Abstract
This study explores the complementary or synergistic effects of medicinal cannabis constituents, particularly terpenes, concerning their therapeutic potential, known as the entourage effect. A systematic review of the literature on cannabis “entourage effects” was conducted using the PRISMA model. Two research questions directed the review: (1) What are the physiological effects of terpenes and terpenoids found in cannabis? (2) What are the proven “entourage effects” of terpenes in cannabis? The initial approach involved an exploratory search in electronic databases using predefined keywords and Boolean phrases across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Analysis of published studies shows no evidence of neuroprotective or anti-aggregatory effects of α-pinene and β-pinene against β-amyloid-mediated toxicity; however, modest lipid peroxidation inhibition by α-pinene, β pinene, and terpinolene may contribute to the multifaceted neuroprotection properties of these C. sativa L. prevalent monoterpenes and the triterpene friedelin. Myrcene demonstrated anti-inflammatory proprieties topically; however, in combination with CBD, it did not show significant additional differences. Exploratory evidence suggests various therapeutic benefits of terpenes, such as myrcene for relaxation; linalool as a sleep aid and to relieve exhaustion and mental stress; D-limonene as an analgesic; caryophyllene for cold tolerance and analgesia; valencene for cartilage protection; borneol for antinociceptive and anticonvulsant potential; and eucalyptol for muscle pain. While exploratory research suggests terpenes as influencers in the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, the potential for synergistic or additive enhancement of cannabinoid efficacy by terpenes remains unproven. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm any terpenes “entourage effects.”
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1543 |
| Journal | Pharmaceuticals |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Nov 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 by the authors.
Funding
The literature search and data treatment reported in this review merely reflect the state-of-the-art. The activity was supported by a shared grant for APG from SOMA\u00CD Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and CBIOS. The principal investigators P.R. and M.d.C.C. serve on the advisory board of SOMA\u00CD Pharmaceuticals Ltd. without any financial interest. Although a financial conflict of interest was identified based on the overall scope of the project and its potential benefit to SOMA\u00CD Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the research findings included in this publication may not necessarily relate to their interests. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by University Lus\u00F3fona-School of Health Sciences and Technologies/CBIOS Board of Directors in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research. This research was funded by Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) through the projects with DOIs 10.54499/UIDP/04567/2020 and 10.54499/UIDB/04567/2020 awarded to CBIOS and by SPFITO- the Portuguese Society of Phytochemistry and Phytotherapy.
| Funders |
|---|
| CBIOS |
| Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia |
Keywords
- cannabinoids
- cannabis
- entourage effect
- influencers
- terpene(s)