The non-cannabinoid compounds can be extracted and administered to reduce inflammation
It’s a shame that it has taken so long for the world to recognize the immense value of Mother Nature’s wonder drug. While many individuals have long understood that marijuana had important properties that could combat a variety of ailments, it hasn’t been until recently that a serious amount of research went into the plant to decipher how it helped. As studies have escalated in recent years, a whole new wave of revelations is surfacing that show how different parts of the cannabis plant can be beneficial. One of the most recent discoveries is that terpenoids, non-cannabinoid compounds found in marijuana, contain anti-inflammatory properties. This is yet another example of a component in marijuana that can be extracted and naturally used in lieu of lab-based chemicals in treating afflictions.
Israeli researchers extracted oils that are rich in terpenoids from three different strains of marijuana. The oils were tested on mice and on cells; in cells, the compounds were only able to partially suppress inflammation, while the tests on mice showed “moderate anti-inflammatory activities.”
According to the researchers, “Different chemotypes of cannabis have a distinctive composition of terpenoids. These essential oils do have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities that vary according to their composition, but they had no effect on TNFa titers [antibodies] … We suggest that terpenoids may be used to diminute acute inflammation effect, whereas the cannabinoids to inhibit chronic inflammation symptoms.”
While it is an important discovery into the benefits of marijuana, it should be pointed out that the terpenoids weren’t as effective as purified cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD oil can work longer, which makes it a popular choice among chronic pain sufferers. However, it is yet another example of how crucial marijuana is and the role it can play in allowing a large number of people live healthier, more productive lives.
