Terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids are vegetable ingredients of the hemp plant and are sometimes responsible for the odour, colour, effect and taste. In addition, these secondary plant substances are important or essential for the plant, as they protect it from harmful stress and keep it healthy.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a collective term for all substances that act via cannabinoid receptors. To date, more than 100 such cannabinoids have been detected and extracted from the cannabis plant. It is particularly interesting to note that cannabinoids are not only found in the hemp plant, but also in certain fungi and bacteria. Of the more than 100 different cannabinoids to date, the best known are CBD, CBC, CBG and THC. We would like to briefly introduce CBG and CBD here.
- CBD: CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most widespread in the cannabis plant. Currently, CBD is the most sought-after active ingredient because cannabidiol, unlike THC, is not psychoactive. CBD has an effect on inflammation. It is also used for tension and migraines. In general, cannabidiol is successfully used in complementary medicine for a wide variety of problems.
- CBG: CBG (cannabigerol) is, like CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. Cannabigerol is said to have calming, antibacterial and protective effects on the eyes. In addition, CBG can have a positive effect on many skin problems.
Terpenes and terpenoids
Terpenes are a group of chemical compounds and are found in natural organisms. For example, essential oils are rich in terpenes. They are said to have antimicrobial properties, which is very interesting because infections or the growth of microorganisms can be inhibited. Terpenes are very soluble in fats, but rather difficult to dissolve in water. This is why they are mainly found in essential oils.
Examples of terpenes include :
- BCP (beta-caryophyllene) which activates the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. They can counteract inflammation and have a pain-relieving effect.
- Linalool is not only found in cannabis, but also in mint, laurel, cinnamon and birch. Among other things, they have an anti-anxiety effect.
- Myrcene is also present in various other plants such as hops, menthol, lemongrass and bay leaves. Terpene Mycren has an antiseptic and antimicrobial effect and has a positive effect on the nervous system.
In addition, cannabis also contains terpenoids, which are antibacterial, antiviral and very effective against viruses.
Terpenoids are also known for their cinnamon, ginger, eucalyptus and clove smell and they colour sunflowers and tomatoes. Camphor, steroids, sterols and citral are the most popular terpenoids.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are present in the cannabis plant for smell, colour and taste. Flavonoids are mainly absorbed through food, i.e. through fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are also found in medicinal herbs and are mainly used to protect the plants from UV radiation. So far, about 8,000 flavonoids are known to researchers, but not all flavonoids have been thoroughly researched.
Flavonoids can have a positive effect on the body in many diseases, because they are:
- Antioxidant
- Traffic promotion
- Anti-inflammatory
- vascular protection
- Antispasmodic
Like many other plants, cannabis also contains terpenes and flavonoids. They are responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis and at the same time, protect the plant from UV rays and parasites. However, the flavonoids contained in the cannabis plant have not yet been thoroughly researched. What is certain, however, is that
- Apigenin
- Cannaflavines A, B and C.
- Isovitexin
- Kaempferol
- Luteolin
- Orient
- Quercetin
- ß-sitosterol
- Vitexin, are included.
The entourage effect
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic effect of terpenes on cannabidiol and phytocannabinoids or the endocannabinoid system.
It is especially the compounds of these herbal mixtures that are so positive for the organism and ensure, among other things, the surrounding effect of the terpenes. The combination of different terpenes and cannabinoids improves the interaction and effectiveness of the organism.
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