Hey everyone! There's been some exciting changes when it comes to cannabis that I wanted to make sure to share with you guys. In my post last week I briefly spoke about the American Nurses Association (ANA) formally recognizing cannabis nursing as a specialty for nurses. This is still so exciting to me because it has the potential to help reduce the stigma that has surrounded cannabis as a medicine for many years. This could also help make the conversations about cannabis with healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, etc) that much easier to have. Since going back to working at the hospital, it has been quite discouraging to hear the negative verbiage that is still being used in conjunction with cannabis. However it is not all discouraging, I'm volunteering on the Education and Research Committee with the American Cannabis Nurses' Association (ACNA) and it is beyond exciting to see nurses that are also working to bring cannabis education to the healthcare field! I'm really looking forward to seeing what I learn from this committee. But let's get back to discussing cannabis terpenes for now. Today we're going to look at the next three terpenes on the list: Farnesene, Isopulegol and Cedrol.
The first terpene that we're going to discuss is farnesene. Farnesene is a sesquiterpene (this name tells us how many carbon atoms are within the compound, in this case 15) and the major terpene in green apple skins, offers a plethora of positive health benefits, making it a valuable component for cannabis medication. This versatile terpene can be found in various sources such as sandalwood, ginger, oranges, grapefruit, hops, turmeric, cedarwood, patchouli, chamomile, gardenias and even potatoes. One fascinating fact that gardeners will love is its role as an aphid warning signal. These tiny insects release farnesene to alert others when they are in danger, signaling to other aphids that it's not a safe place for them to be showcasing its natural protective properties.
When it comes to health benefits, farnesene does not disappoint. It acts as an insect repellent and, when consumed in trace amounts, is considered safe by the FDA for use as a food flavoring agent. It helps support gut health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, which makes it an ally against digestive issues. Furthermore, farnesene exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief from bowel cramps and spasms (which could be useful for those with GI issues). It also plays a role in dental health by inhibiting cariogenic bacteria (bacteria that causes tooth decay), contributing to oral well-being. The neuroprotective qualities of farnesene are promising, particularly in reducing oxidative stress associated with conditions like Alzheimer's. Additionally, farnesene's anti-anxiety effects have been highlighted, leading to reduced anxiety, depression and improvements in memory function. An animal study researching farnesene's anti-anxiety effects, showed a decrease in anxiety by looking at the EEG (brain activity) of mice. Farnesene is an interesting terpene in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier, offering treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is essential to use farnesene responsibly and avoid pure, concentrated forms, which could be harmful when consumed in high amounts or if it enters the airways. Farnese is one of the terpenes that would be best consumed as whole flower cannabis instead of in its isolate form for safety's sake. Overall, farnesene's woody, earthy or spicy scent, along with its remarkable potential health benefits, makes it a noteworthy addition to the world of cannabis medication.
The next terpene that we're going to look at is isopulegol. This terpene is not as common in high amounts within cannabis but still lends its considerable health benefits. Isopulegol is known for its minty, fresh scent and can also be found in other plants such as mint, geranium, lemongrass, lemon balm and eucalyptus. One of the most promising aspects of isopulegol is its potential as an anti-epileptic agent. Animal studies, particularly in mice, have shown that isopulegol can delay the onset of convulsions and seizures. Additionally, it works alongside its antioxidant properties to provide protection against seizures, with the effect increasing as the dose of isopulegol increased. Isopulegol also exhibits gastrointestinal protective qualities, helping to prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
Moreover, isopulegol has shown promise as an anti-anxiety compound, with research suggesting that it is as effective at controlling anxiety as benzodiazepines, according to studies conducted on mice. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, working through the histamine and prostaglandin pathways to reduce chronic inflammation. A 2018 study found that isopulegol acted as an effective antiviral agent against flu strains H1N1 and H1N2 in the early stages of infection, although human data is still lacking in this area. While generally considered safe, it's important to note that some individuals have reported skin irritation, eye irritation, and acute oral toxicity when consumed in large quantities. Nonetheless, isopulegol's potential therapeutic benefits in reducing inflammation, preventing seizures, combating viruses and protecting the gastrointestinal tract make it a promising terpene for responsible medicinal cannabis use.
The last terpene to talk about tonight is cedrol but there is not a lot of readily available data on this terpene. Cedrol is commonly found in cedar essential oil and boasts an impressive array of health benefits that make it a valuable component in medicinal cannabis consumption. One notable aspect of cedrol is its potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for alleviating various health concerns. Additionally, cedrol has shown antispasmodic qualities, providing relief from muscle spasms and discomfort. It also acts as a tonic and astringent, promoting overall well-being and skin health. Cedrol's diuretic properties help to support kidney function and promote detoxification. Its sedative effects can be particularly beneficial for the individual seeking relaxation and improved sleep quality. Cedrol also exhibits insecticidal and anti-fungal activities, making it an effective natural defense against pests and fungal infections. A point of interest, in a mouse model of hair loss brought on by the chemo drug cyclophosphamide, cedrol demonstrated its ability to reduce hair loss, offering a promising solution for individuals struggling with hair-related issues. Cedrol has undergone safety testing, with results indicating minimal toxicity, skin irritation and skin sensitization, making it a viable option for medicinal cannabis use.
While the research on cannabis is not quite as prolific as we would like, what research we do have highlights the incredible potential for cannabis as medicine. In the pursuit of responsible and informed medicinal cannabis use, understanding the potential health benefits of terpenes like farnesene, isopulegol and cedrol is crucial. As a cannabis nurse educator, my goal is to empower you with knowledge and encourage thoughtful, informed choices when considering cannabis as a medicine. Remember, the key lies in responsible consumption, consulting with your primary care and cannabis nurse, as well as staying informed about the latest research and developments in the world of cannabis. Your journey toward better health and well-being is a personal one, and I'm here to provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Have you had any experience with these terpenes? I'd love to hear your thoughts.Stay safe and keep learning friends!
References
Leafwell (2023) What is Farnesene? benefits, uses, and risks, Leafwell. Available at: https://leafwell.com/blog/farnesene/ (Accessed: 05 October 2023).
Terpene Tuesdays: Everything you need to know about farnesene flavor, fragrance, and benefits (no date) Certified Testing Labs: Cannabis, Hemp, CBD, Kratom & Mushrooms. Available at: https://www.acslab.com/blog/terpenes/cannabis-terpene-farnesene (Accessed: 05 October 2023).
Leafwell (2023b) What is Isopulegol? benefits, uses, and risks, Leafwell. Available at: https://leafwell.com/blog/isopulegol/ (Accessed: 05 October 2023).
Ramos AGB, de Menezes IRA, da Silva MSA, et al. Antiedematogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Monoterpene Isopulegol and Its β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) Inclusion Complex in Animal Inflammation Models. Foods. 2020;9(5):630. Published 2020 May 14. doi:10.3390/foods9050630
Isopulegol terpene - lab effects (2020) Lab Effects - Premier and trusted source for botanical profiling, extraction, purification and custom formulation of 100% natural cannabis terpenes. Available at: https://labeffects.com/terpene-glossary-isopulegol/ (Accessed: 05 October 2023).
Jeong HU, Kwon SS, Kong TY, Kim JH, Lee HS. Inhibitory effects of cedrol, β-cedrene, and thujopsene on cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in human liver microsomes. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2014;77(22-24):1522-1532. doi:10.1080/15287394.2014.955906
Cedrol (no date) TargetMol. Available at: https://www.targetmol.com/compound/Cedrol (Accessed: 05 October 2023).
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