What is Limonene and What does This cannabis Terpene do?

People are becoming more aware of the advantages of cannabis terpenes, such as limonene, in recent years. They not only give each strain its own taste and aroma, but they also contribute to the overall effects. Looking to try something new? Check out this LA Sunset.

Furthermore, many terpenes have been proven to improve health and well-being. They contribute to the entourage effect, which boosts the overall effectiveness of both cannabis and CBD oil. Furthermore, they have their own set of advantages.

We look at one of the most well-known cannabis terpenes, limonene, in this post. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Limonene?

A monoterpene, or a simple chemical structure containing one terpinolene molecule, is the essential oil of limes (C10H20). It has a lemony odor and a sweet, citrus flavor.

D-limonene is the most common form of the chemical, which may be found in a variety of forms. D-limonene is one of nature’s most plentiful terpenes, after all. Citrus rind is its most well-known source, although it can also be found in many other plant species, including cannabis.

Limonene has become popular in the household sector since to its pleasant, lemon fragrance. You’ll come across it in a variety of goods, including:

• Food products
• Perfumes
• Cosmetics
• Furniture polish
• Cleaning products
• Paint and varnish

So, what other advantages does limonene have beyond its pleasant fragrance? Let’s look at some of them.

Limonene Benefits

Limonene has been studied and researched for several years, and new findings are being discovered on a regular basis. Several possible limonene advantages have been identified through research. However, it is important to remember that the majority of the data come from animal studies. Human clinical trials are still lacking in full.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Limonene, like many other terpenes, has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In 2010, the Journal of Food Science published a study that found that it inhibits cytokines. These chemicals are an important element of the immune system and help to stimulate inflammation.

Limonene is a terpene with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to the research. Limonene decreased the formation of reactive oxygen species, giving it antioxidant properties. The researchers believe that limonene’s abilities may make it useful in treating bronchial asthma inflammation.

This was supported by the Journal of Oleo Science’s 1996 paper, which found that limonene suppressed the activity of various cytokines. “We propose that D-limonene may be considered a potential anti-inflammatory therapy,” they write.

Antitumor Effects

Limonene has been shown in studies to have chemopreventive and anticancer effects, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although the mechanism of action is unknown, limonene appears to assist in the induction of apoptosis. This is a self-destructing process that enables healthy and afflicted cells to perish.

Promotes Digestive Health

Recent studies also suggest that limonene helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. It does so in a variety of ways. According to a 2017 study published in Molecular Medicine Reports, limonene’s anti-inflammatory properties may help cure ulcerative colitis rats.

In addition, the terpene has been shown to enhance gastric mucus production in a 2009 Chemico-Biological Interactions study. This influence enables limonene to protect the digestive system, which has implications for conditions like heartburn and GERD.

Antimicrobial Effects

Limonene, like many other terpenes, has antibacterial properties. It may function as a food preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Furthermore, a 2006 study in the Journal of Periodontology found that it was effective against several fungi and parasites.

Anti-Anxiety Effects

In laboratory mice, limonene was discovered to have sedative and motor-relaxant effects in a 2002 study in Phytomedicine.

According to a 2013 study in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, inhaled limonene has anxiolytic effects. Inhaled limonene was found to have anxiety-reducing properties in the aforementioned research. The terpene may be useful as an anti-anxiety therapy in aromatherapy, according on the findings of this study.

Reduces Cholesterol and Blood Sugar

Limonene is a terpene that has been found to have beneficial effects on blood sugar and cholesterol. The findings of 2013 research in the European Journal of Pharmacology confirm this. They discovered that mice fed a high-fat diet to induce fatty liver experienced benefits after being treated with limonene.

The terpene also reduced serum triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels, according to the study. Limonene also improved blood sugar control by lowering fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance.

As a result, this terpene may have the potential to treat both dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Both of these diseases are prevalent in those who suffer from diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Appetite Reduction

In 2008, researchers discovered that the fragrance of limonene may reduce blowflies’ appetites. Of course, additional study is required to see whether these effects are also true in humans, but they are intriguing nevertheless.

Limonene Side Effects

Limonene has a variety of advantages, but high dosages may sometimes produce negative effects. It can be a skin and eye irritant, according to the World Health Organization. It might cause contact allergies in some people, especially those who use cleaning chemicals on a daily basis, as reported by the World Health Organization.

Limonene, according to this website, can cause the following adverse effects at high dosages: diarrhea, painful constrictions, and an excess of protein in the urine.

It has been linked to kidney damage and tumors in rats. The terpene, on the other hand, has been shown to be safe for human consumption by most authorities. There is little reason to believe that limonene levels in marijuana strains would be hazardous to one’s health.

Best High Limonene Cannabis Strains

If you’re looking for limonene, there are several cannabis strains that can help you out.

Limonene is present in any citrus-flavored strain, whether it’s orange or lemon. Some of our favorite limonene cannabis strains include:

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze may be too strong for novices since it has a THC concentration of 16–25%. This sativa-dominant hybrid, which has both great taste and an enjoyable high, is nonetheless a popular choice among consumers.

Lemon, sweet, and earthy all at once is how users describe this strain’s flavor profile. The high is creative and focused, according to users. It’s a great choice for people suffering from stress or anxiety and can even aid in the treatment of chronic pain. Its limonene content is impressive at 3.22%.

Cinex

The citric-leaning Cinex is a somewhat sativa-dominant strain with a zesty citrus flavor and a hefty dose of limonene. Its THC level is high, with some samples testing up to 25 percent. Seasoned cannabis users, on the other hand, will enjoy the cerebral, energetic high this strain delivers.

It is known as a mood-altering cannabis plant, renowned for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also aid in the focus of the mind and the alleviation of ADHD symptoms. Its limonene content is respectable at 0.91%.

UK Cheese

The term “citrus” has come to be associated with a variety of citrus fruits, but not necessarily this strain. Despite its pungent scent, this spicy bud has quite a high amount of limonene. UK Cheese is an indica-dominant hybrid with a THC content of 18 percent. Users describe the effects of this medicine as soothing and euphoric, making it a hit in both Europe and the United States.

UK Cheese has been used to treat depression and raise one’s spirits. Once its indica effects become apparent, it provides a deep body high to relieve pain. It contains 0.53 percent limonene, which is above the mean of 0.3 percent.

ACDC

If you’re looking for an alternative to high-THC strains, ACDC may be the one. It has a slight amount of the intoxicating cannabinoid but has a substantial CBD content (20%). Users report feeling happy and uplifted after taking this strain.

ACDC is a fantastic medicinal strain because of its high amounts of CBD. The strain’s advantages include reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety, among other things. Its limonene concentration is about 0.32 percent

Other Sources of Limonene (Not Cannabis)

Limonene may be found in a variety of different products. It’s most often present in lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges.

• Orange
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Lime
• Grapefruit

It is also present in lower quantities in other plants, including:

• Dill
• Fennel
• Caraway
• Celery

You may increase your limonene intake by eating more of these foods on a daily basis.

Final Thoughts on Limonene

Although cannabinoids aren’t created in the same way as other plants, cannabis terpenes have gained popularity recently. Limonene is one of the most frequent limonoids. Although human studies are required to verify its effects, it appears to have several advantages.

High-limonene strains are popular among cannabis users and enthusiasts because of their unique flavor profile, which includes delicious citrus undertones. They are uplifting and energizing in nature, with a pleasant citrus taste that is frequently complemented by positive mental effects.