Did you know that there is a synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes as well as between terpenes and flavonoids? This is known as the entourage effect. It is a fascinating occurrence that enhances the therapeutic potential of many cannabis sativa based products.
THC, the dominant molecule and psychoactive compound found in cannabis sativa may be what cannabis is most widely known for. However, the medicinal benefits of the plant come from the synergistic interaction between various cannabinoids.
CBD, CBN, and CBG are a few of the compounds that work together to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the role played by these other cannabinoids in producing the entourage effect.
In this article, we'll look at how each cannabinoid works individually and how they all come together for optimal results. Read on to learn more about what the entourage effect is.
Article Highlights
- The entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs from the interaction of different chemical compounds, such cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, found in the cannabis plant.
- There are over 100 cannabinoids and more than 480 terpenes present in cannabis sativa that can interact with the human body in various distinct ways.
- The encourage effect allows us to unlock a whole world of therapeutic benefits of the compound from cannabis plants that are greater than the sum of their parts.
What's the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs when using various cannabis products from extractions that maintain the original hemp profile. It involves the interaction of different chemical compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, found within the cannabis plant. This synergy can lead to enhanced therapeutic effects when using cannabis products.The concept was first introduced by Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues in 1998. They proposed that the cannabis plant contains various chemical compounds that, taken together, are greater than the sum of the parts.
What are these different compounds?
- Cannabinoids: there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, both marijuana and hemp, and they all have their own unique properties. In the natural state, they are found in their acidic form, and are highly bioavailable (great absorption). Different strains of cannabis plants will have different amounts and kinds of cannabinoids.
- Terpenes: terpenes are found in every cannabis plant, and are primarily associated with the smell and taste. There are over 400 different terpenes found, but usually there are 2-4 that are the dominant molecule, and those depend on the strain. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis though, and are found in all plants. For example, the terpene limonene is found in high amounts in citrus fruits, and pinene in high amounts in pine needles.
- Flavonoids: flavonoids are a class on compounds found across many plants, and are known for their antioxidant properties. They often confer unique flavors and colors to plant extracts.
For instance, the most common cannabinoids known are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and they are found in their natural state in the cannabis plant as CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). While they have their own set of therapeutic benefits individually, together, they can elicit unique beneficial effects.
Furthermore, the addition of other minor cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, can also contribute to this synergy, resulting in a broader range of potential health benefits. Adding terpenes and flavonoids to the mix can also play a crucial role in enhancing the entourage effect, as these compounds can interact with the cannabinoids in different ways, leading to even more potential benefits.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD is another product that utilizes the entourage effect. It contains multiple cannabinoids, including CBD, but with no THC. This allows users to benefit from the entourage effect without experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC.
Full Spectrum CBD
In contrast, full spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including THC, within legal limits. This can provide even more potential health benefits, as the entourage effect is more significant with the inclusion of THC.
CBD Isolate
Meanwhile, CBD isolate is a pure and crystalline powder form of cannabidiol (CBD) that is extracted from the cannabis plant and contains no other plant compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, or other cannabinoids.
How Does It Work?
As mentioned, the entourage effect refers to the way in which different compounds found in cannabis work together to produce positive effects on the body. This botanical synergy involves various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that interact with each other to create a complex picture of how cannabis compounds work.While some studies have shown mixed results, recent research has demonstrated that combining various compounds produced by cannabis offers greater pain relief than any single compound alone.
Additionally, this botanical synergy has been shown to be effective in taming THC and its psychoactive effects, as terpenes and flavonoids can modulate the activity of the cannabinoid receptor in the central nervous system.
Why Is the Entourage Effect Important for Health?
The entourage effect is a total game-changer for promoting optimal health and well-being. By tapping into the interplay of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, we can unlock a whole world of therapeutic benefits that are greater than the sum of their parts. This powerful combination works together to produce medical effects that are simply unmatched by a single compound alone.What's even more exciting is that the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in this process. Cannabinoid receptors present in the endocannabinoid system facilitate the entourage effect and unlock its full potential.
For those looking to safely and effectively use cannabis extracts, understanding the entourage effect is essential. By exploring the different ways that cannabinoids can interact with one another, we can gain a better understanding of their benefits and develop more targeted treatments. Ultimately, this can lead to better outcomes for patients suffering from various health conditions and promote overall well-being.
