Myrcene Terpene: Strains, Effects, Dosage, & More
Typically, a cannabis plant will produce over 100 different terpenes.
There’s still a plethora of research that needs to be conducted; we’re just beginning to understand some of these more common compounds.
Here, we’ll be covering one in particular — a terpene called myrcene.
Explore what makes this common terpene so useful, what the research says about it, and how to use it safely.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene is sometimes referred to as the “mother of all terpenes” for its wide-ranging health benefits.
The word myrcene is named after a medicinal shrub from Brazil by the name of Myrcia sphaerocarpa. It’s also the active element of lemongrass that gives it sedating properties.
Other common sources of myrcene include hops, cannabis, mangoes, and basil, to name a few.
What is a Terpene?
Terpenes are naturally-produced aromatic compounds consisting of simple carbon, hydrogen, and the occasional oxygen atoms. There are thousands of combinations of these elements that make each terpene unique.
There are estimated to be more than 30,000 individual terpenes in existence.
Many things found in nature, like fungi and herbs — not just cannabis — are chock-full of terpenes.
Terpenes are important for a variety of reasons. For example, pollinators use them to find where the flowers are so they can extract their nectar. Some terpenes have the opposite effect — repelling potential predators and insects.
Some plants even use terpenes to improve the flavor of their fruit. Plants can entice wild animals and humans to perpetuate their species by improving the taste of foods through terpenes.
Humans cultivate and protect plants they deem tasty, so plants with high terpene concentrations often make it onto this list.
What Does Myrcene Smell Like?
Cannabis strains with higher myrcene levels are often smelling a bit peppery, spicy, earthy, and musky.
Myrcene also carries some subtle sweet notes, which have been compared to ripe mango, juicy guava, and other exotic flavors.
What are the Effects of Myrcene?
Myrcene has many therapeutic benefits. Like other terpenes, myrcene is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, potential anti-tumor, sleep-supportive, and other health benefits.
Traditional Uses of Plants High in Myrcene:
Improve sleep
Reduce pain
Promote relaxation
Enhance mood
Relieve anxiety
Relieve Stress
Strengthen the immune system
Plants That Contain Myrcene
Aside from being found in cannabis, terpenes such as myrcene can be found in many different plants, including:
1. Hops
2. Houttuynia
3. Lemongrass
4. Mango
5. Myrcia
6. Verbena
7. West Indian bay tree
8. Cardamom
9. Cloves
10. Cinnamon
11. Thyme
12. Guava Melon
13. Basil
14. Black Pepper
15. Oregano
How Common is Myrcene in Cannabis?
Myrcene is found in thousands of cannabis strains, and on average, myrcene represents around 20% of the terpene profile found in the more common strains we see today.
Myrcene is also thought to be the dominant terpene found in many cannabis strains.
Dominant terpenes are just the terpenes with the highest level in that particular strain. Many terpenes exist within a single cannabis strain; however, only a limited number are classified as “dominant.”
There’s a theory floating around that eating mangos before smoking or ingesting cannabis will increase its efficacy. This is a direct result of the myrcene content in mango and its synergistic effect with cannabinoids.
It’s thought that myrcene helps improve the absorption of THC and other cannabinoids — making them more effective without increasing the dose.
Cannabis Strains High in Myrcene
High levels of myrcene are typically associated with the experience of a fast-acting and heavy high. This terpene will give cannabis an earthy, musky, clove-like aroma and flavor. If you notice your favorite strain has a woodsy, earthy flavor or smell, it’s most likely high in myrcene.
Cannabis strains high in myrcene include:
1. OG Kush
2. Jillybean
3. Blue Dream
4. Purple Urkle
5. Grape Ape
7. Tangie
8. Harlequin
Myrcene Levels in Sativas vs. Indicas
There is some truth to indica-dominant strains producing a more body-heavy high compared to sativa-dominant strains. Sativas tend to offer a more invigorating, energizing experience.
