What are the medical use of terpenes?
terpenes are hydrocarbon compounds found in plants most commonly associated with essential oils and represent many pharmaceutical uses. These chemicals form the basis of some antiseptics, expectorants, gastrointestinal drugs and painkillers. Terpenes also shows a promise as an antioxidant.
More than 2,000 plant species contain terpenes or their derivatives. The ancient Egyptians used essential oils in religious ceremonies and more than 60 vegetable oils were mentioned in the literature of 1500 years. Scientists with organic chemistry have identified a wide range of uses for terpenes around the world.
The two most common Terpenes studied include camphors and Terpentine, but medicinal oils also appear in eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, coin and hundreds of other plants. They appear in leaves, bark, roots and flowers of these plants. This chemical naturally protects insects and herbivores and helps in pollination.
eucalyptus oil treats the respiratory diseaseH paths and cheas also used in dentistry. Its pungent fragrance is also added to aromas and is used in aromatherapy. As an expectorant, he stimulates the chemicals in the eucalyptus secretion of mucus. The oil could cause a diuretic effect and can be used orally to facilitate gastrointestinal convulsions by increasing stomach juices in the intestine.
vegetable oils also create an antiseptic effect against bacteria. It could be particularly useful to fight antibiotic resistant toxins such as yeast and sponges. Other medicines contain these oils due to their anesthetic properties. Medicinal manufacturers add terpenes to creams and ointments to relieve pain and itching.
chemicals are found in larger quantities in plants containing enough chlorophyll, such as mint. Menthol in coin plants can reduce flatulence and digestive problems when it is consumed as tea. All varieties in the Mint Family, includingpeppermint and spearmint, Contain chemical properties related to terpenes.
In addition to medicinal use, chemicals are found in rubber and resin. It is also added to cleaning agents and disinfectants in the form of lemon oil or pine oil. If the chemical is accidentally used in large quantities or high concentrations, it can cause toxic effects.
camphor and turpentine press the central nervous system and may lead to respiratory disorders if they are sucked. Nausea, vomiting and seizures are typical symptoms of terpene poisoning. Children represent the most common victims of accidental ingestion. Some vegetable oils have hallucinogenic effects and can lead to drug abuse.