What Are the Terpenes in Tanasi Extracts? Everything You Need To Know

What are terpenes and why do we include them in our Tanasi CBD+CBDA products? Well, they are aromatic compounds you can find in just about every herb and plant, even though many people link them to cannabis since these plants contain very high terpene concentrations.

Now, why do we love them at Tanasi? We’re all about effective, natural products. That’s why we include a patent-pending ratio of CBD + CBDa in all our products. (You can read more about that combination here.) And it’s why, instead of adding artificial flavorings or sugars to products like our Blueberry GOLD tincture, we harness the natural flavorings of tinctures to give you a taste that our customer Paul F calls, “Blueberry-Riffic! By far the best CBD oil I have tried! The taste is fantastic and I love the terpenes from the Blueberry. Keep up the good work Tanasi!” 

Want to dive deeper into the world of terpenes with us? Carry on reading to find out more!

What Are Terpenes?

As mentioned above, a terpene is an aromatic compound that often determines the fragrance or smell of herbs and plants. Manufacturers also use “isolated” terpenes to create scents and flavors in common products like foods, body products, and perfumes.

In plants, these compounds play an essential role. For some, they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while in others, they can create strong reactions designed to repel foraging animals or insects. There are also certain types of terpenes that play protective roles in a plant, such as assisting plants to recover if they have sustained damage. Some also play a role in the plant immune system by warding off infectious germs or diseases.

Some people also refer to terpenes as terpenoids. However, they are two different things. A terpene is a compound in its natural form, which means when it is present in a live plant. When we dry and cure a plant, or when processing a plant such as cannabis, the terpenes will oxidize, converting them to terpenoids.

What Are Terpenes And Which Plants Contain Them?

These compounds are extremely abundant and present in just about every type of plant. Some of the more well-known terpenes have turned into household names, yet we have barely begun to scratch the surface when it comes to learning more about these non-intoxicating, beneficial plant compounds.

Some of the more well-known plants that contain these terpenes include:

– Rosemary

– Cannabis

– Lemongrass

– Peppermint

– Tea

– Evergreen shrubs

– Lavender

– Pine

– Spanish sage

– Thyme

– Citrus fruit

To date, scientists and researchers have discovered approximately 20,000 terpenes. Around 150 of them live in the Cannabis sativa plant. From these results, it’s clear that cannabis is not the be-all or end-all when referring to these compounds. While often linked with cannabis plants, terpenes are actually a lot more varied and plentiful in a variety of non-cannabis plants.

The latest catalog of these compounds is already extensive. However, it is very likely that there are still many more to discover. Based on the latest statistics and estimates, scientists have only identified about 20% of these terpenes.

If the species of plants that are still undiscovered contain similar concentrations of terpenes to the plants that have already been identified, there might be 100,000 or more terpenes that are yet to be discovered.

What Is The Role Of Terpenes In Plants

Terpenes play an essential role in a plant’s life, such as acting as powerful magnets to draw natural pollinators. They also act as a defense for some of these plants. Some terpenes act as natural repellents, using their chemical characteristics to generate just the right reaction to repel foraging creatures and insects.

From established studies, it is clear that terpenes play a very active role in nature. Since terpenes play both productive and protective roles over the course of a plant’s life, they are important for the survival of certain plant species. They are also far more than just additions to essential oil or cannabis products, they form a very important part of life systems that have undergone developments over hundreds of years.

The main roles of terpenes in living plants include:

– Warding off infectious germs

– Assisting a plant to recover from any damages

– Attracting pollinators

– Repelling certain predators such as foraging animals or insects

What Are Terpenes And How Do They Affect People?

Many terpenes are regarded as bioactive. That means they can produce an effect in the body when ingested. Yet terpenes impact each person differently, and these are just some of the effects some people associate with each compound.

#1 Limonene

Limonene is a very common terpene due to its pleasurable and distinctive citrus scent. Limonene imparts a fragrance or smell that is similar to freshly sliced oranges or lemon rinds.

#2 Pinene

An abundant and natural terpene, it is split into b-pinene and a-pinene. Pinene imparts a fresh and vibrant fragrance similar to pine needles and basil. Known for a range of beneficial characteristics, Pinene is popular in Japan for its supposed rejuvenating and restorative effects, especially when used as a natural bathing product.

Possible Benefits Of Pinene

– Restorative

#3 Linalool

Commonly found in lavender plants, linalool is one of the most common additions to a range of essential oil products. Due to its potent lavender smell, linalool is also a common addition to aromatherapy practices and products. Researchers are divided on the actual efficacy relating to this terpene.

#4 Humulene

Humulene has been found in the hop plant and, in animals, appeared to decrease allergic reactions.

#5 Myrcene

A popular ingredient used by home brewers, this terpene is commonly found in lemongrass, thyme, hops, and the flowers of the cannabis plant. This compound appears to have natural antioxidant properties.

What Are Terpenes? – Final Thoughts

Terpenes are classified as “active compounds” that are present in many species of plants. Found commonly in cannabis plants, terpenes are also abundant in many other plants, herbs, and fruits, and are also linked to all essential oil formulations and products. According to preliminary research, terpenes are bioactive compounds that can enhance natural flavoring in plant-based supplements, but we won’t know how or if they affect humans in other ways without more studies.