What truly affects the way a strain will make you feel is the cannabinoids and terpenes it contains. Strains high in pinene and limonene typically align well with the effects of sativa-dominant strains.
On the other hand, cannabis strains high in myrcene are usually (but not always) Indica-dominant.
Myrcene is known for its sedating, relaxing effects. This makes sense as you feel much looser and more relaxed, kind of like you would after smoking some Indicia flower.
The couch-lock effect commonly associated with Indicas may be linked to its myrcene content.
A popular theory is that there should be around >0.5% myrcene by weight in Indica strains,
Sativas should have about <0.5%, and hybrids should fall somewhere in the middle.
Can Myrcene Make You Tired?
Herbal medicines that include myrcene have a long history of use as a sleep aid in folk medicine.
In Mexico, lemongrass tea rich in myrcene has been used as a sedative and muscle relaxant.
In Germany, myrcene-rich hops are used as a form of sleep aid.
These are just a couple of examples of myrcene potentially being able to make you sleepy and ready for a nap.
Some suggest that high doses of myrcene may have muscle relaxant effects.
One study revealed that myrcene could increase the amount of time that mice slept when administered in addition to narcotics.
A limited number of rodent studies have suggested that myrcene, given at high doses, could also have muscle relaxant effects. This is going to contribute to improvements in sleep quality as well indirectly.
While myrcene shows promise when it comes to having the potential to relax an individual and help them fall asleep and stay asleep, it’s also important to note that animal studies don’t always translate to humans.
More research is required before we can make any definitive decision regarding the effects of myrcene on sleep.
Can Myrcene Alleviate Pain?
Myrcene has been shown to work for pain most effectively when combined with THC.
Myrcene regulates other terpenes and cannabinoids, enhancing or buffering the analgesic or anti-inflammatory effects.
Scientific research has been conducted into the potential benefits of myrcene for neuropathic related pain.
In 2016, one study published in “Planta Medica” was conducted to determine the effects of myrcene and eugenol, another terpene, on pain caused by sciatic nerve injuries, a form of neuropathic pain.
Myrcene Research
One study actually looked at myrcene’s effectiveness in preventing peptic ulcer disease.
Another study conducted focused on lemongrass and its analgesic effects due to its myrcene content. This study confirms that it was an effective pain reliever in traditional forms such as tea.
Another study on mice revealed that myrcene had potential anticonvulsant properties.
Chemical Structure of Myrcene
Myrcene is classified as an acyclic monoterpene. This makes is closely related to other terpenes, including pinene, borneol, camphene, citral, P-cymene, delta-3-carene, eucalyptol, fenchol, geraniol, geranyl-acetate, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, ocimene, phellandrene, sabinene, terpineol, terpinolene, and many others.
Monoterpenes are the smallest members of the terpene family. They have simple chemical structures that allow them to evaporate under low temperatures. Monoterpenes can be produced in very large quantities in plants with minimal effort.
The chemical structure is essentially the arrangement of atoms and the chemical bonds that hold the atoms together.
Myrcene is considered acyclic — which means the structure isn’t arranged in ring structure like many other terpenes. However, many times monoterpenes will connect and form rings or cyclic structures with other compounds.
Myrcene Specs:
IUPAC Name: 7-methyl-3-methylideneocta-1,6-diene
Type of terpene: Monoterpene
Molecular Formula:C10H16
Molecular Weight: 136.23
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Boiling Point: 186.0 °C
Does Myrcene Get You High?
Myrcene will not get you high by itself; however, some believe that eating a mango (which contains quite a bit of myrcene) may be able to get you higher when using marijuana products at the same time.
It’s also thought that myrcene works in synergy with THC. So when you’re smoking myrcene-heavy strains like Blue Dream or OG Kush, you may be in for a heavier experience.
Summary: What Makes Myrcene Special?
This common terpene is representative of some of our favorite flavors and aromas. Not only does it offer an incredible woody or musky aroma, but it’s also known for possessing sedating, relaxing effects.
Despite being one of the most common terpenes in the plant kingdom (and in cannabis), it’s also one of the most useful.
