What are terpenes?

Terpenes are the largest and most diverse group of naturally occurring compounds that are mostly found in plants and are responsible for their fragrance, taste, and pigment in addition to serving a protective function for the plant. In the plant world, terpenes play an important role, they not only attract pollinators, they also work to repel predators.

Some plants with terpenes you are likely to be familiar with include pine trees, lemon, nutmeg, lavender, cinnamon, cloves, hops, black pepper and mangoes.

The most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant. This synergy created by the interaction between different terpenes is known as the entourage effect.

Together, each chemical compound has the potential to initiate greater or different therapeutic effects than they would in isolation.

The symbiotic relationship and physiological effects of terpenes and other phytochemicals has long been recognised in traditional medicines. The effects that these mechanisms produce vary from terpene to terpene; some are especially successful in relieving stress, while others promote focus and increase energy. Most terpenes also have anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and other health promoting properties. 

Entoura Terpene blends have been scientifically developed to deliver an UP, DOWN or RECOVERY effects. The UP blend (Entoura RISE) features a terpene mix to add an uplifting energy to your day. The DOWN blend (Entoura REST) features a terpene mix to help you slow down and unwind. Whereas the RECOVERY blend (Entoura RECOVER) features a terpene mix to help you recover from general aches and pains.

Entoura Terpene blends consist of 14-16 different terpenes in each product where different terpenes play roles to help boost and modify the effects of the other terpenes.

 

    How do Terpenes work?

    Terpenes bind to receptors in the brain and give rise to various effects in the body. In addition, each type of terpene reacts in a unique way with other molecules in the human body, changing the ways in which our bodies absorb other plant compounds and, consequently, causing various beneficial health effects.

    The terpene myrcene, for example, can reduce resistance at the blood-brain barrier, facilitating the passage of other beneficial chemicals. Beta-caryophyllene, humulene and pinene have anti-inflammatory effects. Pinene helps to counteract the impairment of cognition and memory. A combination of pinene, myrcene and caryophyllene terpenes has a direct effect in reducing anxiety. The mixture of linalool and limonene terpenes has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of some bacterial infections.

    Pharmacological effects of key terpenes in Entoura Terpene blends

    Beta-Caryophyllene

    Beta-Caryophyllene is among the terpenes found in black pepper, copaiba, cloves, and hops. Beta-Caryophyllene is unique because it is the only terpene that can bind with receptors in your body’s own endocannabinoid system, offering some of the same benefits that other cannabinoids do.

    Beta-Caryophyllene has potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties and provides a gentle, soothing, relaxing effect.

    Beta-Caryophyllene is prominent in our RESTRISE and RECOVER terpene blends

    Limonene

    Limonene is a found in the rind of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It is especially concentrated in orange peels, comprising around 97% of this rind’s essential oils.

    It has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, and possibly disease-preventing properties. Limonene also boosts mood and improves absorption of other terpenes.

    Limonene is prominent in our RESTRISE and RECOVER terpene blends

    Linalool

    Best known for giving lavender its distinctively soothing aroma, linalool is found in hundreds of plants. Linalool is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and relaxing effects.

    Linalool is prominent in our RECOVER terpene blend.

    α-Pinene

    Like a fresh forest breeze, pinene is found in basil and rosemary, as well as pine.

    α-Pinene is known for its analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, brochodilatory, neuroprotective, and pro-cognitive Properties.

    α-Pinene is prominent in our RECOVER terpene blend.

    b-Pinene

    Also found in basil and rosemary, as well as pine, b-Pinene has similar properties to its isomer α-Pinene and is known for analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, brochodilatory, neuroprotective, and pro-cognitive Properties.

    b-Pinene is prominent in our RESTRISE and RECOVER terpene blend.

    Ocimene

    Due to its earthy, floral aroma, ocimene is often used to sweeten product fragrances. It is naturally found in orchids as well as black currants and flowering herbs such as basil and parsley.

    Ocimene is known to have energizing effects.

    Ocimene is prominent in our RISE terpene product.

    Myrcene

    An abundant monoterpene found in mango, hops, lemongrass, bay leaves and many other common plants and foods.

    Myrcene has been researched for its pain-relieving, muscle relaxant, anti-oxidant, anti-anxiety and sedative actions. Investigations in animals and human cell lines show it to be a potent anti-inflammatory with promise for conditions like osteoarthritis.

    Myrcene is prominent in our RISE and RECOVER terpene products.

    Humulene

    Humulene is a terpene ingested by millions of people every day in the form of beer (Hops), it is also found in herbs like cinnamon and sage.

    Humulene is closely related to Beta-Caryophyllene from a molecular point of view, and actually might perform better when in the presence of Beta-Caryophyllene – further supporting the entourage effect theory.

    Humulene is considered to be a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, suggesting potential benefits for both local and systemic pain (especially inflammatory pain). It also helps induce sleep.

    Humulene is prominent in our REST and RECOVER terpene products.

    Terpinolene

    Terpinolene is commonly found in Nutmeg, Sage and Parsnips

    Terpinolene provides cerebral stimulation and may create heightened energy, in addition to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

    Terpinolene is prominent in our RISE terpene blend.

    Hemp Seed Oil as carrier for Entoura Terpenes

    All of the Entoura Terpene blends are immersed in natural Hemp seed oil.

    Hemp seed oil provides many health benefits with its anti-inflammatory action that benefits heart health and many other conditions. This is primarily because of its essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3s and omega-6s.

    Hemp seed oil has been dubbed "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil", due to the fact that it contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic/ LNA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition

    Most people eating a healthful diet, one that includes a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, also have healthy skin and a strong immune system.

    The essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in hemp seed oil are required in our diet more than any other vitamin, yet our bodies do not naturally produce them. They must be obtained from external sources in the food we eat.

    Fatty acids, which we obtain from food, are vital for the normal operation of all body systems. Hemp seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 3:1, this is considered an optimal ratio for heart and brain health. In addition, it is the ideal ratio to optimise the bioavailability and uptake of hemp seed oil’s nutrients and the terpenes they carry into our body.

    Hemp seed oil also provides an adequate supply of antioxidants (Vitamin E), carotene (precursor to Vitamin A), phytosterols, phospholipids and a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, phosphorus, along with modest amounts of iron and zinc. Hemp seed oil also provides a good source of chlorophyll.

    • - Lower blood LDL cholesterol levels

      - Lower blood pressure

      - Improve cardiovascular circulation & function

    • - Improve organ function

      - Improve immunity levels

      - Increased energy levels & metabolic rate

    • - Reduce symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps

      - Reduce inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis

      - Improve recovery of muscles after exercise

    • - Reduce & treat dry skin and hair conditions

      - Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures

    Rosemary Extract

    Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an evergreen bushy shrub which is native to the Mediterranean region.

    Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.

    As a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, Rosemary may help to boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

    Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.

    It also contains an ingredient called carnosic acid, which can fight off damage by free radicals in the brain as well as promoting eye health.

    The nutrients in rosemary help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals.