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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Therapeutic value of terpenes

known as kief, are inserted in between hot metal plates to in folk medicine, and it is used to treat digestive problems,
produce rosin containing both terpenes and cannabinoids. 74 colds, coughs, asthma, wheezing, and joint pain. 107,108
Likewise, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) contains
3. Biological and medicinal benefits of many medicinal terpenes, such as α-pinene, caryophyllene,
terpenes cymene, linalool, humulene, α-phellandrene, and cymene.

3.1. Medicinal properties of terpenes It is used to treat respiratory issues (e.g., cold, sinus,
congestion, and bronchitis), digestive problems, diabetes,
Terpenes were recognized for hundreds of years as essential and chest pain. 109
oils from various plants and used in ancient ceremonies
and for medicinal purposes in ancient civilizations. The 3.2. Biological properties of terpenes
primary constituents of essential oils are a combination of The secondary metabolites of cannabis have a wide range
hydrophobic and volatile monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, of biological characteristics, such as anticancer, anti-
and phenylpropanoids. Plant families, such as Asteraceae, inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective,
Myrtaceae, Alliaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae (e.g., lavender and antioxidant properties. 51,110-112 These characteristics of
and rosemary), Poaceae, and Rutaceae, produce a variety terpenes have enabled the treatment of various conditions,
of essential oils of significant medicinal and industrial such as stress, anxiety, depression, decongestion,
value. 75-77 In ancient times, the Arabs, Chinese, and inflammation, pain, cancer, digestive disorders,
Egyptians applied camphor as a topical medication for bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections,
insect bites, itches, joint pain, swellings, sprains, and metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
inflammation, as a decongestant, and as a therapeutic (Table 3). 75,110,113-115
agent in the treatment of diarrhea, depression, fever, and
dental cavities. 52,78-92 Terpenes are also traditionally used in The antioxidant properties of terpenes are of significance
exotic perfumes, incense, embalming fluid (e.g., in burial to counteract the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
rituals, mummification, and religious ceremonies), as a involved in the aging process and the pathology of many
fumigant and repellent against pests, and in cooking. 52,78-92 conditions (e.g., diabetes, CVDs, liver disease, renal
In modern days, terpenes and their derivates are widely disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases). 116-119
used in industries, such as food (flavoring), toiletries, Other proposed mechanisms of antioxidant action of
pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical terpenes are through free radical scavenging mechanisms
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industries (fragrances). and by enhancing the activity of antioxidant molecules.
Notably, a patented combination of cannabis terpenes has
By various mechanisms of action, terpenes and demonstrated clinical significance in the treatment and
their derivates demonstrate anti-cancer, antioxidant, prevention of COVID-19. 120,121
neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective,
digestive, antitumor, antibacterial, anti-plasmodial, Cannabis terpenes, such as ocimene, terpinolene,
antiviral, antiseptic, antimalarial, immunoregulatory, and β-myrcene, have exhibited anti-cancer effects in a
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antiaging, diuretic, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic properties, taxol-resistant model of breast cancer. Similarly, other
and more. 93-98 Limonene (from Citrus limon/Citrus cannabis terpenes, such as myrcene, linalool humulene,
reticulata/Juniperus communis) is among the most β-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, eucalyptol, and
common terpenes used in folk medicine, particularly borneol, have all demonstrated anti-cancer effects by
in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese various mechanisms of action such as induction of
medicine (TCM) to treat oral cavities, digestive problems, apoptosis, induction of cell cycle arrest. 61,122-138
abdominal colic pain, cough, cold, swelling, and urinary The pharmacological effects of C. sativa are primarily
problems. 99-101 induced by the interaction of secondary metabolites
Humulene (Panax sp./Ginseng) is also widely used with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is
in Ayurvedic medicine and TCM to boost energy and primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis. In
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memory, reduce fatigue, and treat symptoms of menopause addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS
and muscular skeletal conditions (such as arthritis and directly influences other biological aspects of a human
rheumatism). 102-104 Garlic (Allium sativum) contains being (e.g., physical, mental, and psychological), 163,164
nerolidol, alpha-pinene, and terpinolene and is also and the multifaceted role of ECS has been implicated
widely used in folk medicine to treat wounds, headaches, in several pathophysiological diseases, such as cancer,
heart disease, ulcers, and gastric/digestive problems. 105,106 CVDs, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this regard,
Zingiberene (ginger/Zingiber officinale) is also a mainstay the genetic and pharmacological modulations of the ECS

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 4 doi: 10.36922/itps.0332