Myrcene is thought to be a powerful antibiotic, antimutagenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative. It seems to work best when working in synergy with THC, as their effects and benefits become amplified.
Caryophyllene is one of the many terpenes found in the cannabis plant. This includes both hemp and marijuana.
This terpene has a long list of health benefits and has even been shown to enhance the effects of certain cannabinoids directly.
Here, we’ll explore what makes this spicy cannabinoid so popular today, what it’s used for, and where to buy it.
What is Caryophyllene?
Also referred to as beta-caryophyllene, this unique compound acts as both a terpene and cannabinoid.
It also lends its sharp, peppery, spicy aroma to the products it’s infused with.
Caryophyllene is a bigger molecule than other terpenes and contains a cyclobutane ring in its molecular structure — this is rare in nature and not found in any other known cannabis-derived terpenes.
Caryophyllene’s unique molecular structure allows it to bind to endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) — providing many additional benefits most other terpenes can’t offer.
What Does Caryophyllene Smell Like?
Caryophyllene is present in many different spices and herbs, including black pepper, oregano, and basil. It’s spicy with hints of cinnamon and diesel.
Cannabis strains rich in caryophyllene deliver a peppery, warm aroma.
Many describe the smell and flavor of caryophyllene-rich cannabis as pungent because of the fuel-like undertones these strains tend to possess.
What Are the Effects of Caryophyllene?
Caryophyllene binds successfully to CB2 receptors — the part of our endocannabinoid system that regulates the immune system.
Because of this unique ability, caryophyllene has been found to offer the following benefits:
Supports the immune system
Promotes digestive health
May help alleviate chronic pain
May help reduce inflammation
Provides a gentle, soothing, relaxing effect
Plants That Contain Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is naturally occurring in many plants, herbs, and spices. It produces chemicals that act on an insect’s sensory receptors, preventing it from navigating around the plant effectively. It’s almost as though the insects become drunk — unable to walk straight.
This makes caryophyllene an excellent option for repelling mosquitos and other similar bugs. DEET is comparable to a synthetic version of insect-repelling terpenes.
Plants that contain caryophyllene include:
Basil
Black caraway
Black pepper
Cannabis
Cinnamon
Copaiba oil
Coves
Hops
Lavender
Malabathrum
Oregano
Rosemary
Ylang-ylang
How Common is Caryophyllene in Cannabis?
Caryophyllene is found in many cannabis strains but is quite prominent in cookie strains like Platinum Cookies, Girl Scout Cookies, and Cookies & Cream.
Next time you get any of these strains, take a good smell — you’ll notice those warm black pepper notes.
Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene are typically spicy and musky, and some have a more funky, unique profile. Many strains rich in caryophyllene give off that same kick you get after smelling black pepper.
Cannabis Strains That Contain Caryophyllene
1. Bubba Kush
2. Sour Diesel
3. Chemdog
4. Candy Land
5. White Widow
6. OG Kush
7. The White
8. Cookies and Cream
9. Gelato
10. Platinum Cookies
11. Girl Scout Cookies
12. Master Kush
Caryophyllene Research
This terpene is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to its health-boosting potential. Some studies have suggested that beta-caryophyllene can improve wound healing, influence insulin secretion and reduce those associated complications, and help calm nerves.
In 2014, one study revealed potential pain-relieving properties.
Caryophyllene has also shown promise in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential option for mitigating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Research has even suggested that it may be suitable for boosting your mood.
Perhaps most interesting of all, panda behavior prompted a study on the possible effects caryophyllene might have on cold tolerance in mammals. Because this terpene interacts with molecular temperature sensors, it might increase mammals’ ability to withstand freezing temperatures.
The Chemical Structure of Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is classified as a bicyclic sesquiterpene, which makes it most closely related to terpenes such as alantolactone, artemisinin, cadinene, chamazulene, nootkatone, and santalol.
Other sesquiterpenes that share similarities to beta-caryophyllene include bisabolol, guaiol, humulene, nerolidol, valencene, and more.
