Page 22 - ITPS-7-3

INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Therapeutic value of terpenes

(NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), lipids, triglycerides, As aforementioned, taxol (paclitaxel) is widely used to
and cholesterol. 366,367 These results suggest that safranal treat solid-tumor cancers, and its economic value has been
could be used as an anti-diabetic agent. increasing annually, correlating to the growing incidence of
many cancers globally. In 2021, the global paclitaxel injection
The sodium-glucose co-transporter-1/sodium glucose-
linked transporter-1 (SGLT-1) regulates the reabsorption market was valued at US$4.51 billion and is expected to
exceed US$11.16 billion by 2030 at a compound annual
of glucose into the small intestines (and less frequently, growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% between 2022 and 2030. 373
the kidneys), thereby reducing blood glucose levels and
368
improving glycemic control. Farnesol and farnesal, two According to a 2022 market growth report, the global
acyclic terpenoids, reportedly inhibit SGLT-1 to produce terpenes market was estimated to value around US$693
antihyperglycemic effects. 369 million and is expected to reach a valuation of over US$1
billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 6.4% between 2021 and
ECS overactivity, particularly cannabinoid receptor 374
type 1 (CB R), has been implicated in the progression 2027. It should also be noted that several terpene-based
patents contribute to this growth, and Table 8 presents
1
of insulin resistance and diabetes (especially type 2) and several existing terpene-related patents for the treatment
its age-related comorbidities, such as atherosclerosis, of various diseases.
retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Terpenes, in
65
combination with phytocannabinoids, may also interact 5. Conclusion
with CB R to ameliorate diabetes and its complications.
65
1
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB R), also of the ECS, has Terpenes have significant therapeutic potential and a
2
been implicated in glucose and lipid metabolism and may wide range of industrial applications. Owing to their high
also have therapeutic benefits against diabetes and chronic natural abundance and chemical diversity, terpenes are
143
inflammatory diseases. β-caryophyllene is reported to suitable candidates for novel and commercially valuable
interact with CB R and exhibit antiglycemic properties products and alternatives to synthetic products.
143
2
through interaction with PPAR-α and PPAR-γ. 143 With the increasing incidence of cancer, there is also
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a stress a growing interest in the therapeutic benefits of terpenes.
kinase that increases fatty acid oxidation, inhibits lipid Based on the treatment efficacy of taxol (paclitaxel), other
synthesis, improves insulin action, and facilitates GLUT4 terpenoids may have similar potential. However, there is
currently a lack of definitive terpene and terpenoid profiles,
translocation of glucose entry into adipocytes and muscle and the biosynthetic systems and metabolic processes
cells. Two cucurbitane triterpenoids from M. charantia, influencing the anticancer properties of terpenes remain
370
karaviloside XI, and momordicoside, have demonstrated unclear.
the ability to mediate the phosphorylation and activation of
AMPK. 370-372 In the same study, momordicoside reportedly Given these limitations, further research is warranted
enhanced fatty acid oxidation and glucose disposal in both to elucidate the bioactivity and potential synergism of
insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive mice. 370 terpenes and terpenoids when used in combination with
cannabinoids and flavonoids. Consequently, this approach
4. Economic value of terpenes would result in more advanced commercial terpene- and
Besides their medicinal value, terpenes and their terpenoid-based therapeutics in the market.
derivatives also have high economic value as they are used Acknowledgments
widely in many industries, such as the food, toiletries,
pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical None.
industries. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic has also Funding
greatly influenced the growth of the terpene market.
Terpenes are an important industrial raw material None.
and play a significant role in the production of synthetic Conflict of interest
polymers, natural rubbers (polyisoprene), organic
solvents, varnishes, inks, adhesives, cleaning products, and The authors declare no conflict of interest.
biofuels. For example, (-)-menthol (1-menthol) is widely
used in the manufacturing of many beverages, cigarettes, Author contributions
and other products with a wild mint flavor or fragrance. Conceptualization: All authors
Likewise, linalool is responsible for the distinct lavender Writing – original draft: All authors
fragrance and is also widely used in many industries. Writing – review & editing: All authors

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 13 doi: 10.36922/itps.0332