Through the advancement of science, we now have a deeper understanding of the properties of the terpene profiles of cannabis. These aromatic compounds do more than just provide the distinct aroma and flavour to the cannabis plant – they also hold functional and therapeutic properties.
Recent scientific studies suggest that certain terpenes present in the profile of cannabis can increase skin permeability, meaning they can enhance the absorption of other compounds (such as cannabinoids) and therefore increase their effects.
Next, we’ll explore the avenues that this opens up for medicinal use, particularly focusing on the potential of myrcene (a terpene prevalent in cannabis profiles) to improve and enhance the efficacy of topical formulations for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
The Ability of Terpenes to Increase Skin Permeability
Recent scientific studies show that terpenes play a significant role in the delivery of other active compounds through the skin.
This mechanism, which enhances the absorption of other components in creams, occurs thanks to the ability of terpenes to alter the skin barrier, thereby increasing absorption and facilitating the entry of other compounds.
Certain studies have shown that terpenes such as humulene, linalool, and pinene exhibit cannabimimetic activity (they mimic the effects of cannabinoids), and also increase their own effects through what is known as the entourage effect.
This emphasizes the need to ramp up research on this topic and understand its potential applications in the medical field, including topical application.
Myrcene Can Reduce Pain in Topical Treatments
In a study conducted on rodents (1), researchers wanted to investigate the therapeutic potential of myrcene in topical formulations (this is a monoterpene abundantly present in the different terpene profiles of cannabis).
The study specifically focused on the potential of this terpene to reduce joint inflammation and pain through topical treatments, especially in conditions like arthritis.
The entourage effect of terpenes, combined with cannabinoids, has been proven in several studies. However, this study aimed at observing the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of myrcene on its own. To this end, the role of myrcene in managing chronic joint pain and inflammation was investigated.
After seven and twenty-one days of treatment, a reduction in joint pain and inflammation, and tissue improvement were observed.
These improvements seem to occur through the local application of myrcene (1 and 5 mg/kg subcutaneously), by way of an interaction mechanism with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
Benefits of CBD in Creams
On the other hand, CBD or cannabidiol has been widely studied for its beneficial properties, including its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, or its ability to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
When infused into creams and other topical formulations, CBD offers relief from localized symptoms and proves useful in treating specific conditions.
A 2016 study (2) assessed the potential of terpenes to overcome the major challenge of drug delivery through the skin, especially through the so-called stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis).
Several techniques were developed in this study to enhance the penetration of topical drugs, including the use of natural terpenes as penetration enhancers.
The study concluded that botanical terpenes are indeed both effective and safe, and interact with skin lipids to facilitate drug absorption.
This revelatory research paves the way for the use of terpenes as facilitators of transdermal medicinal treatments.
Benefits of Adding Terpenes to Cream and Oil Formulations for the Skin
Incorporating terpenes into cream formulations with cannabinoids (for instance, CBD creams) could not only enhance the absorption of cannabidiol but also increase the functional and therapeutic effects of these products.
This simple and safe method helps to create a more effective version of a cream or oil for topical use, ideal for users who need an extra boost.
Here are the advantages of adding terpenes to CBD creams and oils:
Improved Absorption Through the Skin
As explained above, terpenes act as permeability enhancers, allowing other compounds to penetrate more deeply and abundantly into the skin.
This ability to increase the absorption of other components results in faster, more effective action – optimizing the efficacy of the cream in the treatment of localized pain and inflammation, for instance.
The Ability of Terpenes to Alleviate Pain and Inflammation
Terpenes like myrcene not only enhance the absorption of other compounds but also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of their own.
The combination of the effects of terpenes and the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids like CBD can create a synergy that intensifies the functional benefits of creams and oils.
The Aromatic Properties of Terpenes
In addition to their functional benefits (like their property to calm anxiety or reduce pain), terpenes have aromatic properties that can enhance psychological well-being.
Some terpenes, like linalool or limonene, showcase calming and relaxing effects that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, in addition to providing a better sensory experience with their delicious aroma, making the application of the creams or oils more pleasant.
Antioxidant Potential of Terpenes
Certain terpenes found in the aromatic profile of cannabis, like limonene and pinene, exhibit antioxidant properties that can protect skin cells from aging.
The antioxidant effect of some terpenes helps to fight free radicals and prevent premature skin aging. This adds an extra value to CBD skin creams and oils, as it contributes to their ability to assist skin regeneration and care.
Final Conclusions
As research on cannabis compounds progresses, new horizons are emerging for the application of terpenes in various fields.
Adding terpenes to CBD creams and oils could not only enhance their effectiveness but also provide the additional benefits that terpenes naturally offer.
This synergy could amplify the benefits of creams for analgesic and anti-inflammatory use, whilst also promoting healthier and more protected skin. Without a doubt, these advancements highlight the potential of terpenes as a valuable ingredient in CBD topical formulations.
- McDougall, J., & McKenna, M. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147891.
- Chen, J., Jiang, Q., Chai, Y., Zhang, H., Peng, P., & Yang, X. (2016). Natural Terpenes as Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Molecules, 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21121709.
- Jansen, C., Shimoda, L., Kawakami, J., Ang, L., Bacani, A., Baker, J., Badowski, C., Speck, M., Stokes, A., Small-Howard, A., & Turner, H. (2019). Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1. Channels, 13, 344 – 366. https://doi.org/10.1080/19336950.2019.1654347.
- LaVigne, J., Hecksel, R., Keresztes, A., & Streicher, J. (2021). Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87740-8.
- Cal, K. (2005). How does the type of vehicle influence the in vitro skin absorption and elimination kinetics of terpenes?. Archives of Dermatological Research, 297, 311-315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-005-0622-4.
- Williams, A., & Barry, B. (2004). Terpenes and the Lipid–Protein–Partitioning Theory of Skin Penetration Enhancement. Pharmaceutical Research, 8, 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015813803205.
- Lim, P., Liu, X., & Chan, S. (2009). A Review on Terpenes as Skin Penetration Enhancers in Transdermal Drug Delivery. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 21, 423 – 428. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2009.9700208.
