Accurate Education - Marijuana (Cannabis): Terpenes - Inflammation & Arthritis

Terpenes

Terpenes – Inflammation & Arthritis

Although inflammation is a normal response to tissue damage, in some cases it is characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory substances cthat contribute to disease states. Certain terpenes have been found to reduce inflammation by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

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Terpenes and Inflammation

Inflammation is a complex biological response to tissue damage as a consequence of wounds or infections or due to exposure to pathogens or other foreign substances. Initially inflammation is a normal part of the healing process. In some disease states, however, the immune system produces an inflammatory response in the absence of injury, foreign substances or infection. This response is characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory substances called cytokines.

In the inflammation pathway, triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α, the activated NF-κB translocates to the nucleus, and stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory genes. The general effect of the terpenes in most studies is reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and involve the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Certain terpenes have been found to reduce inflammation by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. For example, some terpenes (D-limonene, terpinolene, and linalool can reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. The terpenes α-pinene, D-limonene, and myrcene decrease the expression of these cytokines in inflammatory cells called macrophages.

Neuroinflammation
Inflammation is a typical pathological feature involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease as well as depression. Additionally, inflammation involving the nervous system is the foundation of central sensitization, the process in which acute pain becomes chronic. Microglia are inflammatory cells in the central nervous system that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS. When activated, they produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-16, TNFα, and TGF-β1.

Certain terpenes have been shown to suppress microglia-mediated inflammation involved in acute or chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Studies strongly suggest that linalool has neuroprotective activity, acting in NF-κB activation and preventing its nuclear translocation. limonene is also involved in neuroinflammation regulation process by reducing the inflammatory response and decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF- α.

See: Neuroinflammation

Respiratory Inflammation

Respiratory conditions associated with inflammation include asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and, recently, COVID-19. Several animal studies have shown the beneficial effects of some volatile terpene compounds via the anti-inflammation response to airway inflammation in allergic asthma. In the mouse asthma model, inhalation of limonene significantly reduced the levels of various proinflammation-related molecules as well as airway fibrosis, indicating that limonene has the potential to reduce airway remodeling. Lab studies suggest that terpeneol may improved lung function as well as enhance airway smooth muscle relaxation. Inhalation of α-Pinene has been shown to be a bronchodilator in human volunteers at low exposure levels.

Allergic rhinitis, a disorder of the upper airways caused by an inflammation of the nasal membranes, and often coexisting with asthma, has been shown to respond to α-Pinene. However, adverse effects of inhaled terpene on airways has also be found. Oxidation products of α-pinene and d-limonene have been shown to cause irritation both in the upper airways and lungs in mice.

Terpenes – Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation and progressive loss of the joint (articular) cartilage that is associated with changes in the subchondral bone and other joint tissues. Although the mechanisms of joint tissure destruction in OA is not yet completely understood, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), play a major role by inducing activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes in cartilage cells (chondrocytes). This enzymatic process, coupled with impaired repair responses, results in progressive cartilage loss, the hallmark of OA.

The terpenes myrcene, pinene and limonene have been found in preclinical research to have anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic (breakdown) properties in human chondrocytes, although myrcene may show the greatest potential. Caryophyllene has also been identified as an agonist of the CB2 receptor which suggests it may also have anti-inflammatory benefis. Clinical studies are needed to identify how these benefits may be applied.

Resources:

National Academy of Sciences

The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research

www.Healer.com

This website appears to be good resource for exploring medical marijuana.

References:

Terpenes – Overviews

Terpenes – Aromatherapy

Terpenes – CB2 Receptor

Terpenes – Synergy with Cannabinoids:

Terpenes – Marijuana Strains

Terpenes – Routes of Use:

Terpenes – Bioavailability

Terpenes – Arthritis

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects of E-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene in a cell model of osteoarthritis. – 2015

Terpenes – Anxiety

Terpenes – Infectious Diseases

Terpenes – Pain:

Terpenes – Headaches:

Terpenes – Inflammation:

Esssential Oils

Essential Oils – Overviews

Essential Oils – Bearded Irises

Identification of Floral Scent Profiles in Bearded Irises – 2019

Essential Oils – Bergamot

Essential Oils – Plumeria

Constituents of essential oils from the leaf and flower of Plumeria alba grown in Nigeria – PubMed – 2014

Individual Terpenes

Terpenes: β-Caryophyllene:

Terpenes: Linalool:

Terpenes, Linalool: – Silexan

Terpenes – Limonene

Terpenes: Myrcene

Terpenes: Pinene

A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health – Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis – 2021

Medical Marijuana – Product Evaluation

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