Hello all! This has been a crazy week here and I am looking forward to the rest that comes with the weekend. Sometimes life seems to be moving far too quickly to keep up with and there can be so many different stressors that need our consistent attention, but rest is so incredibly important. Health, both mental and physical can be dependent on the amount of sleep we get each night. Two out of the three terpenes we're going to discuss today can be incredibly helpful when it comes to getting rest. I'm constantly amazed by the amount of info I continue to learn about individual terpenes when I do these deep dives for the blog. Aside from learning about cannabis to be able to help people take it as a medicine, I love finding out what other plants and foods these terpenes can be found in. Incorporating those foods into my diet has most assuredly helped my health out, and they're pretty tasty as well. As a nurse with specialized training in medical cannabis science, I find it crucial to delve into the intricate world of cannabis compounds, and today, we're going to focus on terpineol, alpha-bisabolol, and borneol. So let's get started learning about these terpenes.
Terpineol: Peaceful relaxation
Terpineol is an intriguing group of terpene alcohols with remarkable therapeutic potential. The name terpineol is actually an umbrella term encompassing various terpene alcohols and it boasts a distinct chemical structure featuring an oxygen containing hydroxyl (an oxygen and hydrogen) group on one side. This unique structure sets the stage for terpineol's multifaceted effects, making it a compelling subject of study in the medical cannabis industry. Terpineol has 4 different structures that can be found in many different plants and they each have different aromatic profiles. Alpha-terpineol has a delicate lilac-like scent, reminiscent of fresh peaches, while beta-terpineol has a woody aroma akin to a stroll through a forest of freshly cut trees. Gamma-terpineol showcases zesty citrus notes, while terpinen-4-ol presents earthy undertones with hints of woodiness. Look to apples, limes, lilacs, grapefruits, and pine trees for terpineol in the wild. Terpineol can be found in cultivars such as Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Blue Dream, Skywalker OG, OG Kush, Jack Herer, and Fire OG.
This versatile terpene extends beyond a simple fragrance, making its mark in various industries. The essential oil from terpineol finds its place in soap, lotion, perfume, and cosmetics. It has the potential to facilitate the permeation of molecules through the skin barrier, which makes it a sought-after ingredient in topicals such as creams, lotions, and oils. From a healthcare perspective, terpineol's potential benefits are equally intriguing. It has been associated with treating colds, showcasing anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and even potential anti-cancer properties (in vitro). Additionally, it's antimicrobial and antibacterial potential have found application in mouth cleaning solutions. A notable study completed in 2022, looked at the effects of terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results showcased the dual action of these terpenes (taken together), acting as both bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents, thwarting bacterial growth and promoting outright elimination of the bacterial cells. Terpineol has amazing potential to be useful in antibiotic resistant bacteria strains, including the notorious MRSA, which is resistant to multiple antibiotics. However, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and limitations. Terpineol's sedative effects could make it unsuitable for individuals seeking alertness and wakefulness. Furthermore, topical preparations rich in terpineol might lead to mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It's always wise to exercise caution and consider personal sensitivities when incorporating terpineol-rich products into your routine.
Alpha-bisabolol: Calming profile
This fascinating compound was originally discovered in German Chamomile and is often referred to as levomenol or simply bisabolol. Alpha-bisabolol is a less common terpene that frequently accompanies more dominant players in cannabis, like myrcene and limonene. The health benefits of alpha-bisabolol are as diverse as they are compelling. From aiding in stomach discomfort to offering solace for general anxiety disorders by promoting relaxation and a tranquil state of mind, this terpene is indeed a multifaceted gem. Its analgesic properties are particularly noteworthy. In the context of chamomile, bisabolol has demonstrated potential in averting nerve damage caused by diabetes and in modulating sensory channels linked to acute pain perception. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant attributes have earned it a spot in the arsenal against skin ailments and irritations. The tantalizing prospect of alpha-bisabolol's anticancer effects, observed through the induction of programmed cell death in glioma cells (brain tumors), has sparked ongoing research into its potential application against pancreatic cancer and Leukemia. When combined with tea tree oil, it exhibits antibacterial qualities that can aid in addressing oral bacterial conditions such as halitosis (bad breath).
