Terpenes and the Entourage Effect: A Botanical Symphony Backed by Science
The natural world communicates in molecules.
Among its most expressive are terpenes—volatile, aromatic compounds found across the plant kingdom. When you inhale the refreshing scent of citrus peel, walk through a pine forest, or sip a cup of herbal tea, you’re experiencing their influence.
But terpenes do more than please the senses.
They act as ecological protectors, messengers, and, increasingly recognised by science, potential modulators of human health—particularly mood, cognition, and inflammation. These compounds have become central to the concept known as the entourage effect, a theory that suggests plant molecules act more powerfully in combination than in isolation.
At Seleno Health, we explore how traditional knowledge and modern biochemistry converge. Here we examine what terpenes are, how they interact with cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and how this synergy may support mental wellbeing. Later, we’ll look at how this insight aligns with our work using maca and ceremonial cacao to support holistic health.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring hydrocarbons made from repeating isoprene units. They form the backbone of essential oils and are responsible for the distinctive aromas of herbs, flowers, trees, and fruits. In plants, terpenes serve protective and signalling roles—repelling pests, attracting pollinators, or helping the plant recover from stress.
From a chemical perspective, terpenes are classified by the number of isoprene units in their structure. For example:
- Monoterpenes (two isoprene units): limonene, pinene
- Sesquiterpenes (three units): beta-caryophyllene, humulene
In Cannabis sativa, terpenes such as myrcene, linalool, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene are found alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, these terpenes are not unique to cannabis—they are present in countless other medicinal and culinary plants. Their biological relevance lies in their ability to interact with human neurotransmitter systems, often through the ECS or serotonin and dopamine pathways.
Understanding the Entourage Effect
First described in 1998 in relation to endogenous cannabinoid signalling, the entourage effect has since been expanded to explain how combinations of plant compounds may exert more potent or nuanced effects than single constituents.
This effect has been observed in preclinical studies where terpenes appear to modify, amplify, or complement the effects of cannabinoids. For example:
- D-limonene, when inhaled with THC, reduced self-reported anxiety and paranoia without altering THC blood levels (Spindle et al., 2024). This demonstrates that terpenes can influence psychoactive outcomes independently of cannabinoid metabolism.
- Linalool and beta-pinene have demonstrated antidepressant-like activity in animal models, acting on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems (Cox-Georgian et al., 2019).
- Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary sesquiterpene, is one of the few known terpenes to bind selectively to CB2 receptors, contributing anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects without psychotropic outcomes (Ferber et al., 2019).
Relevance to Mental Health and Mood Support
Many current pharmacological treatments for mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder focus on monoamine neurotransmitters. Yet, for a significant proportion of individuals, these medications do not provide adequate relief and are often associated with undesirable side effects.
Plant-derived compounds—particularly terpenes in synergy with cannabinoids—offer an alternative approach. Preclinical models consistently show that these combinations can produce anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory effects (Cox-Georgian et al., 2019).
These benefits may arise from interaction with the ECS, as well as through indirect modulation of immune and gut-brain pathways, both of which are increasingly recognised as critical to mental wellbeing.
Although human trials are still limited, observational studies and formulation data suggest that full-spectrum plant products, which retain the native terpene profile, may offer more effective symptom relief than isolated cannabinoid products.
However, careful quality control and standardisation are essential, as terpene content can degrade during processing or vary widely between batches.
Integrating Maca and Ceremonial Cacao into a Synergistic Model
Seleno Health’s work with Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) and ceremonial cacao (Theobroma cacao) offers a complementary view on synergy. While distinct from cannabis, both plants contain compounds that interact with similar pathways and may enhance the body’s response to stress, fatigue, and mood challenges.
Maca’s active constituents—particularly macamides—have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system indirectly (Vera-López et al., 2024).
Macamides are structurally similar to anandamide, the body’s own "bliss molecule", and are believed to influence emotional regulation, energy levels, and hormonal balance. Our activated maca blends are designed to standardise these bioactives, supporting consistent outcomes.
Our patented MCB oil is a high dose (100:1) pure extract of macamides that are diluted into a blend of MCT oil and plant based terpenes to create an all in one entourage oil for your own ECS.
Ceremonial cacao, particularly our Amaru and Uturunku pastes, is rich in mood-enhancing compounds such as ethanolamides, polyphenols, theobromine, and tryptophan. These support mental clarity, resilience, and a sense of connection. In addition to their direct effects, cacao's circulatory and digestive benefits may improve the absorption and activity of other plant compounds, including terpenes.
Together, maca, cacao, and terpenes may form a triad of complementary action—addressing energy, mood, focus, inflammation, and recovery from different but interconnected angles. This layered support reflects not only biochemical synergy, but also the holistic principles found in ancestral plant traditions.
A Whole-Plant Future
The growing understanding of terpene science is shifting how we approach natural wellness. No longer viewed as passive aroma compounds, terpenes are emerging as active participants in our mental and emotional balance. Their capacity to work in concert with other botanicals underscores the importance of choosing high-integrity, full-spectrum products grounded in both evidence and tradition.
As we continue to research and refine our formulations, Seleno Health remains committed to honouring the complexity of nature—bringing together scientific precision, ethical sourcing, and cultural reverence to support your health in a way that is truly whole. Try combining our MCB oil with your daily cacao or taking directly before to maximise its entourage potential and experience the true health enhancing benefits for yourself.
REFERENCES
Spindle, T. R., Zamarripa, C. A., Russo, E., Pollak, L., Bigelow, G., Ward, A. M., Tompson, B., Sempio, C., Shokati, T., Klawitter, J., Christians, U., & Vandrey, R. (2024). Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults who intermittently use cannabis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 257, 111267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111267
Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and medicinal uses of terpenes. In Springer eBooks (pp. 333–359). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15