This natural bicyclic sesquiterpene has two rare features: a cyclobutane ring and a trans-double bond in a 9-membered ring.
The stereocenter is adjacent to the exocyclic double bond and has an S configuration, while the other stereocenter has an R configuration.
Beta-Caryophyllene-Specs:
Does Caryophyllene Get You High?
Caryophyllene’s unique molecular structure allows it to bind to CB2 receptors.
However, caryophyllene by itself is not a psychoactive substance. Terpenes don’t interact with our endocannabinoid receptors the same way cannabinoids do. You may feel a little calmer and a bit more positive, but it’s nothing at all like being high.
THC is not the only thing you need to look for when searching for potent buds and a pleasant high. Terpenes pack incredible flavor into your weed and provide effects that can modify the whole experience.
While many people use THC to reduce stress, some end up feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety and paranoia. The combination of THC, CBD, and terpenes can mellow out the anxious feelings keeping you cool, calm, and collect.
Summary: What Makes Caryophyllene Special?
Caryophyllene is one-of-a-kind because this terpene can directly activate cannabinoid receptors, especially CB2.
It’s also known for producing some degree of relaxation and can effectively soothe nervous behavior. This special terp is found not only in cannabis but also in cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, hops, and black pepper. It has a distinct, spicy, warm, peppery flavor and aroma but has hints of gas or fuel when talking about its presence in cannabis strains.
Beta-caryophyllene can cause some potential health-boosting effects, but more research is needed. The more we continue to learn and grow our knowledge on terpenes, the closer we are to unlocking their full potential and health benefits.
Pinene Terpene: Strains, Effects, Dosage, & More
Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are two forms of pinene — which is the compound responsible for the characteristic aroma of the pine tree (and many other conifers). It’s also one of the primary terpenes in cannabis.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about the health benefits of this terpene and how it can interact with cannabinoids to create a unique set of therapeutic effects.
What is Pinene?
Pinene is one of the simplest terpenes in existence. It consists of two isoprene units stuck together in a ring structure.
Despite its simple structure, this compound has been shown to offer a wide variety of benefits. Its most common use is in cleaning products (such as Pinesol) for sterilizing and cleaning various surfaces.
One remarkable potential use of pinene is as a biofuel in spark-ignition engines. This is caused by a-pinene dimer, which has volumetric heating values that score as high as rocket fuel.
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Joint Bio-Energy Institute have obtained pinene synthetically by using a bacterium, as reported by a 2014 article from the American Chemical Society.
What’s the Difference Between Alpha & Beta Pinene?
Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are simply two variations of pinene. The only difference between these two compounds is the base molecule’s particular class of chemicals (alkene).
Alpha-pinene is the more prevalent type; it occurs in cannabis and is the most abundant terpene found in nature.
Scientists have been studying the effects of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene for neurodegeneration-related health concerns.
What Does Pinene Smell Like?
Not all terpenes smell according to their names, but pinene is a dead giveaway. Most often, you’ll find it in the needles of the pine tree, but pinene is also found in a range of herbs and spices, which we’ll cover later in the article. The smell of pinene is very refreshing and redolent of a pine forest.
What Are the Effects of Pinene?
Aside from delivering the distinct forest-like aroma, pinene has several therapeutic properties, including:
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Neurological Support
Antimicrobial Activity
Pinene has nootropic benefits by improving blood flow to the brain and blocking an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase.
Herbs that are rich in pinene are often added to respiratory tonics.
Delta 8 THC oils with a high pinene content tend to have energizing, mood-enhancing, and neuroprotective benefits.
What Plants Contain Pinene?
Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene occur in a wide range of cannabis strains, but there are also other plants abundant in this terpene, including:
Basil
Dill
Cannabis
Parsley
Rosemary
Pine
Spruce
Juniper
One particularly enjoyable way to reap the benefits from pinene is to practice “forest breathing,” a popular Japanese activity known as shinrin-yoku. It is also one of the main activities of German complementary medicine.
