A study conducted by Israeli researchers shed light on how the cannabis plant’s terpenes stimulate endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Terpenes vary by cannabis strain, and each terpene has unique aromatic and therapeutic properties. The study published in Biochemical Pharmacology noted significant dose-dependent impacts at both cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R). It is the first study to characterize terpene reactions with CB2 receptors. Scientists believe activating the CB2 receptors promotes anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects.
The research team monitored how sixteen cannabis terpenes modulated receptor activity. These terpenes included limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, borneol, humulene, myrcene, ocimene, sabinene, terpinolene, eucalyptol, geraniol, linalool, terpineol, β-caryophyllene, bisabolol, and nerolidol.
The study noted significant dose-dependent responses at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. One finding indicated that terpene activation reached a maximal response of roughly 10-60% of the activation elicited by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The findings indicate that several terpenes act as partial agonists at both CB1R and CB2R. The researchers observed the terpene’s selective effects on cannabinoid receptors, even in the absence of cannabinoids such as THC or cannabidiol (CBD). Data analysis indicated significant variability observed in potency, efficacy, and receptor selectivity.
The findings suggest that specific terpenes can be incorporated into the design of cannabis-derived therapeutic products. Terpenes have a favorable safety profile. The research team believes that terpene efficacy and safety points to “their potential as accessible, scalable, and customizable tools in the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling.” Future research on tissue-specific activity and cannabis compound combinations can shed light on the most appropriate pharmacological formulations for specific therapeutic purposes and tissue-specific activity.
Previous research has shown that lower doses of certain terpenes modify THC activity upon CB1 receptors. For example, studies have shown an association between cannabis flower with higher levels of myrcene and terpinolene and increased patient perceptions of symptom relief.
Sources: Biochemical Pharmacology, NORML