A recent scientific study has explored the potential of certain terpenes present in the aromatic profile of cannabis to significantly relieve pain. The research was conducted on chronic pain models and aimed to identify the mechanisms by which these molecules exert their analgesic effects.
These findings bring hope to many patients suffering from chronic pain and seeking alternatives to conventional medications like morphine, since the side effects of this type of treatment tend to be severe.
Terpenes to Relieve Chronic Pain
Terpenes are molecules that provide the aroma and flavor to plants and fruits, including cannabis. But aside from being responsible for the complex flavor of cannabis strains, these compounds also possess therapeutic properties.
In previous studies, terpenes have already demonstrated their potential as analgesics (in both animal research and human trials). Until now, however, the mechanisms of action behind these effects had not been explored.
Terpenes like geraniol, linalool, pinene, humulene, and caryophyllene are capable of producing cannabimimetic effects (i.e., effects similar to those of cannabinoids) through their interaction with multiple receptors in our bodies.
This recent study, carried out by 14 researchers from the University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has focused on both exploring more deeply the antinociceptive potential of terpenes (i.e., their ability to reduce the sensation of pain) and discovering their mechanism of action.
Pain Relief with Terpenes: A New Frontier in Traditional Morphine Treatments
This study used mice to evaluate the efficacy of terpenes in relieving chronic pain.
The researchers wanted to test the effects on two different types of pain: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory pain. These two types of pain are challenging to treat with conventional analgesic medications.
For the study, terpenes were administered to mice at a specific dose. Results showed that this dose managed to reduce pain in the mice with an effectiveness similar to that of morphine. Each terpene was individually tested for efficacy at a dose of 200 mg/kg, while the comparison to morphine was at 10 mg/kg.
These results suggest that, despite the difference in dosage, terpenes can achieve the same effectiveness as opioids in reducing pain, but without the associated risks.
The findings showed that all the terpenes tested in the study reduced neuropathic pain markers, while all terpenes except pinene appeared to be effective for treating inflammatory pain.
Following these promising results, the researchers decided to apply even lower doses of cannabis terpenes along with morphine (reducing the dose of both substances). This combination resulted in a more potent analgesic effect than when used separately. Therefore, this suggests the possibility of a combined therapy for those more resistant or severe cases of chronic pain.
Moreover, the idea behind this innovative treatment would be to increase efficacy whilst reducing the addictive potential of opioids, as the study suggests there is a synergistic effect where terpenes enhance the analgesic effects of morphine.
If these treatments were implemented, opioid doses could be reduced, thereby minimizing side effects and dependency.
Analgesic Efficacy of Cannabis Terpenes Without Addiction Risks
One of the most important findings of this study is that terpenes could be an effective alternative for pain treatment comparable to morphine. In addition, their administration didn’t cause any reward behaviors in mice, meaning terpenes don’t have the addictive potential of opioids. This is a significant advantage in terms of safety and abuse risk reduction.
Mechanisms of Action of Terpenes to Reduce Pain
In order to understand the mechanisms behind the reduction of pain caused by terpenes, researchers focused on the study of a specific receptor called adenosine A2A (A2AR).
They used a specific blocker for this receptor and some techniques to reduce its activity in the spinal cord of mice. With this, they were able to demonstrate that this receptor is a key piece in the analgesic effect of terpenes.
Additionally, lab studies showed that terpenes might act on the A2AR receptor to alleviate pain. This discovery is important because it identifies a specific mechanism through which terpenes can reduce pain, distinguishing it from morphine, which mainly acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Future Implications in Chronic Pain Treatments
These promising results offer hope to patients with low tolerance to opioids or at risk of developing dependence. The fact that terpenes can reduce pain to levels comparable to those of morphine without any risk of addiction opens up new possibilities for alternative or complementary treatments.
Furthermore, the fact that their effect occurs through the activation of the A2A receptor allows for a different approach to medicines that act on these receptors rather than on opioid receptors.
However, for this to happen, human trials will be needed first to confirm the safety and efficacy of terpenes as analgesics. Additionally, the dose of terpenes used in this study was relatively high, which questions the viability of long-term use and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
This study adds to an increasing list of research on the therapeutic properties of terpenes. A path that seems to hint at a future with alternative treatments offering a better safety profile than opioid drugs.
However, further research (especially in humans) is still needed for this to become a reality. In the meantime, we will keep a close eye on the latest developments in this field.
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- Schwarz, Abigail M.a; Keresztes, Attilaa; Bui, Thaia; Hecksel, Ryana; Peña, Adriana; Lent, Briannaa; Gao, Zhan-Guob; Gamez-Rivera, Martína; Seekins, Caleb A.a; Chou, Kerrya; Appel, Taylor L.a; Jacobson, Kenneth A.b; Al-Obeidi, Fahad A.a; Streicher, John M.a,c,*. Terpenes from Cannabis sativa induce antinociception in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain via activation of adenosine A2A receptors. PAIN ():10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003265, May 2, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003265
