Myrcene (pronounced mur-seen) is one of the most abundant terpenes in hops. As a result, Myrcene might be best known for its role in the beer-making process.[1] It is also well-known as a terpene prominent in various cannabis strains.
But let’s start at the beginning. What is a terpene, you may ask?
Terpenes give living plants their unique aroma and taste. Myrcene, found in select fruits and herbs, is also an abundant terpene in cannabis plants. It delivers a woody, spicy scent and flavor to cannabis strains.
Widely used in fragrances, cosmetics, and as a natural flavor enhancer in the food and beverage industry, Myrcene contains health-promoting properties as many other terpenes do as well.
Today, Myrcene is best known for its full-body relaxation effects, helping to soothe both the mind and body.
Main Keypoints:
- Myrcene is the significant component of hops essential oil and creates an aroma similar to beer with a woodsy, balsamic scent and flavor.
- The predominant aroma of Myrcene is musky, earthy, and similar to the hops found in beer.
- This terpene exhibits therapeutic benefits, especially for its sedative effects as well as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene, a terpene commonly found in hops, mangos, basil, and other natural plants, possesses wide-ranging health benefits. As the active nutrient in lemongrass that gives it sedating properties, you may know Myrcene more as a terpene in cannabis strains. You’ll find various strains with high myrcene levels. In fact, you can find various terpenes in cannabis, such as limonene, borneol, eucalyptol, and humulene … All offering their own unique healing properties.
Terpenes, found in every plant’s essential oils, have been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.
Today, terpenes are known as the compounds that give cannabis strains their unique aroma and flavor. The latest research also confirms that terpenes may enhance the therapeutic properties of plants.
Myrcene exists in two isomeric forms with slightly different chemical compositions:
- β-myrcene (beta-Myrcene), found in nature, is the most common version and is usually referred to as Myrcene
- α-myrcene, which exists in the isopropenyl form, is rarely used and has not been found in nature
Myrcene’s musky, earthy aroma and flavor make this terpene prominent as a flavoring enhancer and a compound in fragrances and household products like detergents.
Where is Myrcene Found in Nature?
It appears in various fruits and plants throughout nature, such as hops, mango, lemongrass, parsley, bay leaves, basil, and other fruits and herbs. Lemongrass tea enjoys a long history as an aid for sleep, and Myrcene is the dominant terpene and appears in high doses in this plant as well.
It is the most abundant terpene found naturally in cannabis plants, and Myrcene is a major part of the hops plant used to produce the potent aromatic flavor components of beer.
The levels vary in different plants and species, but there is no question that it is a significant terpene in both plants.
What Does Myrcene Smell Like?
Frequently described as spicy, woodsy, and musky, Myrcene gives off an earthy scent. This terpene also carries sweet undertones, similar to ripe mango and other fruity flavors.
What Does Myrcene Do? What Are The Benefits?
Most published research demonstrating Myrcene’s benefits focuses on its use in animals. There are a limited number of human studies on the medicinal benefits of Myrcene, but the results are not only promising but also exciting.
Preliminary research suggests Myrcene contributes to the body’s overall health and wellness. Published data indicates that this terpene is beneficial in promoting relaxation, reducing pain and discomfort, providing antioxidant support, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. [2]
What Can Myrcene Be Used For?
The list of Myrcene’s potential sedative effects is lengthy and includes the following:
Restful sleep
It is well-known that sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues. [3],[4]. Long used as a sleep aid, Myrcene possesses calming effects. Research indicates that its sedative qualities can assist with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Research in animals and humans has shown that this terpene can help reduce sleep disturbances and prolong deep sleep. [5]
Healthy blood sugar levels
A recent study revealed that when combined with other terpenes like Thujone, Myrcene supported healthy blood sugar levels. [6]
Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic
Undoubtedly, inflammation can lead to severe and chronic health issues. [7] Myrcene contains components that appear to lessen inflammation in the body.[8]
In addition, studies reveal it can deliver muscle-relaxing properties.[9]
Promising animal research also indicates that this terpene benefits common types of pain without significant side effects.[10] More in-depth studies showed that Myrcene might help joint mobility and discomfort.[11]
Anti-carcinogenic
According to scientists, the essences from this terpene may play a role in slowing the growth of harmful tumors. [12]. This area invites exploration and more research to confirm Myrcene’s health benefits in this category.