The air in forests contains high levels of terpenes such as pinene. Therefore, walking and exercising there can potentially provide therapeutic benefits. It’s not surprising that this activity is fantastic for your health, considering the awe of being immersed in nature.
How Common is Pinene in Cannabis?
Since alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are so distinctive and abundant in many cannabis strains, the best rule to identify high-pinene strains is to follow your nose.
Otherwise, below we list a few strains that contain high levels of this versatile terpene:
1. Blue Dream
2. Cannatonic
3. Grape Ape
4. Harlequin
5. Shark Shock
Pinene Research
Similar to other terpenes, pinene has a range of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Natural Products concluded that pinene has anti-inflammatory effects on human chondrocytes (cells responsible for cartilage production). The authors noted that pinene inhibited the formation of compounds such as interleukin-beta. Alpha-pinene was the most effective form of this terpene.
In a 2012 study posted by the journal Molecules, the research team investigated the effects of pinene on various bacterial cultures. They found that pinene was toxic to Candida albicans, which trigger yeast infections.
Pinene also exerted bactericidal actions on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, it improved the efficacy of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin on these dangerous bacteria. Again, it was the alpha-pinene that proved the most effective.
A 2016 study published in Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung found that pinene had a two-fold antioxidant effect. Firstly, it blocked the production of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Secondly, it boosted the expression of several natural chemicals, such as:
Catalase (CAT)
Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
Glutathione reductase (GR)
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)
The study’s authors concluded that pinene could positively affect the body’s neurochemical balance, translating to a delayed onset of neurological health problems.
Chemical Structure of Pinene
There are two main forms of pinene, each with some slight differences in terms of their structure and specifications.
Both forms of pinene are classified as monoterpenes, which are the simplest category of terpenes aside from isoprene — which is the base unit that forms all terpenes.
As a monoterpene, alpha- and beta-pinene are structurally similar to borneol, camphene, citral, P-cymene, delta-3-carene, eucalyptol, fenchol, geraniol, geranyl-acetate, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, myrcene, ocimene, phellandrene, sabinene, terpineol, terpinolene, and many others.
Alpha-pinene Specs:
IUPAC Name: 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
Molecular Formula: C10H16
Molecular Weight:136.23
Boiling Point: 313.2F
Beta-Pinene Specs:
IUPAC Name: 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylidenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane
Molecular Formula: C10H16
Molecular Weight:136.23
Boiling Point: 330.8F
Does Pinene Get You High?
No, pinene won’t get you high because it doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain as THC does. Pinene may slightly enhance your mood by delivering energizing and uplifting effects, so the user may be under the impression that they’re experiencing slight euphoria. However, this feeling is nowhere near the signature cannabis high.
For that reason, we say that terpenes and other cannabinoids are psychoactive — because they indirectly affect your mood and behavior — but they aren’t intoxicating.
Interestingly, terpenes such as pinene can significantly contribute to the entourage effect in cannabis. In his 2011 article, Taming THC, neuroscientist and cannabis expert Dr. Ethan Russo, discussed several potential benefits of pinene. He outlined pinene’s bronchodilating and antibacterial effects, suggesting that it can also bolster the same properties in THC.
In the entourage effect, some cannabis compounds can counteract the adverse reactions of others. This is true for pinene and THC. Pinene has been found to inhibit the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which affects different functions in the body. It increases attention and alertness and plays an important role in learning and memory.
By slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, pinene can mitigate some of the side effects of THC, such as short-term memory impairment. Respectively, cannabis strains high in pinene are less likely to trigger the above effect.
Summary: What Makes Pinene Special
Terpenes such as pinene play an important role in determining the therapeutic effects of different cannabis strains. They can enhance the positive effects of cannabinoids and reduce the incidence of experiencing adverse reactions. This synergistic interaction is known as “the entourage effect” and explains why whole flowers and full-spectrum extracts are considered superior to isolated compounds in the cannabis space.
Pinene comes with various potential benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. It may also help mitigate the short-term memory impairment that many people experience when using THC in high concentrations.
