Terpenes - a powerful therapeutic tool

Terpenes, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, cannabinoids, as well as other (not yet studied) active substances that make up the plant possess significant therapeutic properties in hemp. The so-called “ensemble effect” is well-known, when not a single element of a plant, but a group of biologically active substances affects the body’s problem. Each biologically active substance has significant therapeutic potential, however, the synergy of therapeutic effects increases tens of times the ability of hemp plants to beneficially affect the human body. Studies by our Italian colleagues speak of an understanding of the possibility of using terpenes for the treatment of a number of serious, including chronic, diseases, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of using not a single biologically active substance of hemp, but the whole spectrum of elements contained in cannabis, which together have a huge therapeutic potential. 

The pages of the profile electronic publication of Ukrainian hemp breeders described the features of “ Smells that treat - terpenes ”. Attention was focused on the presence of a significant number of “ Terpenes in hemp ”, their work “ In the ensemble of therapeutic properties of hemp ”, as well as the mechanisms of how “ Hemp terpenes conquer the mass market ”.

In June 2019, a group of scientists from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy) published the results of their research on hemp terpenes. It has been established that the above substances in their composition contain alpha and beta pinene, beta myrcene and beta caryophyllene, that is, they have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, and also antifungal properties.

By conducting a significant number of experiments, it has been proved that terpenes have a significant effect on pathogenic microorganisms, especially when they are present in foods, natural cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations, including dietary supplements. It is noted that the therapeutic properties of terpenes are preserved even in the case of preservation of food products using hemp leaves and inflorescences.

Italian scientists have proved that hemp terpenes effectively resist the effects of gram-positive bacteria on the body, which are extremely resistant to disinfection and almost never die under the influence of antibiotics. In particular, terpenes cope well with staphylococci (especially golden), bacilli (present in fermented media), as well as infectious diseases caused by various rod-shaped bacteria (for example, listeria, which provoke the development of listeriosis).  

Commentary of the Ukrainian Technical Hemp Association

Terpenes, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, cannabinoids, as well as other (not yet studied) active substances that make up the plant possess significant therapeutic properties in hemp. The so-called “ensemble effect” is well-known, when not a single element of a plant, but a group of biologically active substances affects the body’s problem. Each biologically active substance has significant therapeutic potential, however, the synergy of therapeutic effects increases tens of times the ability of hemp plants to beneficially affect the human body. Studies by our Italian colleagues speak of an understanding of the possibility of using terpenes for the treatment of a number of serious, including chronic, diseases, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of using not a single biologically active substance of hemp, but the whole spectrum of elements contained in cannabis, which together have a huge therapeutic potential.