The full range of Cannabis plants
"Whole plant medicine" is a term used to describe how the entire cannabis spectrum can be therapeutic. And synergistically and preferably in its whole. The focus here is initially on the collaboration between cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. They seem to have a synergistic effect on each other when it amounts to the ultimate therapeutic power for humans.
The origin
A complex set of chemical reactions causes molecules to arise from hydrogen, carbon and oxygen atoms during plant growth. These molecular structures can be distinguished in the various cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. For example, the most well-known cannabinoids THC and CBD are almost identical to each other, and the molecular structure differs only from a carbon compound (THC has 1 more). Surprisingly enough, this difference is enough to make the effect on the body and mind of man and attracts more interest to the combinations between all other other terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids.
What are Flavonoids?
Almost all fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices contain flavonoids. They are also found in cereals. In general, the most colorful components of the food, such as the peel of fruit, can contain the highest concentrations of flavonoids.
In the human body, they are essential for the metabolism of vitamin C and in maintaining the integrity of the capillary walls. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are an important ingredient of the plant resin and essential oils that are extracted from plants.
Terpenoids and terpenes are aromatic substances found in thousands of plant species and responsible for the various smells and flavors of cannabis. We have been in cannabis for years, but only recently our knowledge about their potentially medicinal properties has grown.
The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids through a complex set of chemical reactions, and it is believed that terpenes are the "building blocks". Cannabinoids are called terpenophenolic substances, because they consist of blocks of terpene linked to phenolic groups (C6H6O). Because terpenes are the precursors of cannabinoids, the presence of many terpenes is usually a sign of high levels of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids and terpenes work together
The different chemical availability in the entire plant is remarkable, but the research in search of how cannabinoids and terpenes work together will entertain science all the more.
Showholder in this field of science is Ethan Russo, M.D., a neurologist who has studied cannabis compounds and their role in the body for a long time. In his study, "Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects, he tells how cannabis compounds affect each other's mechanisms. Not only about the well-known THC CBD tag team here - even small amounts of terpenes can make a difference Make.
The terpene myrcene, for example, can reduce the blood-brain barrier, thus facilitating passage of other useful chemicals. Pine helps reduce cognition and memory caused by THC. A combination of terpenes, pine, myrcene, caryophyllene and help with anxiety approach. The mixing of Linalool and Limeone terpenes with the cannabinoid CBG shows promise in the treatment of MRSA. THC plus CBN improves the calming effects. Linalool and limonene combined with CBD are investigated with regard to anti-acne treatment.
Which of these substances are in cannabis?
It is thought that cannabis contains more than 120 terpenes, although many of these occur in very small amounts and probably have a negligible effect. The main terpenes and terpenoids found in cannabis are limonene, myrcene, pinean, linalool, eucalyptol, terpine , Β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol and phytol.
During rat trials, rats have shown that myrcene has an analgesic effect.
Linalol
is a monoterpene with the chemical formula C10H18O. The substance is found in hundreds of plant species, including mint, laurel, cinnamon, birch and some citrus fruits. The main medicinal function of linalol is anxiolytic: it is an anxiolytic drug. Lavender has been used as a sedative for thousands of years, and the sedative and muscle relaxant effect of the plant has been confirmed in recent rats.
Eucalyptol is a monoterpenoid that occurs abundantly in nature. In addition to cannabis, it is also found in eucalyptus, tea tree, bay leaf, basil and sage. It is known for its disinfecting, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
B-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene that occurs in cloves, rosemary and hops. The substance has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been shown to act as a CB2 receptor selective agonist. No other terpenes or terpenoids have been found that affect the CB receptors. Caryophyllene oxide is the substance in cannabis that can smell drug dogs.
Nerolidol is in neroli, ginger and jasmine and is a sesquiterpenoid with a fresh, woody scent. The substance is currently being investigated as a drug for transdermal delivery because it may penetrate the skin, and as a substance that inhibits lexmania genotype Protozoa.
Phytol is a diterpenoid used by insects to deter predators and the substance is also used in various household products, such as detergent and soap