A review of research into the synergistic effects of the chemical components in medical marijuana—an idea commonly known as the entourage effect—says that terpenes, popularly credited with modulating the experience of cannabis, may indeed be “influencers in the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids,” though for now that influence “remains unproven.”

The literature review, published this month on the academic website Preprints.org by university researchers in Portugal, notes that initial research into some terpenes is promising, but it encourages further clinical trials “to confirm these constituents’ individual and combined effects.”

Authors said two questions guided the review: “What are the Physiological Effects of Terpenes and Terpenoids found in Cannabis?” and “What are the proven Entourage Effects of Terpenes in Cannabis?”

The paper details a number of preliminary findings around the therapeutic benefits of individual cannabinoids on a range of ailments.

“Exploratory evidence,” it notes, citing earlier studies, “suggest various therapeutic benefits of terpenes, such as myrcene for relaxing; linalool as sleep aid, exhaustion relief and mental stress; D-limonene as an analgesic; caryophyllene for cold tolerance and analgesia; valencene for cartilage protection, borneol for antinociceptive and anticonvulsant potential; and eucalyptol for muscle pain.”

Read the full article at Marijuana Moment