Geraniol; a terpene with diverse therapeutic potential
Cannabis is known to contain very important cannabinoids like THC and CBD which account for a large part of its recreational and medicinal applications. Another class of compounds that are also present in cannabis which are of great importance are terpenes.
Terpenes play a very important role in the characteristics of cannabis and some of them have very useful therapeutic activities. With the increasing acceptance of cannabis in different regions of the world, it is only natural that extensive studies are conducted to find out the true capacity of the constituents of cannabis.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are a unique class of compounds in plants that accounts for the aromatic nature and scents of such compounds. Terpenes are found in flowers, fruits, and vegetables where they impart aroma as well as account for some of their therapeutic effects. Cannabis contains many terpenes with varying amounts present in some strains compared to others. Terpenes in cannabis act with the cannabinoids present in cannabis to produce an entourage effect to the benefit of the user. Varying terpenes in cannabis include limonene, myrcene, and linalool.
As you can see, we have a lot of terpenes but in this article, I will be paying close attention to a special terpene called geraniol.
Geraniol is a special terpene found in cannabis which helps effect a special aroma and scent. Geraniol is used characteristically in the extraction of essential oils and it serves as a major component of rose oil and citronella oil. It is also commercially important as a fragrance imparter but a look into some of its therapeutic effects will allow for more appreciation of this terpene.
Different therapeutic actions have been ascribed to geraniol and these effects make cannabis strains with a high level of geraniol more helpful and beneficial. Cannabis strains that have been identified to have a large amount of linalool have also been proven to have a considerable amount of geraniol. Some of the common cannabis strains that have a high amount of geraniol are
Afghan
Great White Shark
Some of the proven applications of geraniol include;
As a flavoring agent: Geraniol is largely appreciated for its use as a flavoring agent. It has been used in different types of industries to impart flavor in foods, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents. It helps to enhance flavor in roses, blueberries, lemon, lime, and orange.
As an insect repellent or pesticide: Geraniol candles are also applied in the control of insects and have been known to pack a serious punch. The candles are also more effective than citronella candles.
Beyond the applications in industries, geraniol has several therapeutic effects ranging from antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Research is still ongoing on some of these, as well as a search into new properties residues in the compound which makes geraniol a potential reservoir of numerous therapeutic potentials. A better look into these effects gives a better understanding of the capabilities of geraniol.
Anticancer: Studies have shown that geraniol has a role to play in the management and treatment of cancer. This is because geraniol contains antioxidant properties that help fight against the growth of tumors and inhibit their development into cancers. Concise studies by experts showed that geraniol possesses the capacity to inhibit the spread and development of prostate cancer cells by altering the expression of the master genes. More research is still ongoing to show how much of a role geraniol can play in the management of cancer.
Anti-inflammatory: It serves as an added advantage that geraniol has an anti-inflammatory activity which further adds to the anti-inflammatory pool of cannabis as caused by some of the cannabinoids which further cements the push for the use cannabis for cold and common inflammatory disorders.
Antifungal, Antibacterial and Antiviral: The antimicrobial effects of geraniol are well documented and it is commonly used as an antimicrobial agent in some foods to go along with its flavor imparting character. This then shows that cannabis with high geraniol levels can give antimicrobial benefits to the user.
Neuroprotective: Neuropathy is a condition premeditated by nerve damages that cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the limbs. Geraniol has neuroprotective properties in that it protects the nerves and its structure accounting for its benefit in handling neuropathy which of major benefits to people with diabetic neuropathy.
Several works of research are still ongoing to show the different therapeutic effects of geraniol and this can only be good news to the users of cannabis both for medicinal and recreational purposes. Geraniol is a terpene that gives an increase to the entourage effect shown in cannabis alongside cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Apart from geraniol, there still is a great network of beneficial compounds residue in cannabis all which play a role in the recreational and therapeutic effects of the plant.
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