A Chinese study has demonstrated that hemp terpenes, in particular humulene (or α-caryophyllene) and caryophyllene (β-caryophyllene or BCP), have analgesic and tumor-reducing properties.
Terpenes, beyond their aromatic and taste contributions, have significant therapeutic potential. Found in cannabis, hemp, fruit and other plants, terpenes such as limonene and phytol have already shown promising anti-cancer properties.
The authors of the study point out, however, that until now, most studies related to therapeutic cannabis had focused on phytocannabinoids without delving further into the properties of essential cannabis oils. In an attempt to fill this gap, the researchers were able to demonstrate that hemp oil extracts reduced neuropathic pain and tumour growth in mice.
According to the study, “these results reveal that hemp essential oil plays a role not only in the treatment of tumor chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but also in antitumor therapy that offers key insights for new cancer treatment strategies and provides a reference for the medicinal development of hemp.”
