Full Disclosure on Full Spectrum Terpenes

Full Spectrum extraction is the most complete rendition of a plant's constituents, nothing is lost and nothing is added. Understandably this has many benefits for therapeutic use. Full spectrum cannabis extract contains all available cannabinoids and terpenes and both of these valuable compounds work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote healthy functionality through the body.

Understanding the role of terpenes in cannabis and the ways that they interact in the human body has been a topic of interest to medical researchers seeking to unravel the pathways of the ECS. We now know that terpenes can activate CB1 receptors just like cannabinoids, and that they are present in many other plants.

So terpenes are the hydrocarbon compounds responsible for aroma and flavor in a plant, for example pinene, is the dominant terpene present in pine trees and gives that distinctive pine smell and resin. Cannabis can contain many terpenes simultaneously but often there is one terpene that dominates.

Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that has been much researched in recent years. Taking a closer look at the studies on this terpene demonstrates the potential of terpenes to support health.

Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most frequently found terpenes in cannabis plants. It is characterized by its spicy and peppery flavor and is also present in a variety of other plants: black pepper, basil, oregano, cinnamon, hops, rosemary, cloves, citrus and leafy greens. Researchers have designated BCP as a “dietary cannabinoid” because it occurs in so many edible plants. Not surprisingly BCP is approved by the FDA for use as flavoring and fragrance.

Recent medical research studying BCP has found that the compound has value in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic pain and substance abuse. BCP is known to be a weak agonist at CB1 receptor sites and a strong agonist at the CB2 receptor site; ( “agonist” in this context means a substance that has a physiological impact at a receptor site.) The CB2 receptor plays an important role in immune function and inflammation. Research shows that BCP also interacts with PPARS

(peroxisome proliferator activated receptors) found on the surface of a cell's nucleus. CBD also activates PPARs which are regulators of energy levels and metabolism.

Researchers in Turin, Italy published their study on the effects of BCP on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the International Journal of Molecular Science in March, 2023. The research found that diseased liver cells improved and that this was achieved through the activation of CB2 receptors and two types of PPARs receptors.

A 2014 Chinese study from the Chongqing Medical School investigated neurological effects of BCP by studying a mouse model trial for Alzheimers. They found that CB2 activation and PPAR pathways as mediators of BCP prevented cognitive impairment. Further research into the neuroprotective properties of terpenes may lead to viable treatment for neurodegenerative conditions in humans.

A new Iranian study published in 2022 focussed on the anti-oxidant and immune modulating effects of BCP. The study showed the terpene reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Again CB2 and PPAR receptors were observed to be the main mechanisms of action.

Lastly, a Brazilian study in 2022 looked at BCP’s effect on animal models of addiction to cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamines. They found BCP prevented or reversed cellular behavioral changes resulting from drug exposure, again CB2 and PPAR receptors were the mechanism of action.

The new discoveries about terpenes increase our understanding of the ECS and show clearly the benefits of the entourage effects of full spectrum extractions. The more we learn about terpenes the more we realize that the natural world has much to offer us for our physical wellbeing.

Further Reading:

Younossi, Zobair M et al. “The global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a systematic review.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) vol. 77,4 (2023): 1335-1347. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000004

Cheng, Yujie et al. “β-Caryophyllene ameliorates the Alzheimer-like phenotype in APP/PS1 Mice through CB2 receptor activation and the PPARγ pathway.” Pharmacology vol. 94,1-2 (2014): 1-12. doi:10.1159/000362689

Asth, Laila et al. “Effects of β -caryophyllene, A Dietary Cannabinoid, in Animal Models of Drug Addiction.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 21,2 (2023): 213-218. doi:10.2174/1570159X20666220927115811

New Cannabinoids Just Keep On Coming

What you should know about THCV

By Dan Reich

The Cannabis plant is a treasure trove of cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds that play a part in its healing magic. More than a hundred cannabinoids have been identified so far, and THCV is one that is attracting attention for its unique qualities.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, also known as THCV, is similar to THC on a molecular level but has distinct actions of its own on the human ECS. THCV produces a faster-acting, more-focused and stimulating sense of well being

Although THCV is not found in high concentrations in most strains, Sativas from Africa (especially landrace strains such as Durban Poison) are those which produce the most THCV. Breeders have created new strains such as Black Beauty, Doug’s Varin, Power Plant, Willie Nelson, Red Congolese and Jack the Ripper that boast high THCV content. Here at Synergy Wellness we are lucky to have Black Beauty, a Marin County bred flower that meets and exceeds most others flowers THCV content at 4%.

Diet Weed?

THCV can act as a potent appetite suppressant when combined with CBD. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “diet weed” or “weederol.” Alternatively, when choosing between high THC, low CBD products, one’s accompanied by high THCV, such as Black Beauty do not create the dramatic “munchie affect” usually associated with THC. Because THCV does not bind to the body’s C1 receptors and may also block THC from doing so appetite stimulation can be averted. Whether to avoid appetite stimulation or to repress appetite, products containing THCV can be a useful tools that represent a whole different action and usage in Cannabis medicine. Interestingly, the effects are most enhanced when taken in low to medium doses that are not necessarily psychoactive and can therefore be used by folks who do not consider themselves THC friendly.

Diabetes

THCV has been seen to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin levels. Ongoing research into possible treatment for diabetes may reveal useful treatements for the disease.

A Robust Neuroprotector

Because it activates CB2 receptors but blocks CB1 receptors, researchers have determined that its antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities could help those suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by reducing tremors and brain lesions and slowing the progression of the disease. There have been a number of animal based studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness. It is also showing promise in addressing severe anxiety and panic attacks in PTSD patients. Studies are forthcoming on THCV effects on epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and bacterial inflammation.

THCV is rapidly emerging as one of the most potentially useful cannabinoids in the cannabis realm.

If you are curious as to what THCV can do for you, try our Black Beauty tincture, with a 3:1 blend of THC to THCV. We recommend it for PTSD, Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Parkinson’s, tremors, pain and anxiety. Psychoactive at about 12% THC, but at smaller doses only mildly so, while enabling relief without appetite stimulation.

CBD infused Apple Cake

If you find yourself with a quantity of autumn apples, this is a delicious and easy recipe, add CBD oil based tincture for a relaxing teatime treat

Ingredients:

• 10 oz organic flour

• 4oz organic light brown sugar

• 1 large egg/ 2 tablespoons of coconut cream or other

• 2oz organic butter/ vegan substitute

• 2oz coconut oil & 30- 60 drops of Synergy Wellness CBD-rich oil based tincture.

• 12oz apple peeled, pared and cut in small cubes

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1 teaspoon allspice (optional)

Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 375F, prepare a baking dish or a loaf baking tin: grease the inside, then sprinkle a little flour over a greased baking dish or if using a loaf tin, grease it and then line with parchment paper.

Mix the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon and allspice together in a large bowl. Melt the butter and the coconut oil, add the drops of tincture and stir together.

In a separate bowl, mix the beaten egg or creamer together with the butter/coconut oil and then add in the apple cubes. Fold the apple batter into the dry ingredients and mix together. It will be a thick mixture and it’ll need a spatula or two to press it into the baking tin.

Bake for 30 minutes, and then do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, set the tin to cool before removing the cake, otherwise return the tin to the oven and test again in ten minutes until the pick comes out clean!