β-farnesene: Did You Know?
The green apple aroma found in some medicinal cannabis strains might hold the key to protecting brain cells? That sweet scent comes from a terpene called β-farnesene, found in trace amounts within specific cannabis varieties like patient favourite, Lee Anne Womac.
Early studies suggest the potential of β-farnesene as a neuroprotector. In cultured rat neurons, this terpene has been shown to exhibit fascinating dose-dependent effects that could protect against cellular damage. Recent research demonstrates that β-farnesene could potentially act like a microscopic bodyguard, helping to block harmful compounds and even reduce DNA damage within brain cells. While these findings are promising, it's important to remember that the research is still young and requires further exploration.
- Russo EB, Marcu J. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. Adv Pharmacol. 2017;80:67-134. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.004