drainage to and from your brain.

Fragrance: pine, fir

Also found in: pine trees, spruce trees, saffron, parsley, rosemary, sage, mint, valerian.

Assumed properties:

Clears the airways
Relaxing
Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Strengthens memory
Stimulates concentration
Gastro-protective
Antiviral

Other terpenes:

Alpha Bisabolol

It is mainly found in chamomile and is widely used in the cosmetic industry. It is said to have an analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Humulene

Mainly found in the Cannabis Sativa plant species, coriander, and hops. Humulene has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-stimulating effect.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is mainly found in rosemary, cypress, and sage. Research has shown that terpinolene can reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

Terpineol

Pinene-rich cannabis plants also often contain terpineol. Terpineol is believed to have sedative, antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, among other things.

Now you know what terpenes are and what their beneficial properties can do for you. But the hemp plant naturally contains even more substances rich in positive properties for our body and mind.

Chlorophyll and Flavonoids

Where terpenes mainly influence the scent and taste, chlorophyll and flavonoids precisely determine the color. But they also have their beneficial effect.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll, better known as leave green, gives all flora (leaves, plants, algae, etc.) in this world their green color. The hemp plant owes its well-known green color to chlorophyll. Chlorophyll plays an essential role in photosynthesis: it allows plants to convert (sun)light into energy. Chlorophyll is a crucial booster for our body. It is rich in magnesium. It helps to detoxify our bodies from free radicals (free radicals can cause damage in our cells and tissues, leading to disease and disease). Chlorophyll is a good aid in cleansing the intestines and liver. As a dietary supplement, it is often used to support a detox cure. Algae are usually utilized in detoxes, such as spirulina and chlorella.

It is believed that chlorophyll also plays a role in the effect of CBD hemp oil on the body. In any case, the following properties have been attributed to chlorophyll:

It soothes the feeling of hunger: this makes chlorophyll well suited as a slimming aid.

It cleans the intestines and liver: Chlorophyll creates a protective layer around harmful substances in the intestines. To ensure that harmful free radicals and toxic substances that you eat are encapsulated so that the detrimental effect in the intestines and liver is inhibited.

A disadvantage of (too much) chlorophyll in a CBD oil or CBD extract is that it gives a strong, bitter taste. The oil or extract also becomes dense, cloudy, and dark in color.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of natural pigments that color most fruits and vegetables. About six thousand flavonoids are known in nature, twenty of which are in the hemp plant. They are said to have an anti-oxidative effect, so they are sometimes referred to as 'vitamin P.' Cannabis is believed to contain the following flavonoids, each of which has a presumed therapeutic effect:

Cannflavin A&B: These flavonoids are unique to cannabis so far. Cannflavin A is believed to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme involved in inflammatory processes.
Beta-sitosterol: anti-inflammatory
Apigenin: Anxiety Reducing, Anti-inflammatory
Quercetin: antioxidant, antiviral

Summary:

Now that we know all this, it is clear that the hemp plant is an extraordinary gift from nature. In addition to cannabinoids, a hemp plant contains many more beneficial substances. These are terpenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids. Terpenes are fragrances and flavors with beneficial effects. Chlorophyll and flavonoids give an intense color to plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Almost all terpenes have an anti-inflammatory effect; many have a calming and anxiety-reducing effect. They also work as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals in our bodies to prevent possible diseases and disorders.

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Sources:
Limonene : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30905156/
Linalool: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Linalool
Myrcene : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33007969/