Another benefit of high-pinene cannabis products is that they taste amazing. They deliver a fresh, herbal flavor redolent of a pine forest, so the next time you’re searching for the best delta 8 vapes or tinctures, look for products infused with this terpene.
Ocimene Terpene: Strains, Benefits & More
Ocimene is a terpene named for the Ocimum plant genus — which is the family that brings us herbs like basil and tulsi.
You’ll notice an immediate mint-like or menthol smell when you experience strains that possess higher levels of terpene ocimene.
Here’s everything you need to know about ocimene.
What Is Ocimene?
Ocimene helps plants protect themselves from invading insects. It’s especially abundant in basil, but you can also find it in cannabis, marjoram, allspice, tarragon, bay laurel, parsley, mint, mangoes, and more.
This terpene is also considered stimulating. You’re more likely to find it in plants with energizing effects.
For example, in cannabis, ocimene is more abundant in stimulating Sativa strains than it is in the more relaxing Indica varieties — but there are plenty of exceptions to this rule.
What Does Ocimene Smell Like?
If you’ve ever smelled basil, you’ll be more or less familiar with how ocimene smells.
This terpene has an overall “woody” aroma with some notable minty and floral undertones. It may also feature a fruity or citrusy note.
The distinct scent makes it a valuable item to add to many cleaning products, as it masks the unappealing “chemically” scents inherent to many cleaning products.
How Do You Pronounce Ocimene?
Ocimene is pronounced “oh-seh-mean.”
What are the Effects of Ocimene?
Ocimene has shown a lot of potential as an antiviral and antifungal compound.
There isn’t a lot of information regarding the specific benefits of ocimene quite yet, especially on humans. At the moment, most of the research available on this terpene comes from animal studies and in vitro cell culture studies.
Antiviral Qualities
Ocimene has been shown to inhibit several viruses. Some studies even suggest it binds better to viral cells than most other terpenes found in essential oils. The binding affinity of this terpene to certain kinds of viral particles is comparable with camphene and carvacrol.
Ocimene has been shown to neutralize various spike proteins that can cause viral infections to enter human cells. There have also been studies that suggest this terpene is effective in neutralizing the herpes simplex virus or HSV-1.
Antifungal Qualities
Studies have shown that ocimene may have antifungal properties.
A 2018 report states that higher concentrations of ocimene show greater results in inhibiting the growth of fungal infections.
Is Ocimene Safe?
Ocimene is considered safe when used properly. Concentrated terpenes of any kind can be harmful to the skin, lungs, or internal organs. Always wear gloves when working with terpenes and avoid getting them on your skin.
In order for ocimene to be safe, you need to dilute it down to around 5%. At this dose, ocimene is considered low risk.
How to Use Ocimene?
Ocimene can be used in a variety of different forms, some of the most common being:
1. Perfumes & Cosmetics — Ocimene is often used in perfumes due to its unique woody, minty, and floral aroma.
2. Aromatherapy —Ocimen-containing essential oils are used in traditional aromatherapy for skin, metabolic disorders, or infections.
3. Flavorings for vape oils — Ocimene is a distinct terpene in certain strains of marijuana. This terpene is often added with other terpenes to mimic the aroma of popular cannabis strains for vape oil flavorings.
Plants That Contain Ocimene
Ocimene is surprisingly common in nature.
There are too many species that produce this terpene to list, but here are some of the most common examples:
·
Basil
Tulsi
Cannabis
Peppermint
Spearmint
Chocolate mint
Kumquats
Mangos
Tarragon
Bay laurel
Parsley
What Cannabis Strains Contain Ocimene?
Ocimene appears in many cannabis strains. This terpene is most common in Sativa strains high in THC, but you can also find it in hybrids and certain Indica varieties as well.
Ocimene is not common in hemp strains.
