Terpene Breakdown: Humulene

Cannabis terpenes have lately gotten a lot of interest. They influence the unique tastes and effects of various cannabis varieties. They also contain a slew of health and wellness benefits.

Today, we’ll look at one of the most common cannabis terpenes: humulene. We’ll discuss its effects and where to find it, as well as some of the best humulene-rich strains.

What Is Humulene?

Humulene is a sesquiterpene, or a type of terpene. These compounds are essential for maintaining the health of cannabis plants and preventing pests and diseases. They’re frequently highly fragrant and contribute to the variety in marijuana strains’ aromas and effects. Looking to try something new? Check out this.

Have you ever smelled a cannabis chemovar that smells like hops? If this is the case, you’ve probably detected the terpene humulene (also known as alpha-humulene). It’s present in many plants, including hops and marijuana plants, and it’s a terpene. Terpenes are one of the aromatic chemicals found in plants that give them their distinguishing characteristics.

Terpenes are abundant in cannabis plants’ resinous glands (trichomes), and they contribute to the chemovar’s distinct characteristics. Alpha-Humulene (sometimes known as alpha-caryophyllene) is structurally similar to another well-known terpene, beta-caryophyllene, but their names are just a vestige of historical nomenclature that has nothing to do with their chemical makeup.

The scent is earthy, pungent, herbaceous, and, of course, hop-like. Hop essential oils may contain large amounts of humulene. Cloves, basil, sage, spearmint (also known as balsam fir trees), ginseng (Asian ginseng), ginger are just a few examples of significant natural sources.

Humulene has medicinal properties, but much of the scientific knowledge on the subject is based on isolated humulene. While this may be utilized as a starting point for further study, there is no scientific evidence that humans or humulene-dominant cannabis chemovars react in a specific way.

Current Research

Humulene’s medical applications are still being researched. It’s worth noting that the characteristics of humulene aren’t the same as those of cannabis-containing humulene. While high amounts ofhumulene on their own might have some therapeutic effects, there is no indication that adding low levels ofhumulethese potential benefits when it is smoked or ingested.

It is possible that it might be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory/steroidal medication. In a 2009 study, α-Humulene displayed anti-inflammatory effects in a murine model of airways allergic inflammation. 2007 research compared its anti-inflammatory capabilities to those of the steroidal drug dexamethasone.

Humulene’s reputation for reducing hunger is another frequently discussed aspect. Many people think that the terpene is an appetite suppressant that may help with weight reduction, although no study has been conducted or reviewed.

Humulene has also been found in studies to assist with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS imbalances are linked to several illnesses, including aging and diabetes. It’s worth noting that smoking or vaporizing cannabis varieties generates more ROS, which the terpene components may not be able to compensate for.

Fir balsam oil, according to a 2003 study that looked at fir balsam oil’s antitumor activity, is effective against all solid tumor cell lines tested. “All the chemicals examined were inactive,” the researchers found, “except for alpha-Humulene…which appears to be responsible for the toxicity of the oil.”

Insect Repellent Properties

Humulene is a terpene that plants create as a defensive mechanism to repel insects. Humulene is especially significant in this instance since research have shown it to be an efficient mosquito repellent. Researchers tested the efficacy of Commiphora leptophloeos leaf oil against the “yellow fever mosquito,” A. aegypti, in 2015. The researchers discovered α-Humulene to be one of the major components of the oil. “The oil’s deterrent activity was one of the most potent reported thus far, implying that it may be used as an alternative to synthetic pesticides,” they wrote. “Its presence, together with other terpenes, was likely responsible for at least part of the negative effect.” The experts determined that “the oil’s deterrent activity was one of the most potent reported thus far,” suggesting it might be utilized as a substitute for manufactured pesticides.

The Best Humulene Rich Strains

If you’re a medical marijuana user with inflammation, it’s worth your time to compare the humulene effects for yourself. Choose a strain that contains a lot of this terpene because you’ll have to pick one. Here are some of the most humulene-drenched strains available today.

  • Girl Scout Cookies: The Humulene content of this strain is about 2.45 percent, which makes it one of the most potent around. Girl Scout Cookies has an average THC level of 17% and traces of CBD.
  • Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies: Thin Mint GSC is a mix of Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mints, as the name implies. It’s a bit more balanced than other Girl Scout Cookie varieties, with a 50/50 indica to sativa ratio. It has about 2.35% humulene and an average potency of 20% THC.
  • Sour Diesel: Sour Diesel, with a 90 percent sativa component, is the most sativa-leaning strain on our list. It has a significant amount of THC and roughly 1% humulene. Its CBD content is unknown, though it’s likely to be minimal.
  • Candyland: If you like a sweeter flavor, Candyland is an excellent choice. It’s 70% sativa-dominant and has about 0.75 percent humulene. THC levels in the strain average at a mild 14%, making it good for novice consumers. Its CBD content is usually less than 1%.
  • Sherbet: The final Humulene-rich strain we’re looking at is Sherbet, which is a delicious sweet option for cannabis fans. It contains approximately 0.48 percent humulene, 20% THC, and 1% CBD.

Other Sources of Humulene

Humulene is present in a variety of plants and spices, including cannabis. Hops, which are an essential component of beer production, are one of the finest sources. Cannabis and hops belong to the Cannabaceae family, suggesting their names.

Some other familiar sources of humulene include:

  • Sage
  • Ginger
  • Black pepper
  • Cloves
  • Vietnamese coriander
  • Ginseng

Adding more of these foods to your daily diet could help you get more of this essential oil.

Final Thoughts on Humulene

Humulene is an important cannabis terpene. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects are among the benefits it has potential. Humulene has not been studied extensively in humans yet; however, most of the research on this chemical has focused on animals rather than people. As a result, additional study is required to assess humulene’sclinical usefulness.

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