Beyond its medicinal prowess, alpha-bisabolol's fragrance and permeation-enhancing properties have secured its place in skin-care products and cosmetics. With an aroma reminiscent of honey, adorned with herbal and vanilla undertones, alpha-bisabolol adds a delightful sensory dimension to these products. While it holds immense promise, it's important to note that alpha-bisabolol can be irritating to sensitive skin, although its FDA-approved safety for commercial use attests to its generally low toxicity. Interestingly, alpha-bisabolol's influence isn't confined to chamomile alone; it's found in cultivars like Dolato, Ice Cream Cake, Chocolate Thai, Gelatti, and Master Kush, expanding its reach within the cannabis landscape. Furthermore, its role as a monocyclic sesquiterpene is underscored by its presence in various edible and ornamental plants, reflecting its broader potential in the natural world. The pharmacological effects of alpha-bisabolol, ranging from anticancer and anti-pain properties to neuroprotection and cardioprotection, pave the way for its application as a dietary, nutraceutical, or phytopharmaceutical agent.
Borneol
This is a versatile terpene that has captured the attention of both traditional Chinese Medicine and modern medical research. Beyond it's presence in the cannabis plant, borneol's aromatic presence can also be found in nature's treasures like ginger, camphor, thyme, and rosemary. Emitting a woody, menthol-like fragrance akin to camphor, borneol's distinct aroma hints at its therapeutic potency. For centuries, borneol has held a prominent place in Chinese Medicine, recognized for its influence on the liver, spleen meridians, heart, and lungs. Its health benefits encompass a broad spectrum, with notable properties that have stood the test of time. This terpene's anti-inflammatory prowess shines through as it has been shown to effectively reduce lung inflammation by targeting inflammatory cytokines and infiltration. Chinese Medicine's utilization of borneol to treat bronchitis and similar respiratory issues underscores its historical and continued relevance. Moreover, borneol's potential anticancer effects have been illuminated through studies showcasing its enhanced efficiency in aiding the targeting of antitumor drugs. Its analgesic attributes also emerge as it proves valuable in postoperative scenarios, where topical applications of borneol demonstrate their pain-relieving potential.
Intriguingly, borneol's benefits extend to neurological well-being. Studies have demonstrated its role in safeguarding nerve health in conditions such as ischemic stroke. This encompasses enhancing cerebral blood flow, counteracting neuronal excitotoxicity, curbing calcium overload, and resisting reactive oxygen species-induced damage during acute ischemia. Additionally, borneol's capacity to promote compounds crossing the blood-brain barrier opens avenues for brain-targeted drug delivery, signifying its potential as a versatile facilitator in the realm of neuroscience. But as with any powerful natural compound, it's important to recognize potential risks. While borneol is typically found in modest quantities within the cannabis plant, isolated high doses or prolonged exposure can lead to side effects such as skin irritation, nose and throat irritation, headaches, and even nausea and vomiting. Extreme exposure to high levels of borneol might result in restlessness, agitation, inattention, seizures, and, if ingested, could prove to be toxic. However, when appropriately used, borneol showcases its potential within the cannabis landscape, present in cultivars like OG Kush, Golden Haze, K-13 Haze, Amnesia Haze, and Easy Haze.
Whew, that was a lot! These terpenes show amazing possibilities to help support our health and wellbeing if we take them as a medicine. I hope this information was useful for you and that if you are looking for was to rest or reduce the stress of daily life, that these terpenes can be helpful to you. If you or a loved one has questions about taking cannabis as a medicine in a safe and appropriate manner, please send them my way, I would love to discuss cannabis with you!
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