Studies About the Entourage Effect From Cannabis Plant
Many scientists have conducted research in order to determine the health benefits of the potential cannabis synergy effect.
One such study was conducted by Dr. Bruria Ben-Zeev out of Israel. These researchers have analyzed the effects of combining THC and CBD enriched cannabis extract in patients with epilepsy.
The results found that the combination of the two compounds showed a reduction in the frequency of seizures (Tzadok, M. et al 2016).
Another study conducted using a cannabinoid combination examined how CBD and THC affects sleep quality. The results showed that a CBD mixture improved some sleep parameters for those in the study (Russo et al., 2007).
Lastly, a research published in 2010 by Dr. Jean-Paul Collet, examined how whole cannabis plant inhalation could relieve pain. It concluded that the whole plant, with all the cannabinoids, could have many benefits, including reducing pain in those patients with chronic neuropathic pain (Ware, M. et al., 2010).
The Entourage Effect and Healthy Life
The entourage effect has been found to have potential benefits in improving various health conditions. Here are some examples:
Anxiety
Anxiety is a complex mental health condition that can have a variety of causes and severe negative effects on a person's daily life. Fortunately, numerous research studies have found that cannabis, in combination with other compounds, may hold promise in treating anxiety disorders and their symptoms.
Research has shown that cannabinoids taken together, such as CBD with THC, may have powerful mood-stabilizing properties. This means that they not only have the potential to alleviate anxiety but also to regulate emotional highs and lows commonly associated with bipolar disorder.
However, other research studies have found that potential cannabis synergy with CBD and THC may elicit variable results depending on what the dominant cannabinoids are.
While ongoing research continues to explore the potential of cannabis entourage formulations, the evidence is promising. It suggests that these compounds together may hold significant potential in helping with anxiety and stress.
Pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons people may seek medical attention. There are many ways to relieve pain, including non-pharmacological treatments like physical therapy, massage therapy, and even sauna use for certain kinds of tension related pain.
There are now numerous research studies showing that the entourage effect of many cannabis compounds may help provide benefits for people who have pain. The research is now finding that cannabinoids interact with other receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain, such as TRPV1 and CB1R, in such a way as to reduce some pain signals.
Insomnia
THC and CBD as well as specific terpenes such as pinene may have positive properties for sleep. Hence, the entourage effect can promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality.
Use of cannabis extract products were self reported to help improve insomnia symptoms. This could be due to compounds working synergistically, but further research is needed to determine the various interactions.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a two edged sword, you need it to fight infections, and it is required for muscle recovery after exercise. Good inflammation is short lived, bad inflammation is chronic.Where does chronic inflammation come from?
- Poor diet - too much sugar, bad fats, and excess calories can increase inflammation over time.
- Poor exercise - its very easy not to get even a low level of activity on a daily basis, and this adds up. Without proper exercise, your baseline inflammation will go up.
- Poor sleep - in general, most people require 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night. If you are not getting good sleep, your immune system will not function properly.
Some research has found that the entourage effect from whole cannabis plant consumption may play a significant role in alleviating inflammation.
In a small study of patients with Crohns disease, which has a significant inflammatory component, THC-rich cannabis consumption was able to achieve remission in 10 out of 11 patients with minimal side effects. While this was not a large study, it does point to the potential properties of cannabis compounds.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD work with the endocannabinoid system to produce anti-inflammatory effects. The CBD precursor, CBDA, has recently been shown to inhibit the inflammatory enzyme COX 2, a target of many over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen).
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause recurring seizures. This area of biomedical research studies has shown some of the most potent benefits from the cannabis plant, and there are now FDA approved CBD drugs on the market.
Conclusion
The entourage effect is a groundbreaking discovery in modern medicine. It possesses a power to revolutionize our understanding of cannabis and its impact on the human body. For years, scientists have sought to identify the specific compounds within cannabis that provide its medicinal benefits.However, the discovery has revealed that it may not be just CBD or THC that matters. Rather, it's the collective effect of all the compounds present in the plant that makes the difference!
The botanical synergy is from the combination of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working together. By understanding how each element interacts with the others, you can customize a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and preferences.