Skin Health
Myrcene may benefit the way your skin looks and feels. It has a potential protective effect on UVB-induced human skin photoaging. [13]
In scientific terminology, researchers say, “Myrcene ameliorated skin aging.” [14] In other words, this terpene may help keep your outward appearance fresh and radiant and minimize the unwanted signs of aging without adverse skin reactions.
Is It Safe To Use?
A 2010 report reported that very high doses of synthetic Myrcene showed carcinogenic effects on rats. In light of this research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to remove synthetic Myrcene from its list of approved food flavorings.[15]
It is essential to note that Myrene is found naturally in over 200 plants, and there is no evidence that natural Myrcene causes adverse human effects.
Currently used in perfumes, makeup, and other everyday items, all data supports natural β-myrcene being safe.
Is Myrcene Legal?
Whether Myrcene is legal or not is a tricky question.
The Myrcene terpene consumed alone will not get you high. In general, all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from marijuana, they may be illegal under federal law and local regulations in certain areas.
As a result, cannabis-derived terpenes operate in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes. And some states have legalized cannabis and its terpenes.
You will always want to check carefully to understand your city and state regulations to assure you are using a legal substance.
How Does Myrcene Play a Role in the Cannabis Plant?
Terpenes impact a plant’s potential medical abilities. Yes, terpenes have benefits on their own. However, their most significant advantage may be the way they enhance the effects of cannabinoids.
When terpenes and marijuana work together in harmony, the entourage effect occurs. The entourage effect causes the THC in marijuana to interact positively with the terpene compounds and create more potent therapeutic effects.[16]
For example, Myrcene is an abundant terpene in the cannabis plant and possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics. It also may induce sedative qualities, soothe the mind, and lead to a sense of relaxation. This is especially true for cannabis strains high in Myrcene.[17]
This enhanced result occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce more significant results than any one of them can alone.
Cannabis strains high in Myrcene you typically find in dispensaries are:
- Apple Fritter
- Blue Dream.
- Grape Ape
- Granddaddy Purple.
- Harlequin
- Northern Lights
- OG Kush
- Pineapple Express
- Tangie
- White Widow
If you are searching for a way to elevate your cannabis experience, choose a strain that combines marijuana and terpenes, or find a product that has high levels of myrcene levels, such as vapes, oils, or gummies.
For example, we are currently offering our Delta 8 disposable pens with high doses of Myrcene.
The same goes for our NON-THC vegan and organic Wellness Gummies Plus. Each gummy has 5mg of Myrcene and other cannabinoids for a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Final Thoughts
Myrcene is a superstar in the world of terpenes. It plays a significant role with cannabis as part of the entourage effect. The entourage effect occurs when the exceptional health benefits of Myrcene combine with cannabis and produce greater results than each compound alone.
Myrcene’s scent is musky with earthy overtones. Like other terpenes, Myrcene comes from hops, basil, lemongrass, thyme, and mangoes and is plentiful in the cannabis plant.
At BioWellnessX, we recognize that Myrcene may offer wellness benefits with medical applications. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can support your physical and mental health.
References:
- Comparison of the analytical profiles of volatiles in single-hopped worts and beers as a function of the hop
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326332/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/
- https://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-disease-risk
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587690/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326332/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019-0675-0
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1753786/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587690/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1983154/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25622554/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4220615/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28659037/
- Ibid.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31645206/
- https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21749363/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326332/
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Delta 8 THC is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC) in Mississippi. The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Myrcene delivers a variety of medicinal benefits. Preliminary research suggests Myrcene induces relaxation and calmness, reduces discomfort, provides antioxidant support, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
The Myrcene terpene consumed alone will not get you high. However, when combined with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, Myrcene has the potential to increase psychoactive effects.
Myrcene is an ingredient in many cosmetics, household products, and fragrances. The list of this terpene’s potential therapeutic benefits is lengthy. It helps induce sedative qualities leading to better sleep. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Myrcene may help reduce pain and discomfort and promote healthy skin. Myrcene’s essential oils may be beneficial in slowing carcinogen growth in the body, although additional research is needed in this area.
Myrcene appears throughout nature in various fruits and plants, such as mango, lemongrass, parsley, bay leaves, basil, and other fruits and herbs. It is one of the most abundant terpenes found naturally in cannabis plants.
Myrcene is found naturally in the essential oils of over 200 plants and fruits in nature. Identified in large amounts in hops, mango, and bay leaves, Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis.
Myrcene is high in hops, sweet basil, bay leaves, parsley, wild thyme, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and mangoes.
