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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Therapeutic value of terpenes

Terpenes are found in many living organisms, most The classification of terpenes is dependent on the
notably plants and animals, and have significant biological number and organization of these isoprene units and
functions (Table 1). Owing to their chemical properties, the number of carbon atoms thereof. For example,
terpenes have been used in the industrial production of monoterpenes have 10 carbon atoms (C ), sesquiterpenes
10
fragrances (cosmetics, perfumes, etc.), inks, varnishes, have 15 carbon atoms (C ), and diterpenes have 20 carbon
15
adhesives, biofuels, rosin, solvents, flavorings, pesticides, atoms (C ). Figure 2 depicts the chemical structures of
20
insecticides, herbicides, aromatherapy, lubricants, biofuels, several popular terpenoids produced by Cannabis sativa.
and agricultural chemicals. 5 In a 2020 study, Jin et al. profiled secondary metabolites
in cannabis inflorescences, leaves, stem bars, and roots for
1.2. Classification of terpenes medicinal purposes, and the list of monoterpenoids and
While the terms terpenes and terpenoids (also known as sesquiterpenoids is listed in Table 2. 51
isoprenoids) are often used interchangeably, terpenoids
refer to an oxidized and denatured form of terpenes that 2. Production and extraction of terpenes
contain an additional functional group with oxygen. 2.1. Terpene biosynthesis
1,48
This oxidation occurs during drying and curing processes
when the plant is exposed to open air. 49 Terpenes are synthesized from an isoprenoid precursor,
isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), and dimethylallyl
The building block of all terpene structures is an pyrophosphate (DMAPP) through the plastidial
isoprene unit – a gaseous hydrocarbon (Figure 1). deoxyxylulose phosphate/methyl-erythritol phosphate
All terpenes and terpenoids are made up of varying (DOXP/MEP) pathway (monoterpenoids) in plastids
combinations of these isoprene building blocks and can be of plant cells and the cytoplasmic mevalonate (MVA)
5,52
further modified with a wide variety of functional groups, pathway (sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and sterols) in
such as ketones, alcohols, and other substituents (e.g., fatty the cytosol of plant cells (Figure 3). 5,51,52
acids and sugars), to form a wide range of linear and
cyclized hydrocarbon structures. 50 2.2. C. sativa as a source of terpenes
C. sativa is well known for its agricultural and medicinal
Table 1. Functions of terpenes in plants values in East Asian, African, and Indian cultures dating
as far back as 6,000 years ago. 53-60 The medicinal properties
Function of terpenes in plants Reference (s)
Host protection (i.e., the strong aroma may be 5-8,9,10
a repellent to herbivores and may even detract
invasive plant species)
Attraction of pollinators 5,11-16
Disease resistance 17-24
Combating oxidative stress 25
Combating abiotic and biotic stress, such as 26
drought, temperature fluctuations, high light
intensity, mechanical damage, and air and soil Figure 1. Chemical structure of an isoprene unit (C H ), a five-carbon
5
8
pollution cyclic compound
Inter-plant communication 16,27
(chemical signaling)
Communication with the surrounding 16
environment (e.g., beneficial species, such
as pollinators, herbivores, predators, seed
dispersers, and parasitoids)
Plant protection against ozone damage 28
Photoprotection 25,29-31
Light harvesting 31
Cloud-seeding 32-41
Modulation of cell growth 31
Plant elongation 31 Figure 2. The chemical structures of some terpenoids produced by
Cannabis sativa: α-pinene, borneol, humulene, β-caryophyllene, linalool,
Membrane permeability and fluidity control 31,42-47
α-myrcene, and D-limonene

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/itps.0332