The term ’terpene’ might not sound very familiar for the majority of the people except those biologists and scientists. While it is true that being the main ingredients of some plants and conifers as a way of defense mechanism has made this chemical desired for its quite strong odors, the same chemical also holds some medical miracles that are closely associated with human’s health. These are some medical facts about terpenes that are worth knowing.
Therapeutic Effects
Have you ever wondered how the essential oils produce their quite strong and good fragrances? The key to these odors is the chemical substance contained in each plant being extracted to retrieve its essentials. This chemical substance is what is widely known as terpenes.
Over the years, many scientists have conducted studies about the use of essential oils to enhance human’s positive behavior and psychology. The good news about those researches is that they can finally answer the big question of the study. Regular exposure to the fragrance can improve the people’s psychological state and result in a healthier body.
Cannabis
This plant has long been associated with those drug cartels and any other kind of drug abuse. However, you must also know that cannabis contains approximately 200 kinds of terpenes, making it an advantageous medical jewel. Each compound contained in the extract holds different medical benefits, making it one beneficial medicines for many illness. Unfortunately, its abuse has put the negative label on this plant.
With the right dose and usage, this plant is beneficial for medical treatments. Another thing to know is that the terpenes found in cannabis can also be found in another plant, such as limonene in citrus fruit with its lime flavored terpenes, wild thyme extracts, and lavender.
It Kills Cancer Cells
It is one of the most important medical discoveries about terpenes that everyone is hyped up about. The chemical has those antiproliferative and chemopreventive effects which simply means it prevents cancer cells from forming and kills the already-formed cells. Many studies and researches have been conducted to study about terpenes’ further effects on those cancer cells, and the results show that the right use of such chemicals to prevent cancer does not have any side effect.
Terpenes in Pharmaceuticals
While it is true that terpenes have some fantastic effects for the people’s health, it still maintains no progress and prospect in the industry of pharmaceuticals. The leading cause of this sad truth is the relation that the chemicals hold with cannabis. It is true that terpenes have been closely related to cannabis since the compounds are mostly found contained in the plant. However, with the medical effects stored in such compounds, it should change the way the people perceive cannabis.