*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants and flowers. Their use is steeped in Ancient traditions where they were commonly utilized in religious rituals and ceremonies. In recent years, we have seen a re-emergence in using terpenes for symptom control and for over all health and wellbeing.
Terpenes not only give each cannabis cultivar its unique smell, they also act in synergy with cannabinoids. They either enhance or dampen the effects of various cannabinoids through a process referred to as “the entourage effect”.
What is Humulene?
Humulene, also known as α-caryophyllene is a Sesquiterpene. It is one of the most commonly occurring terpene in the cannabis plant. It has been used for millennia in Ancient Chinese herbal remedies as an energy booster and as a natural antibiotic. Cannabis is commonly thought of as an appetite stimulant but Humulene promotes anorectic (appetite suppressing) effects. Major focuses of study include; humulene’s potential to promote weight loss, as an anti-inflammatory, to treat allergies and as a target to reduce tumor growth.
Other Sources of Pinene found in Nature:
Humulene is found the flowering cone of the hops plant. It is also present in marsh elders, and a wide array of herbs and spices including; sage, basil, clove, black pepper, coriander and in the balsam fir tree.
Humulene interacts with:
B-caryophyllene. When used in concert with B-caryophyllene, Humulene’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia.
What does the research say?
A 2003 study published in the journal “Planta Medica”, indicated that humulene rich balsam fir oil, may promote apoptosis (programmed death) in cancer cells. This is an exciting area of study, worthy of further investigation.
Humulene exhibits both anti-inflammatory activity and can result in a reduced perception of pain when taken orally, by aerosol or when it is applied topically. These actions were confirmed in another Planta Medica study published in 2008.
Humulene rich cannabis cultivars:
- GSC: offers both pain and nausea relief, with full body relaxation.
- Sour Diesel: a gently energizing mood elevator that naturally alleviates pain and stress.
- Headband: pain and stress relief that promotes a feeling of relaxation. It is aptly named after the sensation some patients report feeling around the crown of their head following consumption.
In a nutshell:
Humulene, one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis cultivars and exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It shows promise in the treatment of a plethora of ailments and medical conditions including allergies, obesity/weight loss and is believed to be an active mechanism in fighting tumors as well as Staph infections. With such a wide range of effectiveness, it is important that research into its therapeutic benefits continues.
References:
Chaves, J.S., et. al. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the sesquiterpene alpha-humulene in mice. Planta Medica. 2008 Nov;74(14):1678-83
Legault, J., et. al. Antitumor activity of balsam fir oil: production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action. Planta Medica. 2003 May;69(5):402-7.
Russo, E., Marcu, J. Cannabinoid Pharmacology. Advances in Pharmacology. June 5, 2017
Fidyt, K., Fiedorowicz, A., Strządała, L., & Szumny, A. (2016, October). β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide-natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties.
Bennett, P. (2020, July 28). What is Humulene, and what does this cannabis terpene do https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/humulene-terpene/
Russo, E., Marcu, J. Cannabinoid, Pharmacology. Advances in Pharmacology. June 5, 2017