Cannabis strains high in ocimene include:
Strawberry Shortcake
Golden Pineapple
Dream Queen
Dutch Treat
Green Crack
Amnesia
Holy Grail
Chemical Structure of Ocimene
There are two forms of ocimene — alpha and beta-ocimene. Both forms are acyclic monoterpenes closely related to myrcene.
As a monoterpene, ocimene is also related to borneol, camphene, citral, P-cymene, delta-3-carene, eucalyptol, fenchol, geraniol, geranyl-acetate, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, phellandrene, pinene, sabinene, terpineol, terpinolene, and many others.
In its pure form, ocimene has a clear or has a straw-yellow hue.
Ocimene Specs:
IUPAC Name: 3,7-dimethylocta-1,3,6-triene
Molecular Formula: C10H16
Molecular Weight: 136.24
Boiling Point: 212°F (100°C)
How to Use Ocimene
While ocimene is sometimes used in aromatherapy, you’ll have to be cautious when you’re using it, and you should always know what you are doing.
Ocimene has a lower boiling point than most other terpenes, at around 212°F/100°C.
Do not apply ocimene directly to your skin, and do not attempt to inhale it directly.
Ocimene is an irritant that can bother the skin, lungs, and eyes. You’ll need to dilute this terpene before it’s safe to use (as is true for all terpenes).
Key Takeaways: What is Ocimene?
Ocimene is a common terpene found in dozens of related and unrelated species of plants. Few species produce this compound in high amounts, with the exception of basil (Ocimum basilicum) — which the terpene is named after.
This terpene isn’t well studied, but preliminary research suggests it has potent antifungal and antiviral effects. It’s thought to be produced in plants as a deterrent for insects.
In cannabis, ocimene is most common in Sativa strains, but there are plenty of exceptions to this rule.
This woody, minty, and floral terpene is an excellent addition to cosmetics and vape products in need of a unique flavor modifier. We use this terpene in a lot of our blends to help round out the aroma of other terpenes in the formula.
Humulene Terpene: Effects, Benefits, and Strains with High Humulene
If you’ve ever come across a cannabis strain that has smelled like hops and freshly cut herbs — it probably contained high levels of humulene.
There are around 20,000 terpenes in different plants and insects, of which over 150 can be found in cannabis.
However, only a few of these terpenes occur in concentrations significant enough to contribute to the aromas and effects of cannabis.
Once believed to be responsible only for the aroma of plants — to defend plants against predators — terpenes are now known to offer serious therapeutic value. In cannabis, they work synergistically with cannabinoids to create a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Each terpene has its unique aroma profile and health benefits. This article sheds light on humulene, the anti-inflammatory and appetite-stimulating terpene that also occurs in beer and basil.
What is Humulene?
Humulene — formerly known as alpha-humulene or alpha-caryophyllene — was first identified in the essential oils of Humulus lupulus, commonly called hops.
Hops is a species of plant in the Cannabaceae family, which also features both hemp and marijuana plants. Humulene gives it a distinctive bitter “hoppy” taste. Depending on the other terpenes present in a strain, humulene can provide a beer-like scent to cannabis as well.
What Does Humulene Smell Like?
As mentioned, humulene delivers hoppy scents that resemble the aromas that you can find in freshly cut hops or craft beer. As an isomer of beta-caryophyllene, the two often appear together as a mixture in cannabis.
Humulene also delivers subtle secondary notes redolent of wood, spices, and herbs. When it comes to cannabis, it’s mostly found in sativa strains.
Plants That Contain Humulene
Cannabis and hops are the two plants where humulene appears in high concentrations. As mentioned earlier in the article, hops and cannabis are closely related because both belong to Cannabaceae.
Other sources of humulene include:
Basil
Ginger
Cloves
Black pepper
Ginseng
Vietnamese coriander
You can boost your natural humulene intake by adding more of these foods to your diet.
What Are the Effects of Humulene?
Humulene is a versatile terpene, but its most notable health benefits include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Unlike most strains, cannabis that contains a high level of humulene is also anorectic, so that it won’t produce such a pronounced appetite boost.
This compound has a long record of use in Chinese medicine for centuries due to its wide applications.
