44 February / March 2018
A Systematic Approach to Developing Terpene Extraction Conditions Utilising Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
by Eric Kawka, Cattis Consulting, Montpeiler, VT 05602,
kawkae3@gmail.com
Cannabis Sativa plants produce and accumulate terpene-rich resin within the secretory cells of glandular trichromes [1]. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are important components of Cannabis resin as they contribute to the unique attributes of different Cannabis strains. Terpenes are responsible for the plant’s aroma and flavour.
They possess specific medical properties and may act synergistically with cannabinoids, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the plant. The extraction of terpenes and cannabinoids from Cannabis is a function of their solubility in different organic solvents [2]. Solvents like methanol, ethanol, butane, and hexane are commonly used in Cannabis extractions. However, aside from safety considerations, extracts produced with such solvents are considered ‘one pot extractions’; no selectivity between cannabinoids and terpenes can be achieved.
Discussing terpene extraction is problematic for two reasons.
1. during post-processing, thermally labile terpenes undergo degradation reactions
2. isolation of terpenes from these solvents is difficult due to similar boiling points
Among the various extraction techniques, we explore the use of supercritical fluids (SC) as a solvent for the targeted extraction of terpenes from cannabinoids in Cannabis.
Data suggests that the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes affects the
pharmacological properties of cannabis strains; this relationship is commonly referred to as the ‘entourage effect’ [3]. There are several promising applications based on the combined use of cannabinoids and terpenes, such as pairing cannabidiol (CBD) with the monoterpenes limonene, linalool and pinene to treat acne [4] or adding caryophyllene, linalool and myrcene to 1:1 CBD/THC extracts to treat sleeping disorders [4].
The smallest and most volatile terpenes are monoterpenes which are biosynthesised by the head-to-tail addition of two isoprene
Figure 1: (A) Five carbon isoprene unit (B) head to tail linkage of two isoprene units to form the monoterpene Myrcene (C) terpene-rich resin within the secretory cells of glandular trichromes (D) classification of terpenes based on the number of isoprene units.
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