LIMONENE: WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THIS CANNABIS TERPENE?

Cannabis, like most other plants, is full of terpenes. One of them is limonene, which is one of the most common cannabis terpenes. Terpenes have many beneficial effects and can interact withCBD, THC and other cannabinoids. In this article, we'll explain some important information regarding this terpene and introduce you to some of the potential health benefits of limonene.

What is limonene?

Limonene is a very common monoterpene found in many cannabis strains. Like other terpenes, limonene is found in many other plants and fruits, such as:

• citrus fruits,
• juniper,
• rosemary,
• peppermint,
• eucalyptus,
• cardamom,
• black pepper.

A large number of products containing limonene can be found on the market. Many foods and beverages contain it. It is also found in perfumes, soaps and other cosmetic products. Due to its lemony aroma, limonene is commonly used in chemical products, especially in cleaning products.

What are the medicinal effects of limonene?

Limonene, one of the most researched cannabis terpenes, has a variety of potential health and immune system effects. Below are some of them.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Limonene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One study conducted on mice with inflammatory bowel disease suggests that limonene has very beneficial effects because it reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.

Another study conducted on elderly subjects found that limonene contained in capsules significantly reduced the incidence of inflammation.

Analgesic effects

Limonene also has analgesic effects. According to a study published in 2017, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of limonene may partly explain why limonene acts as an analgesic in animal studies.

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects

Studies in mice have shown that limonene reduces anxiety and stress and may have antidepressant effects . This theory is supported by other studies showing that limonene can improve mood by actively acting on the serotonin system in the brain.

Anti-cancer effects

Research also suggests that limonene may have anti-cancer effects. Limonene has shown promising anti-cancer effects in many studies, including a study published in 2018. Researchers conducted experiments on lung cancer cells in mice and found that limonene suppressed cell growth while inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Another clinical study conducted in 2011 at the University of Arizona, involving 59 women, showed that limonene may be a promising preventive and curative agent in the treatment of breast cancer.

Antiplasma effects

Based on several studies, researchers believe that limonene actively prevents the proliferation of malaria parasites because it controls the movement of the parasite and stops the biological processes that cause it to grow and multiply. Therefore, some experts use this terpene to produce antimalarials.

Other effects of limonene

In addition to the above effects of limonene, limonene has also been found to act on:

• Heart health,
• appetite and proper digestion,
• improving the condition of the skin,
• lowering cholesterol levels,
• prevention and reduction of gallstones.

Cannabis varieties with high limonene content

Limonene is found in many varieties of cannabis. Among the most common are:

• Banana OG,
• Do-Si-Dos,
• Super Lemon Haze,
• Jack Herer,
• Wedding Cake,
• White Berry,
• Durban Poison.

Limonene really has a lot of health benefits and you can try them for yourself. Get yourself a limonene essential oil and experience the magic of aromatherapy.