Health areas that could benefit from using humulene include:
Metabolism
Physical discomfort
Bacterial infections
Interestingly, humulene’s anti-inflammatory properties are so potent that they have been compared to the potential of the steroid dexamethasone, which is one of the WHO’s recommended medicines.
You can take humulene topically, orally, or even by aerosol in forms other than the flower. It’s a common ingredient in balms and salves to the aforementioned anti-inflammatory effects. It also works with beta-caryophyllene, the only terpene that interacts with cannabinoid receptors, reinforcing its appetite-suppressing properties.
That’s just one of the many examples of the said entourage effect. When paired with other cannabinoids and terpenes, CBD and THC offer greater therapeutic potential.
How Common is Humulene in Cannabis?
Humulene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. However, some strains are particularly high in this compound.
The list of cannabis strains with high levels of humulene includes:
1. Candyland
2. Death Star
4. Headband
5. Original Glue
6. Pink Kush
8. White WidowHumulene Research
Research has outlined several potential health benefits of humulene. However, due to the federal status of cannabis, most studies on this subject have been conducted on extracts from other plants. However, as the legalization movement continues to grow worldwide, the legality of cannabis may change, and scientists may explore more benefits in terms of humulene’s interaction with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
A 2007 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that humulene reduced inflammation in rodent models. The same study compared the potency of humulene’s anti-inflammatory effects to the ones provided by the potent corticosteroid dexamethasone.
In 2008, a study from Planta Medica supported these findings. It found that humulene produces anti-inflammatory effects following both oral and topical application.
These properties were once again highlighted in a 2009 study for the British Journal of Pharmacology that examined oral and inhaled humulene effects in mice with allergic airway inflammation.
It seems that humulene is an antioxidant too. A 2016 study posted in the Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal analyzed the effects of humulene on diabetic rats. The results showed that humulene decreased a marker of oxidative stress and demonstrated anti-diabetic properties.
There’s also a study from 2006 that underscores the antibacterial properties of humulene. The terpene was tested against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and proved to be effective in fighting its growth. The authors of the study used a combination of humulene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
Further research is needed to confirm the positive effects of humulene in clinical trials on humans — let’s keep our fingers crossed for more evidence emerging soon.
Chemical Structure of Humulene
Humulene is classified as a monocyclic sesquiterpene — which makes it structurally similar to other common terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, bisabolol, guaiol, nerolidol, valencene, and more.
Humulene Specs:
Does Humulene Get You High?
No, humulene — won’t get you high. Unlike cannabinoids, humulene doesn’t interact with the endocannabinoid receptors.
Some terpenes can influence your mood and emotion — providing a mild euphoric experience, but it’s nowhere near the signature cannabis high.
Terpenes can also affect the direction of specific cannabis strains. Strains high in humulene tend to have a relaxing effect with a chance of couch-locking the user on top of boosting creativity, relieving pain, and calming the mind.
Furthermore, terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and myrcene are known to amplify the effects of cannabinoids. For example, the former interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to boost the therapeutic effects of THC and CBD. At the same time, the latter makes the blood-brain barrier more penetrable for THC, resulting in a more potent psychoactive experience.
There are just a few exceptions to this rule. The terpenes myristicin and salvinorin A are potent psychoactive substances — but both have a high risk of side effects (some of which can be lethal).
Summary: What Makes Humulene Special
Humulene is a major cannabis terpene. Its potential health benefits are far-reaching due to remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
Although no study has yet examined the benefits of humulene-rich cannabis strains, results from studies on other herbal extracts are promising, to say the least.
As the legal status of cannabis is changing across the world, we may soon expect more studies investigating humulene’s contribution to the entourage effect — and how it can be used for addressing certain symptoms and ailments in medical cannabis patients.
If you’re considering adding delta 8 THC into your daily routine for pain, stress, and cognitive boost, we recommend opting for products that include humulene in their terpene blends.
check out the new indica and sativa terpenes blend full spectrum oils on the site.
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