Science
What is Humulene? What Makes It an Awesome Terpene?
Humans have been using humulene for thousands of years!
Humulene is a common terpene that can be found in a variety of strains of cannabis. Terpenes are chemical compounds produced inside trichomes, which are sticky resin glands located on a cannabis plant. These trichomes are made as a part of cannabis’s defense system to ward off pests. It’s in these trichomes that we find humulene, other terpenes and cannabinoids. Humulene acts as a natural insecticide, meaning that it helps marijuana plants combat insect and fungus attacks.
Humans Have Been Using Humulene for Years!
Humans have been using humulene for thousands of years! You may have even smoked some earthy buds containing it. Humulene is not only found in cannabis, but you can also find it in other spices and herbs such as black pepper, ginger, clove, sage and a variety of plants. Humulene is notable for its link to the hops found in beer. It’s responsible for giving beers their bitterness, thanks to the richness in the hop’s terpenes.
Is Humulene Common in Cannabis?
In cannabis plants, humulene is more commonly found in sativa strains, but the amounts are small compared to terpenes such as myrcene and caryophyllene (other terpenes). You can also find humulene in leaves of some plants. For years humulene was known as caryophyllene. This is because both humulene and caryophyllene on a molecular level look so similar, but they behave differently with other terpenes and cannabinoids.
In general, humulene ranks second to the majority of terpene profiles. Typically, marijuana flowers contain around 0.5% of humulene. When primary terpene concentrations reach 1% or more, they are considered significant.
Studies Show Humulene’s Medicinal Properties
A variety of studies have been done on the terpene humulene and the results are promising. As a result, humulene has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial properties, anti-tumor properties, antihistamine properties, antinociceptive properties (pain perception) and more.
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: This means that it could reduce swelling or inflammation. Know anyone with joint pain or muscle pain? A topical solution containing humulene and caryophyllene could reduce inflammation and help with this.
Anti-Microbial Properties
Anti-microbial Properties: Potential for killing or stopping growth of microbes. Microbes are microscopic organisms like bacteria. In a study in 2022, it was used for a periodontal dressing and the results showed that humulene was effective against both bacteria tested. Other earlier studies have been done that show these same results.
Anti-Tumor
Anti-tumor: In studies, humulene suppressed cancer cell growth by 50-69% alone and by 75%-90% when combined with beta-caryophyllene (an entourage effect). In addition, humulene’s anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-absorption powers are amplified if combined with its cousin, beta-caryophyllene (b-caryophyllene).
Anti-Allergen
Anti-allergen: Alpha-Humulene, either orally or in aerosol, seemed to have significant anti- inflammatory properties in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation of the lungs mediated by reducing inflammation mediators, adhesion molecules, and transcription factors. So, it helped with allergies.
Humulene for Pain Management
Antinociceptive properties: In studies results have shown that humulene combined with other compounds can block pain receptors. It helps with pain perception. Imagine using a pain medication that was safer, not addictive, and didn’t have negative side effects.
Weight Loss and Humulene
Appetite suppression: The entourage effects of humulene terpenes and other chemical compounds found in cannabis may be excellent for weight loss, thanks to their appetite- suppressing properties. This is good if you are trying to find a strain that doesn’t give you the munchies! Some have said it is a good option for weight loss.
Cannabis Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
Cannabis strains that have a higher humulene content have been used for relaxation, creativity, pain management and more. It really comes down to the individual and the synergistic effect of the cannabinoids and terpenes absorbed into the body. This is known as the entourage effect. It’s a combination of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids all working together.
Humulene can be used by aerosol (spray), topically (on skin in an ointment or a cream) or orally. Here is a list of some strains of cannabis that have humulene:
- GSC
- Sour Diesel
- Super Lemon Haze
- Skywalker
- Headband
- Death Star
- Pink Kush
Is Humulene the Terpene For You
Whether you are trying to find bud that doesn’t give you the munchies or if you’re looking for a product to help with your arthritis, try a product that has humulene. You never know it could be a better fit for your body’s chemistry!
Cited Sources
- https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-cannabis-terpenes-humulene-n684
- https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/terpenes/terpene-tuesdays-everything-you-need-to-know-about-alpha-humulene-flavor-fragrance-and-health-benefits/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes
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- https://silverstemcannabis.com/news-articles/humulene-terpene-strains-effects-and-benefits
- https://www.true-blue.co/blogs/news/benefits-of-caryophyllene-humulene
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