Limonene:

Discovering the Citrus Terpene in Medicinal Cannabis

Ever peeled an orange and felt instantly uplifted by the fresh citrus aroma? That zingy scent is thanks to Limonene, one of the most common terpenes found in nature and a key part of some medicinal cannabis formulations.

Limonene is a naturally occurring terpene found in citrus fruits and cannabis. Known for its distinctive lemon-like aroma, limonene is being studied for its potential role in mood, inflammation, and absorption of other cannabinoids (Russo, 2011).

In this article, we’ll explore what limonene is and what research says about its potential benefits.

What is Limonene?

Limonene is a terpene which is a type of aromatic compound found in many plants, especially citrus fruits and in some cannabis strains at differing concentrations. It is not a cannabinoid, meaning it does not bind to cannabinoid receptors directly, but it may influence how other cannabinoids bind to receptors and as well as the effect they have on the body.

Here are some key features of limonene:

Common in lemons, limes, oranges, and peppermint
Commonly known for its citrus-like aroma
It is prevalent in many cannabis strains and the concentrations depend on the genetics of the plant and the phenotype.
May influence the “Entourage effect” where cannabis compounds may work better together and have a range of effects (Russo, 2011)

What does the research say?

While more human studies are needed, early research and animal studies have examined limonene for a variety of potential effects which include:

Antioxidant effects, which may help protect cells from damage (Chen et al., 2013)
Anti-inflammatory properties: It has shown potential to modulate inflammation pathways (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2022)
Mood support potential as it may influence serotonin levels in the brain, which could contribute to feelings of calm or uplift (Alam et al., 2023)

Conclusion:

Limoene is more than just an aroma, it’s a naturally occurring terpene with emerging research. It may play a role in mood support, antioxidant activity and also anti-inflammatory potential. It provides insight to how natural plant compounds can potentially work together to support wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Laws regarding prescription medicines vary by region, and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any prescription medication.

References: Alam, S., et al. (2023). Terpenes in medicinal cannabis: Potential health effects and synergy with cannabinoids. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 112345. Chen, W., Viljoen, A., Hamman, J., & Steenkamp, V. (2013). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a citrus limonene. Journal of Natural Products, 76(5), 880–885. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. Sharifi-Rad, M., et al. (2022). Therapeutic potential of limonene and its metabolites in inflammation and oxidative stress. Phytotherapy Research, 36(3), 1225–1239.