This terpene improves and worsens pain relief via the CB1 receptor

Herbal medicines are incredibly useful, but a mix of functions makes them difficult for researchers to understand. For example, a new study discovered a complicated relationship between certain terpenes, THC, and pain management. According to a new study, terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – for better or for worse, depending on the type of injury. A specific terpene has managed to make THC less effective at relieving pain caused by damaged nerves, although it does improve pain relief in extreme temperatures.

University of Florida researchers studied the role of certain terpenes in managing pain by causing both thermal and constrictive injuries to mice. The test showed that B-caryophyllene, terpineol and terpine are active on cannabinoid receptors. Accordingly, terpineol shows a greater correlation with CB2 receptors, while terpinen showed mixed results with CB1 receptor agonists.

Two studies from 2021 discovered cannabimimetic terpenes

Earlier this year, another study from the University of Arizona looked at a separate group of terpenes that indirectly affected the ECS and the cannabinoid receptor, CB1. However, despite dozens of other potentially cannabimimetic terpenes, only a limited number of molecules have been explored. Instead, the more recent research from the University of Florida expanded the previous outlook by focusing on γ-terpinene. However, both studies cultivated more curiosity than answers.

For starters, B-caryophyllene is a well-known CB2 receptor agonist. However, these new studies suggest that the earthy terpene also interacts indirectly with the intoxicating CB1 receptor.

Dealing with extreme temperatures

Endocannabinoids are ubiquitous internal messenger substances that are responsible for regulating almost all biological systems in humans and vertebrae alike. And they also keep our indoor thermometers regular. Likewise, most of the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis – such as isomers of THC, CBG, or CBD – desensitize the body’s response to thermal pain and shock.

Changing the shape of these thermometers (known as TRP channels) makes it easier to switch between pain (hyperalgesia) and relief (analgesia). And cannabinoids regulate the shape of TRP channels by working with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 receptor. But as it turns out, some terpenes help THC relieve temperature-related pain.

Despite this new information, we don’t yet know whether the terpenes do this via a direct connection to CB1 receptors or the thermometers themselves. Alternatively, the terpene terpinene could support THC indirectly via completely different signaling molecules (such as intercellular calcium).

A nerve (shown by Clipart with permission from Pixabay) sends signals throughout the body and to the brain by pumping various messenger substances, including intercellular calcium and potassium. Other messenger substances are also involved, such as ERK, acetylcholine or beta-adrenoceptors.

Avoid nerve injury and a terpene

A feather tickle usually tingles in the nerves just below the skin. However, there are several conditions that this tickling can cause quite a painful feeling. Regardless of the cause, the symptom is an etymology known as allodynia. The pain of allodynia is typically less than that of hyperalgesia. Professor Jenni Wilkerson of the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy led recent research on THC and some terpenes. This study looked at both heat stress and more subtle pain caused by damaged nerves.

Terpineol was far more effective than caryophyllene and terpinene in reducing this symptom. And an email response from Professor Wilkerson highlighted the complex relationship they discovered between THC and y-terpinene.

Why is it important to demonstrate the entourage effect?

The University of Arizona (LeVigne et al.) Published a study that used synthetic cannabinoids in place of authentic THC. Still, their results suggest that terpenes contribute to a strain’s cannabimimetic diversity.

Going back in time to 1989, the DEA overturned a judge’s decision and ruled against the decriminalization of marijuana. Your reason? That it is possible to synthetically recreate THC.

Now we have a better understanding of the role each terpene and every other ingredient plays in relieving pain and other ailments. Ultimately, this knowledge will help patients and consumers to be a better match with the right strain (variety). A person who is already hypersensitive to touch will know which ingredients to avoid. Alternatively, once enough research has been done, someone will also know what terpenes to look for while recovering from a burn.

Let us know in the comments if you have had success with a particular terpene or cannabinoid and pain relief.

sources

  1. Bibrey, JA, Ortiz, YT, Felix, JS, McMahon, LR and Wilkerson, JL (2021). Evaluation of the terpenes β-caryophyllene, α-terpineol, and γ-terpinene in the mouse chronic constriction injury model for neuropathic pain: possible cannabinoid receptor involvement. Psychopharmacology, 10.1007 / s00213-021-06031-2. Publish online in advance. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-06031-2
  2. LaVigne, JE, Hecksel, R., Keresztes, A. et al. Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Science Representative 11 8232 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87740-8
  3. Kamal, BS, Kamal, F., & Lantela, DE (2018). Cannabis and the fear of fragmentation – a systemic approach to finding an anxiolytic cannabis chemotype. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 730. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00730

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