Have you ever heard of the cannabis terpene linalool? If so, chances are you know it has something to do with cannabis. But what is Linalool exactly, and why is it so important when it comes to understanding the effects of cannabis? In this Weed Library post, we will explore what Linalool is, how it affects the body, and discuss some recent studies conducted on this unique terpene.
What Is Linalool?
Linalool is an organic compound called a terpene, with a woody and floral scent that occurs naturally in over 200 different types of plants — from flowers like lavender to citrus fruits such as oranges. It’s also one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis, which gives certain strains their unique smell and flavor profile. Linalool is a monoterpene; due to its pleasant/aromatic scent and skin-soothing properties, it is used in many cosmetics, soaps, and fragrances. In addition to its role in flavoring and fragrancing, Linalool has been studied for its potential medicinal benefits.
Common Cannabis Strains With Linalool:
How Does Linalool Affect The Body?
The exact way that Linalool interacts with the body isn’t yet fully understood, but it’s believed to regulate our endocannabinoid system (ECS) much like cannabinoids do. This system helps regulate several aspects of our health, including pain sensation and immune response. When we consume linalool-rich cannabis products or use topical creams containing this terpene, our bodies may be able to process cannabinoids such as THC and CBD better. This could increase efficacy in treating conditions such as inflammation or chronic pain.
The most common form of Linalool is inhaled via aromatherapy or diffusers. When inhaled, the terpene directly interacts with olfactory nerve endings in the nostrils, sending signals to the brain. These signals can have calming and antidepressant effects due to interactions with certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. When used topically, Linalool may also work similarly by binding to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the skin.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that Linalool may inhibit inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. In addition to relieving physical pain symptoms, this terpene could also help treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through its calming properties. All in all, Linalool is an incredibly versatile compound that may confer many benefits when used correctly and safely.
Research On Linalool
Pain Reduction
Research on Linalool has been ongoing for decades — with most studies focusing on its potential therapeutic effects rather than its ability to flavor or fragrance products. One study from 2012 investigated Linalool’s potential analgesic (painkilling) properties in mice suffering from neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer patients. The mice were given oral doses of Linalool for 12 days after experiencing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy; by day nine post-treatment, the mice showed reduced sensitivity to mechanical stimuli — suggesting that Linalool can help reduce chemo-induced nerve damage and associated pain levels in mammals.
Depression
Linalool may also help treat depression, as research suggests it can increase serotonin levels in the brain. This same study showed that Linalool also had antidepressant-like effects on mice. Finally, preliminary investigation indicates that Linalool may also help protect against neurological damage by reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the brain.
Anxiety reduction
In 2020 researchers at Northeastern University conducted a study investigating how different concentrations of Linalool impacted an animal model’s response to stressors such as noise or cold temperatures. The results showed that higher concentrations of Linalool reduced anxiety-like behaviors, while lower concentrations did not affect behavior or stress levels. This study demonstrates just how powerful this terpene can be when it comes to managing anxiety levels naturally without resorting to pharmaceutical drugs with potential side effects.
Spinal Injury
Recent studies have shown that Linalool may be beneficial in treating spinal cord injuries. In one such study, rats were given a spinal cord injury and treated with either Linalool or a placebo for three weeks. Results showed that the rats treated with Linalool had significantly reduced neurological impairment compared to those given the placebo. This indicates that the terpene’s neuroprotective effects may help reduce symptoms of spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis and muscle weakness.
Neuroprotective
Furthermore, researchers have also found that Linalool may protect neurons from damage caused by free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that its antioxidant activity could be advantageous in preventing further deterioration of existing spinal cord injuries. Additionally, these properties could reduce recovery time and improve overall neurological health in patients suffering from this type of injury. These findings point to the potential of Linalool as a viable therapeutic treatment for spinal cord injuries.
Anti-inflammatory
Another study published earlier this year investigated how combining CBD with other natural compounds — including Linalool — could increase the effectiveness of topical treatments used by people with arthritis. The results showed promise; subjects who applied creams containing natural compounds reported a more significant reduction in stiffness and joint pain than those who used placebo treatments alone — indicating that combining CBD with other natural compounds can enhance its therapeutic effects on joints affected by disease or injury.
Skin Conditions
There have also been some studies looking at Linalool’s anti-inflammatory properties; one animal study showed that topical application of Linalool reduced inflammation caused by contact hypersensitivity reactions more effectively than conventional medications like hydrocortisone acetate cream or prednisolone sodium phosphate cream. This suggests that it may be helpful as an anti-inflammatory agent for people suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Reduced Stress
Linalool has also been studied for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels in those who use it. One study found that participants who inhaled Linalool experienced significant decreases in both physiological and psychological stress responses compared with those who didn’t receive any treatment. While more research needs to be done before these findings can be verified conclusively, they do suggest that there may be some benefit to using Linalool as an anti-anxiety measure.
Better Sleep
Finally, researchers have looked into how Linalool might also impact sleep quality. One study found that mice exposed to Linalool slept significantly longer than those who weren’t exposed—a finding which could lead to further investigation into how Linalool might affect humans’ sleep patterns as well. Again, though more research needs to be done before these findings can be confirmed conclusively, they suggest that there may be some merit in looking into how Linalool could help improve sleep quality for those with insomnia or other sleeping disorders.
Decreased Heart Rate
In addition to its potential therapeutic benefits, scientists have also studied how Linalool affects the body physically. For example, one study found that exposure to Linalool resulted in decreased heart rate and respiration rate—changes that could indicate a calming effect on the body overall. More research needs to be done before these findings can be verified conclusively as well; however, they do suggest that there may be some benefit to using Linalool for relaxation purposes or even anxiety relief.
Conclusion:
Overall, it’s clear that there’s still much work left to do to understand precisely how the terpene Linalool impacts our bodies and minds—both positively and negatively—but initial studies are promising! People with anxiety or difficulty sleeping may want to consider adding a strain high in this terpene into their daily routine; however, more research needs to be done before any concrete conclusions can be made regarding its efficacy for treating specific conditions or ailments. Additionally, those interested should always consult with their doctor before making health and wellness changes to ensure they’re making decisions based on medically accurate information. No matter what your relationship with cannabis looks like – whether you’re exploring products containing Linalool or simply curious – understanding this terpene can offer insight into why certain strains smell and taste a certain way while potentially offering therapeutic benefits too!
